Category Archives: Diseases

We Are Vaccinated!

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Have you had your Covid19 vaccine yet? I hope you did. Getting vaccinated the soonest possible time protects yourself and the people around you.

Covid19 vaccines will give you an extra layer of protection against the severe effects of the virus.

Taken at a vaccination site inside a mall in Quezon City

My family was able to register with the LGU-supported registration site online. We finally got our doses separately a few weeks later.

Hubby, myself, and our daughter are fully vaccinated now. Our son will have his second dose a few days from now. I’m glad that we were allowed to get the vaccine at the right time. Many are still waiting for their vaccine schedule in our area.

Taken inside a public school in Quezon City

Three of us are on the priority list being in the A3 category or those with comorbidities. Health experts said Covid19 vaccines prevent possible hospitalization and emergency room visits due to severe illness.

As for the vaccine side effects, what we experienced were all the common ones. These include pain at the injection site, mild fever (for me), the feeling of weakness or fatigue, and headaches for a couple of days.

Get the available Covid19 vaccine if you are not vaccinated yet. Protect yourself, the people you care about, and those you meet outside your homes.

Even when you are vaccinated, health experts remind the public to observe the minimum health protocol. Wash your hands frequently, wear a face mask, practice social distancing in public or crowded places.

Here at home, we wear face masks when we do not feel well. We do not know what afflicts us, so we wear face masks to be safe. We do not eat together, keep our distance when talking to each other. And we sleep in separate rooms.

My TAHBSO Story: A Life-Saving Decision

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Five years ago, I underwent a total abdominal hysterectomy to save my life. Surgeons removed my uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and cervix to prevent further health complications.

Making this decision would have been much harder if I were still of childbearing age. However, since I was already in my late 40s and unlikely to conceive, I opted for surgery as a life-saving treatment rather than prolonging my suffering.

The Ordeal

For years, I endured painful and prolonged menstruation that significantly impacted my daily life. By late 2015, my condition had worsened. In January 2016, I was admitted to the hospital for a dilation and curettage (D&C) and a blood transfusion for anemia. I hoped these treatments would resolve my condition, but they only provided temporary relief.

A private hospital doctor recommended an abdominal hysterectomy to treat my endometriosis. However, the procedure was costly, and with our family relying on a single source of income, we could not afford it immediately.

Three weeks after my D&C, I experienced profuse bleeding again. This time, we sought treatment at the nearest government hospital to reduce costs. The doctors explained the potential complications of a hysterectomy and initially recommended a non-invasive treatment instead.

I was prescribed Visanne (Dienogest) for six months, which temporarily stopped my painful monthly periods. However, a month after completing the treatment, the bleeding returned. I waited three more months before finally deciding to undergo the surgery. By then, we had raised enough funds for the operation.

(Dienogest, marketed as Visanne, is used for the treatment of endometriosis. Read more here: Dienogest – Wikipedia)

Preparing for Surgery

Before undergoing surgery, I researched hysterectomy, its advantages, and its potential risks. I also found helpful insights from a support group for hysterectomy patients. It took me several weeks to finalize my decision, but I was determined to change my life for the better.

I consulted with my OB-GYN, bringing all my medical records to discuss everything—from what to expect before and after the surgery to hospitalization costs and the operation schedule.

My faith, the support of my family, and the prayers of close friends gave me the strength to face this journey.

The Operation Day

On December 13, 2016, my hysterectomy was performed at East Avenue Medical Center. The surgery went well, and thankfully, I did not require a blood transfusion. I am immensely grateful to the doctors, anesthesiologists, and nurses who played a crucial role in the successful procedure.

(Note: I had a photo of the removed reproductive organs from the surgery, but I have blurred it as it may be too graphic for some readers.)

Two days after the surgery, I started feeling much better, with no signs of complications such as fever or excessive pain. The doctors advised me to get up and walk to speed up recovery. I was discharged after five days.

