Li Ling (third from left) with (from left) her mother Lee Yoke Chin, 60, father Chan Kam Fatt, 63, and Yee.
AN ATHLETIC young woman who suffered a minor stroke last month and was diagnosed with a congenital heart disease needs RM35,000 for surgery immediately.
Analyst Chan Li Ling, 29, from Bentong, Pahang, has always been a sports lover and exercises at least three days a week.
However, on Aug 25, she suddenly felt dizzy and vomited repeatedly. The next day, she had difficulty moving half her body, and she only then realised that she had suffered a stroke.
“I was at work and had to call my parents to pick me up. At first I thought I was just having a little unbalanced ear fluid and so I took one day off.
“The next day, I found that I couldn’t control one half of my body. On admission, it was found to be a cerebellar stroke,” she said.
Li Ling said all the indicators of her physical examination were normal, and there was no diagnosis of diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
Because of her age, doctors suspected that other factors had caused the stroke.
“Later, I was diagnosed with Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) — a small flap or opening between the upper right and left chambers (atria) of the heart — that causes blood to flow from the right atrium to the left atrium and then to the brain, causing strokes,” she said, adding that patients with PFO could experience a stroke at any time if they do not receive a PFO closure procedure.
Doctors at the National Heart Institute (IJN) said she was lucky because the stroke was in the cerebellum and it was curable, said Li Ling.
After physical therapy, she gradually regained mobility but still needs surgery soon, failing which she could have another stroke that could lead to paralysis.
Li Ling has medical insurance, but since she was diagnosed with a congenital disease the insurance company has rejected her eligibility to claim for these medical expenses.
“I have only been working for a few years, earning RM4,000 per month.
“After paying all the bills I don’t have much left every month. My parents have retired,” she said.
CCEP Foundation chief executive officer Yee Poo Yoon said although government hospitals could perform similar minimally invasive procedures, from a physical point of view, Li Ling’s condition was not life-threatening, so it was common practice in government hospitals to put her on a waiting list.
“She already had a stroke and the risk of a second stroke is high and can happen at any time.
“We had a patient in a similar situation, but he couldn’t get the surgery on time and was paralysed for life,” said Yee.
She said Li Ling was a very sensible and caring daughter.
“Her parents are old and have no source of income. She is the breadwinner of the family,” said Yee.
Those who wish to help Li Ling can call 03-7955 9999 or visit ccep.org.my
