At 71, Mdm Subathra — affectionately known as Faith — knows what it means to start over.
Diagnosed with lupus since her early twenties, she has spent most of her life managing this autoimmune condition, which affects her joints and organs. Her journey has been far from easy — marked by multiple surgeries, including hip replacements in 2006 and 2010, a stroke that left her in a coma, and countless hospital stays.
In 2018, a sudden sharp pain in her spine post-surgery changed everything. One moment she was at work — the next, another surgery followed. She was left with foot drop, a condition that makes it difficult to lift the front part of the foot.
She has since relied on a wheelchair, and now a motorised scooter, to get around. Yet through it all, Faith has never let her circumstances define her.
Faith has been visiting St Luke’s Hospital (SLH) for consultations at St Luke’s Community Clinic (SLCC) since 2017 and sessions at the Day Rehabilitation Centre (DRC) since 2018.
“Everything I need is here,” she says. “The doctors, the rehab team — they’re so supportive. They always encourage me, and that makes me want to push harder. I’m grateful for the community here.”
At SLCC, Faith receives care for heart disease, thyroid issues, and other chronic conditions. A turning point came when her SLCC family physician detected early signs of a heart attack. Initial electrocardiograms were inconclusive, but her physician insisted on further checks when she reported sudden chest pain. “The doctor strongly advised me to go to the acute hospital, and I’m glad I did,” she recalls. The next day, she had a heart stent inserted.
With ongoing support from the rehab team, Faith continues to attend the maintenance programme at DRC to maintain strength, balance and functional mobility. “With her perseverance and determination, she can maintain her functions very well,” shared Senior Physiotherapist May Min Maung.
Her goal is to walk again, and notes, “Some days are good, some not so much. But I can walk further now, and with less pain. That gives me hope.”
She recently returned to the Pharmacy at SLCC to personally thank Principal Pharmacist, Dr Jennifer Ng, for her care and attentiveness. Without needing many words, Dr Ng sensed her concern about differing blood pressure medication dosages between SLH and the acute hospital, and promptly contacted her attending doctor for clarification. As Faith waited at the taxi stand, Dr Ng ran out to update her with the doctor’s confirmation. “That kind of care; I’ve never experienced before,” Faith shared.
Today, Faith receives subsidised care at SLH. With the help of financial assistance and support from various social service organisations, she also benefits from a medical chaperone and transport service.
More than just a patient, Faith is a source of motivation to others. She cheers on fellow patients in rehab — “Wah, uncle, you’ve improved a lot!” — and finds herself encouraged in return. A former volunteer at SLH, she fondly recalls singing and crafting with patients, and hopes to volunteer again one day.
“To anyone struggling: don’t give up,” she says. Grateful for the fellowship at her church, she hopes others will also find good people and support groups around them. She adds, “You need to understand yourself, trust that you can get better, and believe that it’s not the end.”
