In November 2021, Ms Ong experienced a wave of issues, including vertigo, pounding headaches, and constant nausea.
There, she went through multiple stages of tests and screenings, and was diagnosed with SMAS. It is a digestive condition where part of the small intestine is compressed, causing partial or complete blockage of the intestine, which then led to her using feeding tubes to receive nutrition.The experience of going through multiple painful procedures and tests has traumatised her, she said, to an extent where she cannot bring herself to enter the rooms she had previously undergone procedures.
Despite having found a strong support system in her family, she keeps most of her troubles to herself.Instead, she has found solace in sharing her journey online, through social media platforms like Tiktok and Instagram. Her candid posts online have however garnered her immense support, amassing thousands of followers over the past few months.