I have been in Cebu since 2007 where I studied college until I had my work for 6 years now. Since I was a working scholar, I have fewer chances to go home even during semestral break because we need to report for work.

For 11 years, I am not even sure if I was able to celebrate my birthday at home in the island. I think it was all spent in Cebu. But there were few times that my parents celebrated it with me & my family in Cebu.

If there are times that I can go home, the longest is maybe a week which is usually during Christmas or Holy Week.

But, things did change this year. For the first time in a very long time, I was able to go home and spend for 2 weeks at home. Not for vacation, so I am not touring around. But to rest (which what I need) after my operation.

My doctor advised me to rest for 2 weeks after we were discharged. We decided that I will go home in Siquijor so that my father can prepare foods that I am allowed to eat.

We went home last August 11 at 1PM then arrived in the island at 11PM.

For the first week at home, my mother would wake me up at around 7AM so that I can drink my medicine before breakfast then I need to take another medicine at 8AM. She would leave me hot milk that she prepared before she went to work. After eating my breakfast and drinking my medicines, I will lay down in the sala and watch any TV shows usually in ABS-CBN. I think because of the meds, I got tired easily and a few hours after, I became sleepy. When I woke up, my father already prepared our lunch and would just eat. After that, I will go back in the sala, laid down, watched TV shows until I slept. When I woke up, I would watch TV shows again while waiting for my parents to arrive from work. When they arrived, they will cook our dinner, we will eat then I will go back to my usual spot. I usually be able to take a bath in the afternoon. My life is so simple, I brushed my teeth once a day (after dinner before going to bed). HAHAHA!

My wounds were still painful then. I need to move slowly so that it won’t hurt. I found it hard to find my sleeping position because I can feel the pain. Though I have a prescribed pain reliever but I do not want to take it unless the pain is unbearable.

For my second week, the only different thing is that I can already sweep our floor and wash our dishes. And of course, the bandage was already removed and the pain was gone except the wound inside which I can still feel a little pain every now and then. But still, I cannot work or carry heavy things.

Trust me! I can memorize the TV shows in ABS-CBN from Umagang Kay Ganda until Hwayugi. In my first few days, I was watching only ABS-CBN but I asked my mother to load our digibox so that I can watch other channels. And so, I was able to watch CinemaOne, Jeepney TV, etc. Plus, my first 4 days, our mobile signal at home is so weak. So, there is no mobile data or WiFi. Thus, the only thing I can do is eat, sleep and watch TV. I find it very peaceful though. No one is bothering and I don’t have to think about problems and issues.

For the first time in years, I did not have to think about work or anything in Cebu. All I just think is what is the ending of Bagani or what will happen to Mich in Araw Gabi. And I thank my officemates for understanding my situation.

People would describe me as laagan because I keep on traveling or it’s hard for me to stay at home when I am in Cebu. But while I was in Siquijor, the only times I went outside the house were when we went to church, when I needed to go to my mother’s office so that I can send an email for work, and when we fetched & sent my sister when she went home. Aside from that, I was stuck at home. I did not even had the chance to visit my aunt’s and uncle’s houses just a few meters away from ours.

But things will end. I need to face the world again. I need to work hard. I need to live again like I used to few days before my medical leave. But, I have the chance to meet my family & friends in Cebu. And, I can plan for another trip again either for work or leisure.

However, I already have in my mind the want to stay in the island. For good. Maybe not today nor tomorrow nor next month. But in a few years time when I can support myself even I am at home.

Why I love to be in Siquijor? Simply because it is home. I can be with my parents and the rest of the family. I don’t have to be in a hurry because I am not running after the time. I don’t have to deal and struggle with traffic and pollution. I can eat a meal even without buying foods. I am home. And this is where I wanna be. Always.

So, yeah. Maybe one day. But for now, I need to be strong and healthy again. To face everyone! 🙂

I have been traveling a lot lately. But, I did not expect to end my trip in the hospital. Who want it that, right? But ya know! Things happen when you least expect it. And sometimes, things happen because it is the result of what you do with your life.

Anyway, this is not the first time that I have been confined in the hospital. Actually, it’s my third time. First was in Perpetual Succour Hospital last October 2009 for Appendectomy, next was in Chong Hua Hospital last November 2017 for Gastritis and this year in Cebu Doctor’s University Hospital for Gallbladder Removal (LapChole). And in between that were my few trips to the hospital for check up and laboratory tests since I was in grade school. And most of my complains were due to stomach pain. Yes! Been struggling that since I was young. Different types of stomach pain.

I have a love-hate relationship with needles for years now.

