My executive check up last May brought alarm signals I never thought I would hear. Wang! Wang! Wang!
I am due for hysterescopic polypectomy (this is another story),
but my OB-GYNE, Dr. Arlene Bravo, cannot perform the operation because of another condition.
I was told that my hemoglobin count was way too low.
The normal range for the female is 12.1 to 15.1 g/dl (mean 14.0 g/dl).
Mine at the moment is 7,700 g/dl.
I am a candidate for blood transfusion.
I have severe anemia.
That explains the constant dizziness, fatigue, paleness of the skin, shortness of breath, etc.
I was referred to a hematologist to correct this condition of mine.
I am glad I got to know Dr. Rosalio Torres in Makati Medical Center. He is one of the senior doctors in the hospital.
Soft-spoken. Very grandfatherly in his manner and approach.
He is very patient in explaining my condition.
And he is not an old fashioned doctor, I tell you!
I thought he would recommend immediate blood transfusion since I am a candidate already. Instead, he recommended iron infusion to correct my blood condition. He said that he wanted my own blood to produce hemoglobin and not somebody else's. The iron infusion will aid my system to produce the hemoglobin.
Thank God, there is a cure! (OA lang...)
You see, I have never been sick for a long time.
I am the one who takes care of the sick.
I am not used to being sick.
And so the treatment began at Makati Medical Center.
My diagnosis from my OB-GYNE:
Oh my blood! Please be good to me!
Blood works, blood works, blood works... Argh!
Wala na nga blood dami pa kinuha for testing. Huhuhu!
After a series of tests, Dr. Torres immediately ordered for the treatment. I will be a regular sighting in Makati Medical for one month.
The I.V. was inserted and flushing started to open the veins.
Next to be pumped in my veins is the iron-rich concoction to boost my system to produce hemoglobin. This is my cocktail for a month. I hope and pray for no bad side effects.
I thank Jona De Mesa, a very good friend of mine, for accompanying me during my treatment. Having someone with you during this ordeal is such a big relief and comfort. God bless you, Jona!
Praying while the iron is administered to me...
This is what I have to endure throughout this treatment. No complains. I just want to be healed.
It is not easy to be sick, that's for sure. I pray that the treatment will do good to me so I can have my operation. (That's another mountain to climb.)
My iron infusion days helped me to be patient. Really!
As the medicine sloooooowly entered my vein I realized that this is God's way of telling me to slow down. My body was crying, screaming perhaps, for blood! This.is.the.time.to.slow.down.
for taking care of me during my iron infusion sessions
and to my family and friends who prayed for me.
I am sorry, Lord, for not taking care of my body.
Thank you for reminding me that the body you
created needed rest and renewal.
I pray for a stronger body and calm spirit
so I may continue to serve you
and your people. Amen.
Red, sanguine, claret
Life-giving, anaerobic
Salubriousness
- At yan ang sabi ni Manang!