Story of Ning #8

With the wife checked in to the confinement center and baby Ning well cared for in the private hospital, I resumed our CT home prep work, as it needs to be ready for occupancy in a month, lest we be sleeping under a bridge. To do includes post renovation defect checking, furniture and electrical appliances purchase, delivery and setup, cleanup (outsourced of course), stocking daily necessities, etc. I pray that there's enough days off and weekends (morning only) for me to complete them.

Next (afternoon and evening routine), to the confinement center as I fear the consequences if I were to have neglected the wife, *laughs*, and of course, to replenish food supply for baby Ning. And finally, to the hospital, where after regular updates, the nurse handed me an envelope with a sinister smile, stating that it's a love letter from the hospital - I had no idea what she meant then but upon scanning it's content, it all became apparent - an invoice from the hospital for overdue charges and request for top up, much love indeed.

I went "What the ..." and my heart skipped a beat when I saw the figures. It had only been 3 days since admission and yet the bill already totaled 12 thousand plus, this was way, way, way beyond initial estimation given. The hospital is requesting that I top up a further 16 thousand with urgency, using colored letters, important notice stamps and all that. I panicked, pacing up and down the corridor before finally slumping on the sofa outside NICU. Took a while before I regained my composure then gave the wife a call because I needed to share this new predicament with someone.

As if baby Ning's condition wasn't already taxing enough, and now this.

The wife was equally shocked. I supposed both of us were in deep thought when I finally broke the silence "I'll start making instant transfers to my card to offset the current limit and I'll need you to do the same. Let me know once done, I'll then check the balance and inquire the hospital if the top up amount is mandatory or flexible". Half an hour later, thanks to the wonder of online banking, there I was, seated opposite a pleasantly smiling lady manning the cashier counter, inquiring what she can assist me with today. I sighed as I handed her the letter.

"Is the top up figure stated within the letter mandatory?", I inquired. She studied the content, "Well, it would be preferred if you can do that or at least cover the overdue charges". I let out another sigh, one of relief this time. "In that case, please charge this amount", as I indicated the figure of choice. "Sure", as the lady proceeded with the necessary procedures and while waiting, it suddenly crossed my mind if there were any 'monthly biggest spender' contests ongoing, at least I might stand a chance to redeem something from all these swipes.

Note: I later found out that the contest happened the following month, talk about bad timing.

The dreaded message from bank arrived on my phone, alerting that a transaction has been made on my card - yes I know, I know. Back when PIN was not necessary, it's funny when the message arrives before the restaurant staff returns with your card. How times have changed. With that swipe, once again, I've fallen into the credit debt trap and with my maxed out my credit limit, and again, I shuddered at the thought of interest accumulation should I be servicing only the minimum payment monthly.

We initiated discussions the PD about our concern on the charges as well as possible alternatives. He explained that baby Ning's recovery relies heavily on her dependency on the respiratory equipment, and he can only decide to downgrade the equipment or reduce the dependency once her progress (which he monitors on a daily basis) shows stabilization and positive progress. Hence, at this point of time, he is unable to provide any indication on when baby Ning can be discharged. 

And he was against transferring to another hospital simply because, if baby Ning's condition were to worsen during the transfer process, it will be back to square one with the ventilator. "It would be best for her to continue with the treatment and monitoring here for now", he concluded. "Both of you are still young, money spent can be easily replenished and if needed, I can actually provide a letter for EPF withdrawal to cover the hospitalization costs". That first part sounded awfully familiar while the second part provided some relief as we were not aware of such option.

With that, both the wife and myself decided to have baby Ning remain there for now and learning that the discharge date is still very much an uncertainty continues to add up on our concern.   

Money, money, money... Image source: https://weheartit.com/entry/306275553