Take Charge of Your Health

Posted on February 7, 2007
Filed Under Health and Beauty, Information | Viewed 4868 times

laugh “Take charge of your health.” These were the very words of a dear friend and colleague, Paul Chang, a few months before cancer took him away. So sad, diagnosis came too late, x-rays as far as 2-3 years back were not read correctly. He is right, bless his soul!

Having our illnesses, and those of our loved ones, diagnosed on time, finding the right doctor, and treated properly make a whole lot of difference.

Last April, my 15-year old Angela, was diagnosed with diffuse toxic goiter. Earlier, the doctors in Clinica Manila at Mega Mall and Healthway Clinic in Shangrila Mall were not able to immediately diagnose, even second guess after a series of consultations, that Angela had toxic goiter. If we look at her grade 7 graduation picture, the swelling was evidently already there.

Because it was convenient, we would go to health clinics in the malls or hospital ERs for simple consultations. Are doctors not supposed to take vital signs, including checking the area at the back to the ears, feel the throat, etc., as standard actions? These should not be taken for granted. My husband had to call the attention of the doctor in Healthway about the swelling on Angela’s neck before thyroid clearance tests (T3, T4, TSH) were requested. Once confirmed, we went to an endocrinologist, who gave her large doses of Inderal, a beta-blocker which caused a lot of serious side effects, like palpitations, anxiety, uneven heartbeats, tiredness, and many others, and an anti-goiter drug.

Unfortunately, Angela was allergic to the anti-goiter medicine prescribed to her. In place, PTU was given, to be taken in large doses, like 4 tablets of PTU, 3x a day, that’s 12 tablets a day. Angela was not improving, we thought, it became difficult for her day by day. Still, we went to the specialist religiously, not missing an appointment. On several occasions, when her pulse rate went way beyond normal, we would rush to the nearest ER, for fear that her heart might burst out of her chest. She would sweat profusely, feel an onset of hot flashes, general body malaise, and weakness. (NOTE: We didn’t realize that she already had these symptoms even before she was diagnosed. We thought that those were only because of her hectic schedules in school).

Her beautiful long hair has become dry, almost reduced to half, we were afraid that in future, we would be faced with problems of regrowth or bad hair transplants. She would have bouts of depression because of her illness. My mom and I could only watch her suffering, consoled her, and saw to it that she took her medicines on time. Her siblings can only be more tolerant of her. She had to stop all physical activities in school, and that included walking some distance, which she liked doing with her friends, dancing and theater.

Options given were open surgery (I shudder to think about it) or radioactive iodine therapy. With it comes the risk of hyperthyroidism which is more difficult to control, and taking thyroid hormone supplement at a very young age for a lifetime. It would be silly trading one thyroid problem for another.

We went to Dr. Lilia Ortiz, family doctor and friend, who advised us to see another endocrinologist, who in turn advised us to see Dr. Sioksoan Chan-Cua at the Cardinal Santos Memorial Hospital. At least, it was not too late for us to realize that the first doctor we went to was an ADULT endocrinologist! It seemed like the doctor was treating Angela as an adult, not as a child.

Dr. Cua is not only a pediatrician, she also specializes in child endocrinology and diabetology. She took Angela’s history, requested for new blood tests and nuclear laboratory tests. After thorough evaluation, she decided to drastically cut down on Inderal and PTU. Angela, simply could not endure huge doses. That was in August. From April to August, Angela lost 12 lbs, and from August to September (5 weeks) she lost 10 lbs. Dr. Cua, scolded Angela. Cured of toxic goiter, yes, but then, she had to grapple with another illness, possibly an eating disorder. She was even tempted to question Angela if she has been taking any substance (drugs, perhaps?) or diet pills for her to lose 10 lbs in 5 weeks. Angela, Dra. Cua found out, was overdoing her weight control. Dr. Cua was firm, she said weight loss was not the target – it should be eating the correct food, in moderation, and it should be balanced. If Angela loses any more than 1 lb the next time she comes for a consultation, Dra. Cua said she would not accept Angela as a patient. Instead, she would refer her to another doctor.

Since then, Angela has maintained her weight, has become healthier, her hair has started to grow again, she ate the right food (though she totally stopped taking meat and poultry), goiter-free, and most important of all, is that she is happy. She is back to her school theater, dancing, and next week, will rehearse for her recital at the Center for Pop Music. She has resumed all her activities.

We thank God for Dr. Cua. She has a big heart, really takes time out to explain to the patient their illness, gives instant lectures, and words of encouragement. That is, even if she has had a full day, even if it is past her working hours. That is why, parents and patients do not mind waiting. Her able assistant, Jo, is very helpful.

Paul Chang’s words still ring to many of us his friends and former colleagues. Yes, take charge of your health!

