Family Trip with Young Kids Diary #1 Family Spa

Hi all,

School holiday has ended! So to all mummies, felt a sigh of relief? As SAHM might be enjoying the deserved peace at home if your kids in school? LOL. So did you travel with your families recently? Its getting too hot in Singapore, did you travel to any cold country?

Now, do you always have this problem that you are not sure where to go especially bringing along young kids (below 8 years old), you can't go too far but needed a break. I mean if you can travel anywhere but if you prefer a shopping trip, probably not ideal for active young kids, they might whine alot and get agitated. Somehow, that affects your mood. You can plan a separate shopping trip with your girlfriends so let the family trip be a family trip. :)

Just got back from a short getaway! I got to say it was a fruitful and enjoyable one for my kids. I didn't go too far and its a road trip! As you might guess is Malaysia! Yes it is. We travelled to Kuala Lumpur to visit a friend, so stayed with him for few days. So part of the itinerary is the 24hr Family Spa! I am really excited as family spa pop up to me as Korean Hot steam place? haha Yes it does!

I will share with you my experience.
Our friend brought us to this family spa which is OSSOTO. It's actually called a Recreation Hub in Malaysia. Now, before I go further, the female and gent hot tub, steam room and sanua room are separated. So ladies you have your privacy definitely.

It started from Level 5 all the way down to Level 2.
Level 5 - Lobby or rather reception level.
Level 5 - Thru the access door, to the changing room and locker area. Further in, that would be the Hot tub or Jacuzzi, Steam Room, Fish Spa and Sauna Area.
Level 4 - Huge Dining area, Hair Saloon, Nail Spa, Internet area, Resting area for Ladies.
Level 3 - Lounge area, Foot or massage area, VIP resting area, Beauty spa, Tennis table and Kids Playground.
Level 2 - Private area. (Doesn't link to the recreation area) I will cover on this later.

Take a look at the video.
Ossoto Spa video
An idea on how the Recreation Club looks like.

Well, to be candid, initially, I wasn't impressed, I was quite disappointed with the ladies spa. It is not really suitable for young kids (age below 4). I'm referring to the Level 5 area. My 2-year old daughter obviously can't enter the Steam room or Sauna. And I was asking whether she could just soak in the Jacuzzi for a short while with me? The staff said no. I mean I did mention that since no one in tat tub, as long as we off the pressure jet? She insisted a NO. So I wasn't really happy about it. As I could not leave my daughter alone and jump into the tub, steam room or even the sauna. So Level 5 is a no-go for me. Pointless for me to hang around level 5. I felt like a wandering ghost not knowing what to do. My hubby and the boys on the other side seems really happy. The guys' area built with many different type of pools, mini gaming arcade and kids playing area. And served them ice cream! I was annoyed when I found out. Why the different treatment with guys' side? Its not well-designed and planned out after all. So I ended up walking up and down the stairways to access all the floors.. Walking with no leads. No idea what to do with my 2 year old daughter. I can't get too perturbed anyway, theoretically, she is not a paying customer! LOL.

My suggestion is " Try not to bring along kids below age of 5." So I guess I will visit again when she is 5. LOL. I mean I am disappointed that my daughter can't enjoy with me. This whole spa thing is about fun day out with my daughter ya. Anyway, lesson learnt. We decided to take a walk and check out OSSOTO. We went floor to floor, brushed through most area to familarise. We found the playground at level 3, finally, my daughter could enjoy the facility! 

Kids playground enclosed with giant Legos

So I was so bored and cranky about the disappointment for at least an hour, I literally called and texted my hubby like a mentally unstable woman as I'm closed to storming out of the place! LOL. 

So the moment my hubby received my msg, he came out to calm me down. We walked around to a perfect corner to lounge and rest. As its about nap time, its would be ideal for my kids to nap since they have napping beds. After 15 mins, we found a resting area which is also massage area with whole stretch of "lazy boys" facing the tv and at the same time we could at least enjoy the massage services. Yeah! So I asked for a shoulder massage which I desperately need it. After coaxing my kids to nap, they actually napped! Except my second boy, he refused to nap, so no worries, they have free WIFI, I managed to access the YouTube and problem solved. The massage was alright, the pressure was slightly below my expectation. I couldn't ask for much, as I was sitting upright and leaning against the sofa seat, I doubt they could give a proper massage with the proper pressure. I sorta felt better after the massage. Once the session is done, a signature is required to sign off as well as a "generous" tip, no fixed amount.  

