The D Spot

Original plan—to relax and take it easy

A few days ago, I told a friend that in the weekend, I would check in at the EDSA Shangrila Hotel, just to take it easy and relax. I was not able to check in at the hotel, in fact I ended up being in hospital not only for a weekend but two days more. AND, I am taking it easy and relaxing—on doctor’s orders (while all others were sweating it out in the heat, I was chilling it out in my room).

I was in Trinoma with some of my kids last Friday afternoon. We then went to hear Mass at Sta. Rita de Cascia Church in Philam Homes, just across the mall. This time, I prayed intensely—knowing that Sta. Rita is one of the 3 saints of the impossible (St. Jude being the other one). I prayed for the health of each of my family members, my relatives, friends, and even for myself. I even prayed that a friend wins P50mn in the lotto, God willing, or the next best thing to that. I knew that in my heart of hearts, a miracle was awaiting anytime soon.

Breathless and catching my breath

Back to the mall after that, then home. I must have so tired that I fell asleep during family prayers, only to wake up—breathless. It took a few seconds for me to breathe, my mouth was so dry I could not even swallow. When I had my breath back, I went back to sleep. This happened 4 times in a span of 5 minutes, and I learned the trick to get my breath back—drink water to wet my mouth and be able to swallow. But each time, it became more difficult. After the prayers, I asked my husband to bring me to hospital. For me to ask this meant that it is an emergency. More so when he asked which hospital I wanted to go. Bravely, I said Philippine Heart Center. This doubly meant an emergency, since my family has always dreaded this hospital, where Baby Michael was rushed almost 2 years ago, a very traumatic experience for all of us.

To hospital instead of hotel

The hospital was only about 5 minutes away from my home. Halfway through I was telling my hubby to hurry, though he was already speeding. I was already gasping for breath, my mouth chattering. Gosh! Something must really be wrong, I told myself, and this was confirmed by the blood pressure reading—210/120 I was immediately given Catapres, an anti-hypertensive drug placed under the tongue. I told myself this could not be happening to me. It was the first time for me to feel that way. And it was the first time for me to be in a hospital emergency room (myself as patient) outside to birth related issues.

For others, it could have been a stroke, but not for me

That could have been a stroke, but apparently for me it was not. My answer to all the questions was NO: Did you have a headache? Did you vomit? Did you feel pain in the nape? Did you feel dizzy? Was there a tingling sensation? a numbing sensation? Did you pass out? NO! Nothing—I just could not breathe. And of course, if I could not breathe, I must be dying. Please, please do something!

In an hour’s time, the blood pressure dropped from 210/120 to 160/100 to 140/90 to 130/90. ECG didn’t have any findings. I had to be confined in hospital for further tests. Not at the Heart Center, I told my hubby, anywhere but the Heart Center. As soon as my blood pressure stabilized, we set off for St. Luke’s Hospital, where I had my heart tests, blood chemistries and laboratory works. It was my hospital of choice, not only for its best quality service, but because of its free WiFi everywhere within the vicinity of the hospital. I was also thinking of Medical City, but free WiFi is limited only to its presidential suite and some special areas. Oh well, I had to consider WiFi because I was not dying, not just yet, and I had to be connected to my family, my friends, and my work.

Apparently, my potassium level has dropped (Where oh where are the bananas?) and a low potassium level causes hypertension. Based on my readings in the Internet, 25% of Americans who are hospitalized have low potassium levels. I was given potassium pills to increase the level to normal.

Blood tests are fine, except that sugar level has passed the borderline compared to the previous borderline results two months ago. My fault, I have not been careful with what I ate. Now, it has to be good-bye Coke, good-bye cake, good-bye chocolates, but not for good, I suppose. It is a matter of moderation. And hello, good food, hello Fitness First perhaps, as the walk with Mucci in the park has become less and less now (BA, or Vince has to take us more often to the Quezon Memorial Circle). And perhaps at least 7 hours a day of sleep.

The doctor is not considering a sleep disorder at the moment. If I were to take a sleep test, either I fail for not sleeping enough or I will only sleep at it (tutulugan ko lang, as my kids say).

A wake up call

This is a wake up call for me. I am not getting any younger. Now all the more, I have to love myself by taking charge of my health. By being happy. By not letting my happiness be dependent on other people or on any material things. By loving more instead of waiting to be loved. By paying more attention even to the small things that make a difference in life. By thanking the good Lord for all the wonderful blessings He has bestowed to me and my family. By giving more time to family and friends. And embracing the challenges, even the frustrations and failures that come every now and then. There is a purpose for all these.

Leo Tolstoy said, “If you want to be happy, be.”

And this must be the miracle I knew would happen. I am alive! Praise God!

Let me just thank my doctor, Dr. Isabelo Ongtengco and the staff of St. Luke’s Medical Center for their care and professionalism. I could not ask for more. Also, my thanks to Dr. Vicente Porciuncula who has always been there when I have a medical issue. He always gives me the best doctors every time I need one.

And to all of you who prayed for me and cheered me up while I was in hospital—maraming salamat!

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