Healing and Recovery

I made sure to follow my doctor’s advice, which made my recovery smoother. I had plenty of rest but also ensured I moved around the house. By my second week, I was already doing light chores. While there were occasional irritation and pain, they were manageable and subsided within minutes.

The Best Decision for My Health

Looking back, undergoing a hysterectomy was the best decision I made for my health. I no longer worry about uncontrollable bleeding or the risk of developing more serious conditions. My only concern now is recurring joint pain, a common issue after surgical menopause.

A Piece of Advice

Young women and those approaching menopause are at risk for conditions like endometriosis and adenomyosis. If you are experiencing similar symptoms, I strongly encourage you to consult a doctor. While reading medical articles can provide insight, professional medical consultation is always the best course of action to prevent complications.

I originally shared this story on my blog, mumwrites.com.

Coping with Health Issues During COVID-19

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Anxiety

One scary situation we experienced this pandemic was when I needed medical help and the panic we felt when we reached the hospital full of covid patients.

It happened last year, just a few days after the government recommended a lockdown in Metro Manila and nearby areas. I was anxious because I was feverish and lethargic for five days. The first thing that came to mind was I might have Covid. I felt helpless thinking about it. What would happen to my family if it was Covid? Would I recover from it?

Fortunately, the triage doctor, upon checking the tests, advised me to go home. There’s no need for hospital admission because I only had Urinary Tract Infection. UTI is manageable with prescribed antibiotics at home.

Paranoia

The lockdown continued for months. I was not able to visit our doctor for a scheduled checkup. I was and still am afraid to visit the clinic for fear of exposing myself to the virus. I was not aware of teleconsultation or medical consultation online until I had a recurrent UTI.

This was taken in 2012. The closest body frame I am in right now.

Weight Gain

Besides anxiety, which causes restlessness and sleepless nights, the pandemic also leads to a rising incidence of obesity. Ironically, obesity is one of the risk factors for getting Covid. Being at home for the longest time and inactivity made me gain weight. At five feet and one inch, I weigh 162 pounds. According to the weight and exercise calculator, my BMI (Body Mass Index) is 30.61. It means I’m suffering from obesity.

Moderate Fatty Liver

Our doctor, through teleconsultation, advised me to have a blood test. It turned out, I have high levels of creatinine, uric acid, SPGT, and SGOT, in my blood sample. My cholesterol and blood sugar levels are within the normal range, though. The doctor said the high SGPT could be due to Moderate Hepatic Steatosis, or moderate fatty liver, as shown in my abdominal ultrasound. The weight gain sadly takes its toll on my liver.  

Another factor that made me gain weight is eating processed foods, particularly canned goods included in the relief package. It could also be the reason I have high uric acid and recurrent UTI.

Weight Management

The good news is that moderate fatty liver is reversible. The doctor said it needs a good amount of self-discipline to achieve. He recommends proper food intake and exercise.

Losing weight was not new to me. I have addressed the same health issue in 2012. It was a successful journey, I lost a few pounds at first, but I slowly gained them back after several months.

Lifestyle modification would be different this time because of my age. Losing weight is difficult when you reach your 50s. Metabolism slows down as you age.

The ideal weight for my height is between 101 and 125 pounds or 45 to 56 kilograms. It’s unrealistic to reach that number. What is workable is reducing at least 5 pounds off my weight is a good start.

My dusty yoga mat and dumbbells are just waiting for me in the corner.

Lifestyle Change

A nutritionist recommends the inverted food pyramid as a gauge to lifestyle change. It means I have to eat in moderation by cutting down on salty, sweet, and oily or fatty foods. Instead of sugary beverages, drink plenty of water to burn calories and flush toxins from the body.

Also, the nutritionist recommends brisk walking every day for at least 30 minutes. I have started walking indoors, and I’m slowly getting the hang of it.

A big part of being healthy is getting enough rest and sleep every day. The nutritionist suggests seven hours of sleep every day if I intend to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

I also intend to do yoga and learn proper meditation to lessen my anxiety. We need to keep our minds and body healthy to keep ourselves safe from COVID-19.