Napping time on the lazy boy!

My apologies for the poor resolution of the photo. It was dark and I was using my mobile. 

Lounge area is just steps away from the resting area, you can order snacks or drinks from that lounge. It seems quiet and comfortable to me. Great place to chit chat. 

I didn't manage to try out other services so I can't review. 

(Not many customers know about this.) The Level 2, private area, Cubicle bedrooms can hold up to 20 or 30 guests, they have few mini and big private rooms as well. For 4 up to 10 to a room. You can literally pay the entry fee and room fee to enjoy the privacy. Or going in group? Only prefer massage? Just get a private room depending how many of you. you get to enjoy the exclusive treatment there. For all you know, it might be cheaper than staying in a hotel. :) Do enquire actual price at the Level 5 counter.
  
Its a 24/7 Recreation Hub.
Best visiting hour before 6pm (off-peak) during weekdays. 
During weekends would be too crowded. 

Entry fees before 6pm + additional 20% off.
Ladies - 68RM
Guys -  88RM
Kids (90cm-140cm) - 38RM
Kids below 90cm - FREE
Food - FREE

Note: Other services are charged separately at reasonable rates in my opinion.

• Nail spa
• Beauty spa
• Massage corner
• Hair Saloon

Overall experience: 
It's a pleasant place for family however, bring along another lady friend to babysit your young kids (Below the age of 5) if you wanna enjoy the Jacuzzi, steam room and sauna. Otherwise, you are pretty good parking yourself in the spa and enjoy the facility! All in one services in this spa. 

Address:

Location: 5th Floor, 

Wisma Mirama, Jalan Wisma Putra,

 50460 Kuala Lumpur, 

Wilayah persekutuan, Malaysia.

Call to check: I believe they provide  free shuttle pick up from Berjaya Time square, Pavilion and KLCC

Valet service is available.

Till the next updates!

AhTasMummy

Shopping for Kids Outfits #2

Dear mummies, 


More shopping for you! 

Local Online shopping for kids



Twelvebyelly

Twelve by Elly

Its a new shop, fret not if you can't find any clothes on their website. You can still visit them at Cluny rd. 
I believe they are the sister's store of the elly store. Check out this link to find out the location of Elly.
I believe this new shop is more casual and fun wear. 
Most importantly, twelvebyelly for age 6 and above as Ellyloves is for below age 6. 

The Little Wardrobe Singapore

The Little Wardrobe Singapore

They've been around for as long as I remembered. Their slogan is so cute "Fashion for Little People". I adore their girl's dresses. So adorably princessy and very Aussie girly feel, in fact, their clothes are mostly imported from Australia and around the world. I love the colours and vibrant style on kids. Very cheerful colours. Back then I could not purchase any as my first 2 kids are boys! haha.. yes, so I was just itching to buy those dresses.. however, no one can fit into them. Now, my third pleasant surprise is a princess, she will be showered with loads of pretty dresses! Go check out their dresses. Really too pretty! Good quality assured. Range for age 0 - 9.



DreamsAveune

Dreamsaveune

Affordable children wear! Pricing on this website is really reasonable. I have not personally shop with them so I have no idea how's the quality. I saw a few pretty dresses so probably I could purchase a few to find out more. Range for age 0 - 12 years old. 



Kidzstyle

Kidzstyle - All Preloved luxury kids stuff

All about preloved luxury kids stuff. Looking for preloved luxury clothes for your kids? Kids grow too fast, wearing hands down clothes are not a shameful thing to do. Let's spend wisely not be a spendthrift. Who knows you may get a brand new piece at a very good price?



Baby Beachbums

Baby Beachbums

This particular website is full of swimwear stuff! For the kids. Swim with style! They have nice swim outfits for the kids. And many accessories for everything your kids need under the sun and in the water. 


The above information are not sponsored links.

Hope you like what I have shared. 
Till the next post!

Follow me on my Instagram on more interesting updates!
Instagram of ahTasMummy 


AhTasMummy

Good Old Kampung Stories!

