He is greatest identified to Singaporean tv viewers for enjoying the happy-go-lucky kopitiam assistant Ah Cai in the Eighties Channel 8 sequence Neighbours.
But in the previous couple of months, native actor Duan Weiming has met one misfortune after one other.
He was concerned in a site visitors accident, misplaced his beloved adoptive mom and had his left leg amputated beneath the knee.
Resigned to his destiny, the 61-year-old – who has been affected by diabetes since he was 22 – is taking issues someday at a time.
He advised The Straits Times over the phone from his hospital mattress on Monday (Sept 19): “I don’t want to think about the day after tomorrow because what if I don’t wake up tomorrow? I want to take things one day at a time.”
The surgical procedure occurred early September and he doesn’t know when he shall be discharged.
Since the amputation, Duan – who’s in a comparatively secure situation – has been in low spirits.
He says: “I thought I was strong and would accept the loss of my leg in a day or two. But it took a few days… People tell me to be strong and that is easy to say. But when you are in the thick of things, it is hard to do.”
Thankfully, he stated he has causes to maintain dwelling.
He has two youngsters – one in her 30s and one other aged 15 – from a earlier marriage, in addition to a girlfriend of greater than 10 years, who will not be in the leisure business.
While he declines to disclose her age, he’s immensely grateful to her for standing by him by his ordeals.
Another blessing is that his hospital payments are being taken care of by a former employer.
Duan labored as a full-time butler for a household in a big property in Sentosa for eight years, till the pandemic struck and his providers have been not wanted.
“When my former boss learnt of my situation, he said he would be responsible for the medical expenses. Where can I find such a boss in this world? I am very thankful to him.”
About two months in the past, Duan was using his bike when he blacked out, misplaced management and collided into the again of a van.
He was admitted to hospital for his accidents on each his legs, and found different well being issues linked to diabetes. But he uncared for them and delayed remedy.
Out of stubbornness, he discharged himself a number of occasions, however all the time ended up getting re-admitted on the recommendation of others.
This was regardless that excessive glucose ranges in June 2020 led to him present process an operation, and he nearly needed to amputate his proper leg.
By the tip of August, he was contemplating having his left calf amputated to forestall an an infection from spreading to his thigh. The ache was additionally insufferable by then.
But shortly earlier than the process may happen, he was notified that his adoptive mom, a Malaysian who lived with him in Singapore, died of pure causes on the age of 96 at dwelling.
As a outcome, he discharged himself once more to care for her affairs. After her funeral, Duan was re-hospitalised and went forward with the amputation.
He stated: “I have no regrets. I got to see her one last time, and she died with a smile on her face. She took care of me for 50 years and always put my interests first.”
But there was a tinge of remorse when requested if he may have accomplished something in a different way to keep away from shedding a limb.
He replied: “I have always ‘treated’ my diabetes in my own way – exercising and drinking more water. I did not want to see doctors or take medicine. I ignored the pain in my foot. I took painkillers, got around on wheelchairs and took taxis. I kept getting myself discharged. I was stubborn. I played around with my own health.”
Apart from Neighbours (1986 to 1988), Duan has additionally appeared in the dramas On The Fringe (1988) and Your Hand In Mine (2009 to 2010).
He made his correct performing comeback in the Channel 5 sequence 128 Circle, which revolves round a gaggle of hawkers at a fictional meals centre. He performed one such stall proprietor, lead character Larry, in its first two seasons, which aired in 2019 and March 2022.
Other jobs he has taken on over time embrace being a furnishings salesman, deliveryman and getai host.
Looking forward, he stated he plans to obtain rehabilitation remedy after his discharge and be taught to adapt to a brand new life, however dodged the subject of how his incapacity might have an effect on his profession.
“Of course, I do think about the future and what I will need to do for work moving forward. But I also want to recover first and focus on my current condition.
“For now, I am making sure that I am eating – biscuits, rice, fruits – to replenish my strength.” – The Straits Times/Asia News Network