Comments

18 Responses to “Take Charge of Your Health”

dad on February 7th, 2007 4:31 pm

I remember when we only have three kids then, my doctor at St Lukes wanted a surgical operation on my slipped disc with a threat of impotency if not done soon? Glad I changed doctor sooner. Love and kisses, Dad
Sidney on February 7th, 2007 4:35 pm

Health is without doubt the most important thing in life. It amazes me to see how people are wasting their health because of unhealthy behavior (foods, drinks, etc.).
Better if you don’t need any doctor!

Great to hear that everything turned well for Angela.
Kyels on February 7th, 2007 6:56 pm

Glad that everything turned out well for her.

And you are right, we should all take charge of our health, and never neglect it.
Sexy Mom on February 7th, 2007 7:50 pm

sweet of you, dad (he’s my husband, dear readers). and we still had 4 kids after that.
Sexy Mom on February 7th, 2007 7:52 pm

sidney – i agree with you, so much lives wasted because of unhealthy behaviour, but it’s their choice.

kyels – thanks!
ann on February 7th, 2007 8:56 pm

wow! Your hubby is also reading your blog, how sweet.

I always go for a second opinion when it comes to serious ailments.

Few months ago, inderal was taken out of the market here in our place. I don’t know the reason why.
Talamasca on February 7th, 2007 9:33 pm

I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism as well more than a year ago. I’m quite thankful that it’s detected at an early stage and all, so now I’m on my way to recovery.

Oh, and if you would ever have serious brain issues in the future, heaven forbid, consult with me, Talamasca, future M.D./neurologist. K bai.
dimaks on February 8th, 2007 5:21 am

Sickness really makes us appreciate the importance of health all the more.. glad, things were dealt with accordingly for Angela.
better safe than sorry on February 8th, 2007 9:02 am

my oldest daughter has had more than her share of illness in her short life span to date. she has finally learned the importance of taking care of herself, it makes such a difference.
she has a thyroid condition and will be on medication for her life, to me, it’s a small pill that makes such a difference.
elizar on February 8th, 2007 10:08 am

Gosh, Angela’s been to a lot! I’m glad she’s ok now.. I can relate to her in some way…

I agree with you that finding the right doctor to diagnose and treat you is the most important of all… Few years ago, i complained to my mom about my frequent chest pains, and that I felt weak on the knees.. I remember one time on my way to work, when I got off the bus, my legs and knees were not able to support me and I almost fell and lay there in the side of the road! Then when it’s time to climb up the stairs of the MRT station, I couldn’t bring myself to raise my feet/legs to step up… I was so scared then!

We went to the nearest hospital.. At that time, I think i have this cold… I was diagnosed of having tuberculosis! That was a shock for me, and my mom/dad!

I couldn’t believe it! I needed a second opinion. I insisted my parents to take me to another hospital… That’s is when I met Dra. Mary Ann Batungbakal – an endocrinologist (general medicine and all )

Asking for symptoms alone, she found out what was wrong with me… She asked me to take some blood test just to confirm..and she was right… The weakness was due to lack of potassium and the other symptoms was hyperthyroidism.. results of all those ‘T’ tests.. t3, t4, tsh… For 2 years I’ve been taking Thiamazole (then tapazole) – an antithyroid drug..

Yep, you are right… I’ll be taking that kind of medicine for the rest of my life unless I have it removed or take the RAI.. radioactive iodine therapy.. Right now, i’m taking 2.5mg of Tapazole.. I started 30mg of Thiamazole then.. (i say, i’m doing good for now)

(geesh, is this a comment or a post? hehe.. think i’ll post this to my page.. hehehe)
Sexy Mom on February 8th, 2007 10:29 am

better safe than sorry – good dear eldest daughter is now careful about the food she eats. i heard that thyroid problems can possibly occur, that is why anti-goiter med has to be taken for life.

eli – yes, post it, for others to be aware. thiamazole was the original med given, and it was supposed to be better, but angela was allergic to it. ptu is a good substitute, but it tastes so metallically bad.
Everything Elizar » Hyperthyroidsm on February 8th, 2007 11:18 am

[...] I thought I share this one out.. Read a post from Ms. Dine about her Angela.. [...]
Rach on February 8th, 2007 4:57 pm

I think this is a wakeup call for me. I have been neglecting my health because of unhealthing eating habits and sleeping late.

I hope that Angela will get well soon. It’s good that your whole family is behind her. I believe that proper medication combined with love and care makes healing a lot faster. God bless.
rhodora on February 12th, 2007 10:35 am

Oh, Angela’s so young and yet she went through all that! Must be more agonizing for you as a mother.

My daughter had a bout of panic attack last Friday night. It was scary, I wouldn’t want that to happen again.
ba on February 14th, 2007 2:15 am

Re: Dad’s comment.

Akala niyo ako na yung huling anak, noh? Hahahaha. Hello 4 more siblings.
vk on March 23rd, 2007 4:41 am

Hello Sexy Mom,

better safe than sorry ….....totoo nga….better safe than sorry….

Glad to know that Angela now is feeling well…......
Praise God….....
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