Dear all, 

I was overcome with nostalgia for my days in the Kampung... One of the most memorable days of my life. I mean you don't get to experience it now. Especially your kids.. Not everyone get to experience Kampung life. Especially when you are staying in town. I recalled vividly, when I was really young, my family would visit my ah ma and ah gong in the Kampung. My dad would drive from Bedok to the Sembawang, it's really far! There wasn't any TPE then. The road into the Kampung was pretty bumpy thou. When I was young, taking a ride to another place was just plain boring! There was no ipad, no skyline, no malls, not many HDBs as compared to current. Its just BORING. hhahaha.. I wondered how did I survive thru my childhood? Well, kids being kids, we will figure out what to do.. Like taking a nap in the car on the way to my Ah ma's house. Zzzz

Photo taken from rememberingsingapore.org

The above photo is just for your reference. My grandparents used to stay in one of those houses. 

A little background about the kampung, during those days, those houses in Sembawang were really huge or rather spacious. There were quite a few rooms in that house! I love especially when my grandparents' house was near the beach or swamp. Hahaha. And behind our house, there's a forest with all kinds of local fruits, you could find durian, rambutan, banana, buah chiku, etc... Many types of fruits, there won't be deficiency of Vitamin C! I love the space and freedom when I was there. Heaps of fresh air!

I love staying over despite the fact that I am terrified of insects, reptiles, etc.. Yes. You heard me right, during that time, it is rather common to see reptiles.. Hahhaa.. Monitor lizards, pythons, snakes, crocodiles, etc.. I considered myself an urban little girl at that point of time as I lived in the HDB then. We usually played with our neighbours in the playground. So exploring the Kampung is a whole new experience.  

I found out so much from the following link. Good to know. 
Kampung Village

Anyways, back to the kampung games! 

What games do you miss? 
Some of those games will be ideal to play with my kids! Recommended for above age of 5+.

Remember these?

I love Congkak

Try out with your kids! 
Its child-friendly and no harm. Back to basic, keep the tradition. Engaging them with these games, can be happy and fun! Stay away from ipad! 

Also, what's your stories during your childhood day?

Hope you like what I have shared so far. 

Till the next updates! 


Ah Tas Mummy

Ladyfinger Nail Art Jurong Point

Dear all, 

I am currently fuming with anger! I regularly patronize this nail art shop has suddenly decided to cease operation  on 31 Mar 2015. They did not issue any proper notice. Meaning, they do not intend to call their customers. So they only verbally informed me when I was there last week, 20 March 2015, Friday. Its too ridiculous! I just renewed my package like on January 2015 and their reply with regards to my refund is 

"Good Afternoon,
We have referred to your case regarding the refund of your package. We apologize that we could not refund the package and just to inform you that refund of packages can only be done within 5 cooling days when you signed up for the package. However, you can still go to other outlets to enjoy our services. We hope that you can understand as Jurong Point has limited vacancies available in the mall and we had no choice but to move out of Jurong Point. We will definitely look for locations around the area so that we can still provide services to you conveniently. Again, we apologize and seek for your understanding."

With the nearest location, it makes sense that the customers travel to Jurong Point obviously, why would they travel that far to other outlets which is not even near Jurong. I am utterly disappointed as we were only given verbal short notice! And with such bad service by telling us off with the above? And I have found out that they even sign up customer last week at Jurong branch. It just doesn't help at all! It is far too ridiculous! They already know about the fact that they can't continue with Jurong Point for a while. And they didn't inform or alert their REGULAR customers in Jurong. This is definitely unethical, how could business like this continue?? So what if they close down all others left those in the east? So we bear all these unnecessary hassles at our expenses??? From now onwards, with so many changes in Jurong Point, I would not commit to sign up any packages in Jurong Point, look at the shops, a lot of the shops have moved out.

I will seek alternative help to resolve this matter!!

Felt cheated!

If any kind folks have good solution, do email me! urgently!

AhTasMummy

Nom Nom in the West

Hi all,

I understand there are heaps of food blogs about yummilicious food such as cafes, restaurants, bistro, buffets and the list goes on and on. I have no idea whether anyone blogs about good food in the west? Perhaps yes, but I have yet to come across any.

Little background story to begin, when I was young, I used to live in the East. Yes, I love the East. No doubts, the East is probably the hippest side of Singapore. However, due to certain circumstances, I have shifted to the North and finally, the West. I used to detest the West. I felt so separated from this world!

When I returned from abroad, as I was away for about 4 years to further my studies, I found myself in the ULU part of Singapore. I was extremely upset as I am literally away from my friends and town. I mean Singapore is not BIG, I know however, not being close to your friends is actually upsetting. You can't meet them as often, you can't go for midnight movie as you wish, I required over an hour travelling time to reach anywhere by public transport. Its just too depressing for me. I felt so isolated and outcast in the ice palace! So eventually, I overcame my frustration, and continue my life living in the West. I have never explore the West, at one point, I can't navigate my way home! Yes, I don't recognise the route.  I hate the West!

So it's been a decade, I have moved on, I have gotten used to the West. In fact, I am working in the West, and have settled down in the West. Now, the West is not like its used to be anymore. Its becoming more vibrant and crowded! There are a lot of malls in the West. You don't have to go down town anymore. Now that's my story.

Anyhow, back to food! Yes, my favourite part. I always wonder and where's all the good food in the West. I usually refer to my GOD a.k.a goggle for reviews and check out on good food which it is easy to commute to. However, it usually requires travelling time even though I'm driving. It still requires approximately 30 mins to town or longer to the East? I mean its not far but its the traffic that is exasperating!! Come on we are living in a bustling city, so everywhere is crowded! And in the city, parking is always a big problem! I can't afford a wasted trip as I made my way there in crave and anticipation but ended up leaving in anger. 

Back to our West side food galore! Yes. Btw, when I said West, I'm referring to literally West! 

So I started exploring the West, to my surprise, there are quite a decent numbers of hidden crazy good food!

Let's start the list from here!

First stop Spicy food:

If you love SPICY food!

1. Chong Qing Hot Pot
502 Jurong West Avenue 1, 640502.

As you enter the carpark, you see a coffee shop on the right. 
That's the one. 
There is a newly built multi-storey carpark around the area.

They have so much on their menu. They always super bz!
We have tried a few dishes and no regrets.
The head chef and kitchen staffs are from China. So I believe its definitely authentic!
The price is reasonable.
I love spicy food, its so yummy and spicy! Nom Nom!
I will definitely revisit the stall again!
My apologies I forgot about the pictures. 

2. Ma La Xiang Guo (麻辣香锅)

S11, near Taman Jurong Shopping Centre.
101 Yung Sheng Rd

If you love those mala 麻辣 xiang guo at those food court, this stall here nailed the taste! 
To be honest, those mala franchise stalls at the food court, are a ripped-off as in price! They charged too much and not as yummy! This particular one fried their own chili paste, its just too yummy! I saw them dicing, chopping and frying the chili mix literally. I chose quite a decent amount of meat, vegetable, bean sprouts, etc with rice at only $12 max. Their long queue never halted and do be patient as they are desperately under-staff. Only a head chef and cashier lady. Annoyingly, the cashier lady is kinda aloof and hostile. So bear with it if you wanna try their food. Expected 30 mins waiting time after 6.30pm.

Their cold dishes 凉菜 are too popular! Many varieties! And the portion is too generous! 

To the fans who love spicy food, you can try this stall if you happen to visit the West!

Menu

Till the next stop!

AhTasMummy

Tourists: Visiting Singapore with Kids? Sentosa to Town

Hi all,

My friends from Taiwan will be travelling to Singapore for a short trip. As this is a family trip, so he is seeking some help from me. Especially with kids? He has asked the right person. Definitely no issue drafting out the itinerary for him. Hahaha. Its peanuts! To be honest, its so god damn expensive to travel to Singapore. Everything is so AHTAS a.k.a pricing for the rich. 

So here's what I provided. Theoretically, he has about 3 full-day to travel around Singapore. And plus shopping is compulsory for the lady! 

I tried to plan something not so tedious yet fulfilling! 

The challenging part is he will be staying in Sentosa, so he is literally staying in another Island, which means he requires extended time to travel in and out to Singapore, its quite a distance to go down town. Planning to go anywhere from Sentosa is rather inconvenient, as additional travelling cost and time. I mean you probably spending a lot on cabby as you are a tourist. You probably find it tough to take the MRT anywhere, when you are with young kids.  

You may refer to my plan to get an idea.

Need to call a taxi just in case? 

6552 1111 - Comfort 

6555 8888 - SMRT

6555 3333 - Trans Cab

Or refer to the link below for more info. This includes pricing. 

Taxi Singapore

First when you reach the hotel, check with the concierge if they have free shuttle bus out to town (Orchard especially) or anywhere. Its will be very convenient. Save a lot on travelling time and costs. And you can at least take a free ride back if there is. 

Else, another way is via Singapore MRT. Anyways, most of the malls are at the MRT station so very easy. 

Just need to know where you wanna go. 

Itinerary 

Arrival day, 

No plans. Just rest and relax. 

Dinner nearby or at the airport first. 

1st day:

 * Check with the hotel, they provide free shuttle from Sentosa to Zoo or river safari. 

Singapore Zoo, opening hours: 8.30 - 6pm 
http://www.zoo.com.sg/visitor-info/singapore-zoo-tickets.html 

Or River Safari, opening hours: 9am-6pm (New attraction) 
http://riversafari.com.sg/visitor-info/riversafari-tickets.html

go to those links for tickets charges. 

Bring change of clothes.

http://riversafari.com.sg/visitor-info/safari-gate.html (check out the *All day free transfer, yellow buses mostly town like mostly orchard area.) You can hitch a free ride out to some locations and take a cab back to hotel which will be cheaper. 

Also, if you don't feel tired, you can swing by Gardens by the bay. Close till late. 
http://www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/content/gbb/en/plan-your-visit/visitor-information.html

Its free. 

But Tickets to the Cooled Conservatories and OCBC Skyway may be purchased.

2nd Day: 

You can explore few places as mentioned below:

1)Town (Stop at Orchard MRT station, walking distance from MRT Station, get a map): Orchard Rd - Expensive Shopping and eating. 

For branded labels indulgences, Paragon is the place. 
At Level 5, has a playground and level 6 is toy 'r' us. 
While the lady can go shop till she drops, the father can sit at the cafe, watch the kids and relax. 

2) Town along MRT Line (Bugis station): Bugis Junction linked by a bridge to Bugis plus - Cheaper flea marketing shopping and street food eating. 

3) West side of singapore (Jurong East MRT station): JEM or Westgate shopping mall (Connected). Top level of westgate has a Wonderland themed park for kids. They will love it. Admission is free.

Bring extra clothes. . http://www.capitamallsasia.com/en/corporate/media-centre/press-releases/2014/westgate-wonderland-singapores-largest--thematic-outdoor-playground-in-a-mall-opens-tomorrow

For food place, Food court Level 5 at JEM. 

For Westgate, there are a lot of restaurants, feel free to walk around. 

4) West side of singapore: Take a cab to Singapore science centre. Not accessible via MRT. 

Highly advice taking a taxi.

http://www.science.edu.sg/Pages/SCBHome.aspx

Transformer exhibition. There is an outdoor swimming area. Bring along extra clothes. 

3rd day: Don't fret. Don't go too far! Do buy all your tickets online first. 

1) USS - Universal studio Sentosa (will take you whole day but just for experience can as not much stuff for your kids.)

2) SEA Marine life aquarium at Sentosa itself. Maybe 3hrs max or even shorter tour. 

http://www.rwsentosa.com/Homepage/Attractions/UniversalStudiosSingapore

Scroll down find "Multi-Park Pass", save 10% like package deal for USS + SEA Marine life.

3) Trickeye Musesum

Trickeye Museum

 A cool fun for your family!

Dinner: You can catch a skytrain from Sentosa to harbourfront station. I believe its about $3/person. check with the ticketing counter. 

Shopping at VIVOcity! Its near and there are a lot of stuff. Not to worry for kids, there's a toy 'r' us at Level 2, that's not enough, no worries, right in the middle of the mall at level 2, there's kids' outdoor playground. Right outside Burger King on level 2. There is also a child-friendly toilet!
Lastly, go check out level 3, large rooftop water feature, its probably the only mall with artificial pool or beach...

This will be the plan for 3 full days in Singapore with family.

Looking for kid friendly restaurants? 

Here's for you. 

http://sg.theasianparent.com/kid-friendly-restaurants-in-singapore/

Hope you find those info useful!

AhTasMummy

Made to Measure Traditional Cheongsams?

Hi all,

Chinese New Year is around the corner, looking for a prefect Chinese dresses? Check out what I have for you.

If you are looking for distinctive, nice fitting and tailor to your personality type of cheongsams or rather good old fashion, here is what you are looking for.

Most of them have been around for ages.



1. Fuchsia Lane (Established since 2007. Founder/Designer has rather outstanding records and well-loved in Malaysia Market.)

"Fuchsia Lane offers ready to wear, bespoke tailoring services, wedding dresses, customised gifts and uniforms for a discerning clientele."

Check out her web.
Fuchsia Lane Webby
Fuchsia Lane's Blog


2. Mazzario

Founder/Designer known for her flattering cuts and designs. Her cheongsams resemble shanghainese sexy slender fit. 

"Singapore cheongsam brand and specialty boutique. Whimsical yet elegant, we put a spin on oriental glamour in our cheongsam-inspired apparel".

Check out her web.
Mazzario


3. Mama & Misse (If I am correct, they have been around since 1992! Wow... They even offer sewing classes! If you are ready to create and tailor your own cheongsams, go for the classes!

"Your cheongsams specialist" - Their dedication is to produce quality products!"

Mama & Misse


4. Zion Creation
In business since 1993! Another established cheongsam shop. Founder/Designer is creative with playing with vibrant colours on her cheongsams. If you are looking for creativity, you may like her style!

Zion creation


My love for cheongsams can be overwhelming! Just a side note, as I didn't tag about the pricing as made-to-measure usually will cost more as you pay more on fitting, creativity, uniqueness and dedication!

All the above mentioned are Singapore-based shops! More to share.
Stay tuned!

It's not a sponsored post. 

AhTasMummy

Incautious and Reckless Driver!!!

Hi all,

This happened on 12/12/2014, yes, back dated.
Inconsiderate driver shouldn't be on the road! This guy obviously has shown no consideration.
I have no idea if the driver is local, foreign talent or whatever.
On the road, you don't drive like an ass.
I am still contemplating whether to report this concern to police as I was told to lodge a report by our Traffic police customer service. As they mentioned, they will start the investigation only when I lodge a report.

I was shocked, disappointed and annoyed!
Why?

I reported this issue to the Traffic Police and they referred me to the Police? WTF. According to them, That's the protocol. Protocol to report about a traffic violation to TP?? Huh... So those TP officers speeding on the highway flashing away, actually have no rights to issue tickets or even charge us? So in the future, we should advice them to lodge a report before issue a ticket? Fair? Sounds ridiculous or right? Yes, it does isn't it? I can't accept this kind of system. When I am living in a "SYSTEMATIC" country and everything seems so in order. Right? Yet still nonsensical procedure.

However, to be franked, I realised the certain govt sects are not technologically up to date as it seems to be. They are just rather outdated as far as I encountered. I shall not elaborate too much. Its just merely my views based on my several encounters. Go find out more yourself.

Watch the video and advice me if I'm making a big fuss here? I was travelling on that road, already a big ass truck forcing me to e-brake and this stupid lorry driver suddenly filtered to my side of the road and drive off!!!! It was soooo damn close, I was forced to make a HARD e-brake and mounted the kerb to avoid the close crash! I was quite in shock and my eldest boy was with me at that point of time, he was in shock too. Thankfully, he was wearing a seat belt. So please parents, ensure your kids are buckled up! It does save life!

Kindly click below for the video. (The video is blurry, however, I have managed to capture the license plate number.
Video of Scene

I am very glad that my son and I are safe, and escaped this almost unfortunate event. I seriously urge everyone to stay alert on the road for yourself and for others. Its very worrisome in either way!

In 2015, I wish that we have a smooth year ahead and be contented with current life! Please be alert while driving! Be safe and be alive!

Ah Tas Mummy

Tooth Disaster: Part 1

Hi all,

I was invaded by this molar annoying pain for at least 2 weeks. Yes, I had a toothache! It's excruciating. It's unbearable. It affects your life. 

I hate going to dentist. Since young, I never had good experience with dentist or rather I have never come across a dentist whom I am comfortable with. Also, big major concern, the gum was inflicted with serious gum pain which is far too unbearable! I usually freaked out during every dental visits which I dragged myself to go or even not go! I rather gargle away Listerine than going dentist. I will try all kinds of remedies to reduce the pain, obviously it doesn't work at all. As the threshold of the pain has simultaneously reached the extreme max, I had no choice but to make a dental appointment. 

Alright, let me run through my experience and slowly you will get the whole story. 

A month or two ago, I had a bad-ass toothache, in real pain obviously, I needed a dentist. So I set an appointment and thought I would require extraction. I was extremely worried. I mean I hate that kind of experience really. I dragged myself to the neighbourhood dental clinic, clenching my teeth in fear. Hoping I can get through smoothly with just simple filling. Finally, it's my turn, I felt cold and frozen. And I make it clear to the dentist that I am terrified of dentist! He sat me down and check through my teeth. He said he can help clean up and see how it goes. So he started the cleaning, I felt the discomfort and the gum felt so sensitive. The procedure took about an hour of drilling, digging and scaling. It was tormenting for me. I hate that feeling. Finally, he finished off with the filling. And finger crossed, hoping everything will be alright so I can move on with my life. However, the dentist did warn me, this method might not work as I might have to go through Root Canal procedure. I have no idea what is it, I went "what do you mean by Root Canal?" Its the first time I heard of that, sounds really terrifying! So the next question I asked, how much is this procedure? I got a serious shock! It's $800, not including consultation and crowning. I exclaimed "crowning??". Yes, you need to crown the molar tooth after Root Canal, or else your tooth will break apart. Oh my gosh, its a shocking news to me! I'm seriously worried! So much to do on my little molar? And cost so much to just fix a molar? Anyhow, after the filling, I pray and hope for the best, hoping for no complication. 

It's been over a month, the pain is back. It's really annoying. I had endured too long and pain has been really excruciating as I simply can't sleep, I will wake up feeling awake and feeling paranoid about the pain even thou I took panadol. It did help to stop the pain but I literally live on panadol over a week. I even ended up going to my GP and ask for sleeping pills and pain killer so I can sleep through the night. I was prescribed with antibiotic as well. 

Before seeing the GP, I actually made an appointment with the dentist in a nearby mall, however, what is killing me is the dentist is on leave for a week! arrghhh, I almost went banging my head! And they said Root Canal treatment requires specialist to do it. A lot of questions went through my mind. What? What? What? What is going on? Why so complicated? Gosh... for a molar tooth.. arrgghhhh I'm trying to convince myself to extract that tooth. However, I was advised not to. Apparently, removing your molar will affect the development of other teeth. Meaning, the gaps between your teeth will be widened. I felt like shouting out loud. 

Root Canal procedures can be subsidised but not claimable/deductible from Medisave. 
I went through some hassles before deciding to go privatised. Meaning, I had no choice but to pay at premium rates. If you are referred by polyclinic, your cost will be partially subsidised. Its true, even for Root Canal, you will be subsidised up to 50% of the actual cost. Its a huge relief to your pocket. However, if you are willing to bear the pain for at least half a year, you probably can wait. As making appointment with polyclinic is like digging your own grave slowly. Meaning, if you have high pain threshold, go ahead and wait. As for me, I am in great pain, I can't go through the pain anymore. Its just too much of panadol that is in my body. It might be detrimental. And it affects my daily life as my mood is affected as I am in too much pain to even play with my kids. However, if you are alright to just extract the tooth, go ahead, its the cheapest and fastest way to end the whole pain series. 

What is Root Canal? Root Canal Procedure

Root canal therapy is a treatment used to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or infected.

A root canal procedure is performed when the nerve of the tooth becomes infected or the pulp becomes damaged. During a root canal procedure, the nerve and pulp are removed, and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed.

Root canal procedures have the reputation of being painful. Actually, most people report that the procedure itself is no more painful than having a filling placed. The discomfort experienced in the period leading up to seeking dental care is truly painful, not the root canal procedure itself.

Why Root canal? Myth about Root Canal

Restoring the tooth after root canal therapy is necessary in order to ensure the tooth functions properly. The appointments necessary to completely restore the tooth, in essence, should not be considered part of the root canal process.

XRay Room, look scary? 

Experience with Root Canal
FYI, you might need more than one session, so I went through Root Canal procedure, it feels painless apart from the jab for numbing your gum. It's a lot of drilling and scrapping to endure. I hate that feeling! And I have a follow up treatment. And finally, I am required to go for crowning. So much to do for a molar! I would say the dentist is the best one around! She is really gentle and very careful! She explained to you and make you feel at ease. She is none other than Dr Chen Nan from National Healthcare Group Polyclinics. Do call the helpline to arrange appointment. The helpdesk lady, Catherine, highly recommended her! Catherine is the nicest helpdesk ever! I was so impressed which usually I am very skeptical with government customer service. Hahah... Oh well, she is the best!

Advice: 
Good dental care will set you free from pain! Visit your dental clinic once a year to clean up your gums. It maintains and achieves a more healthy set of teeth. It is better than paying a premium rates to maintain a tooth. 

Price:Total can hit below $3,000 including capping. No subsidy!

For more info,

1. National Healthcare Group Polyclinics (Non-subsidised or Subsidised)
2. Dental fees

Till the next updates!

AhTasMummy