I was in Davao when I complained of too much stomach pain and I was already vomiting. I thought it was another hyper acidity attack but it did not react to the meds that I took. Two days suffering the pain until I called my mother and told her about it. And just like another mother, she panicked and went to Cebu early morning the next day (Saturday). I told her that I want to be confined because I can no longer take the pain.

Just wanna thank my officemates in Davao for taking care of me while I was sick.

My mother arrived in Cebu earlier than me (I was traveling from Davao). My sister just picked me up from the airport and we went to the hospital after we left my stuff at home.

Unfortunately, my doctor was out of the country. But, maybe it was a blessing in disguise because we found another Internal Medicine Specialist, Dr. Pek Eng Lim. He did not recommend for confinement since we need to check the lab test result first. He advised me to get an ultrasound.

Fast forward >>>

The ultrasound result showed that the cholesterol polyp grew from 0.3 (from May) to 0.4cm. Thanks to all the yummy fatty foods I ate.

When we got back to him, he recommended to undergo an operation the sooner the better before things get worst (before the polyp will fall inside the tube). And yes, we scheduled it after series of lab tests has been completed as clearance.

A long list of laboratory tests that I need to get. And 5 vials that I need to fill.

If I am to compare my operation way back last 2009 and this year, it was easier and faster for me to prepare myself last 2009 because I was in so much pain. I was confined when I suffered stomachache and when I had my check up in the E.R., I was then advised to undergo an operation before my appendix will rupture. I was not given any pain reliever and I was like the one who wanted the operation to be done immediately.

But this year is different, I had weeks (from July 24 when we decided to undergo an operation to August 5 when I was admitted) to prepare myself and think about what’s gonna happen. Plus, the pain was gone already. I am no longer suffering from it. If only it was not that urgent to remove the gallbladder, then I won’t pursue with the operation. But, I have fear everyday that I may be able to eat something that could worsen it.

I was admitted last August 5 and was supposedly scheduled for an operation on August 6 but the Operating Room was full in the morning and there is surcharge fee in the afternoon because it’s holiday. Thus, I was scheduled on August 7.

Checked in.

My baon in the hospital. Later did I know that I am not allowed to eat these. 

While waiting for my operation, got to do some work while watching Vice Ganda with an IV on my hand.

Few hours before my operation.

Since July 24 until August 7, I was scared and worried if what could happen, if I can take it or if I can survive. I was never 100% ready. I was nervous when the OR nurse picked me up from my room. My mother went with me in the OR but she’s only allowed until the reception area.

8:00AM

I was brought inside Operating Room #6. The nurses prepared everything. They placed monitoring thing on my chest, a Blood Pressure kit on my right hand that will automatically get my BP every 5 or 10 minutes. Wrapped each of my legs with elastic bandage then with another thing so that I cannot move.

The nurses where getting in and out the room while I keep on checking the time and hoping that the doctors will arrive and get it done.

8:35AM

Dr. Don Edward Rosello, my laparoscopy surgeon (recommended by Dr. Lim) arrived and told me that the anesthesiologist still has a patient and will be there once done.

8:45AM

Dr. Stephen Aldrich Alsay, my anesthesiologist arrived together with his team. He told me, “matulog na ta mam ha” (we will sleep) then injected the anesthesia through my IV. Then he kept on waving the oxygen in front of my face saying, “mam, oxygen ni siya, medyo lain ang baho” (mam, this is an oxygen and smells a little bad). Then I looked in the clock on the wall, it’s 8:45.

9:15AM

The nurse woke me up, “mam, humana ta” (mam, we’re done). Though my eyes were still closed, but I can already talk. I asked her if what time is it. Malyn, my OR attending nurse replied “9:15AM mam”.

The next thing I said was “palihog ko og picture sa akong gallbladder” (please take a photo of my gallbladder) then the nurse informed the others about my request. Then I remembered raising my hand while calling Malyn and I said, “palihog ko og ingon ni Mama” (please tell my mother).

But the moment I woke up, it is still so clear to me about my dream (if it was a dream) while I was asleep. It seems that I was watching them doing the operation. I saw a group of people inside a room with a bright light. Then, when the nurse woke me up, I can remember that I looked at my wounds and I saw three small tapes (like a double sided tape) on my stomach.

The next thing I knew, I was already in the recovery room. I tried to open my eyes but it’s blurry and everything was not clear and seems to be moving in circles. I said out loud “thank you, Lord” a couple of times. Then, I kept on raising my hand telling them that my nose is itchy then they told me that I can take off the oxygen mask and scratch it. I kept on telling them also to inform my mother because I know how worried she was. It was like she will be the one who will undergo the operation. And I asked the nurse why my throat is itchy. She told me that it was normal because they inserted a tube where the gas passes through. When I checked my wounds, the plasters are different from the one that I saw in my dream. It was indeed a dream. 🙂

Then I asked the nurse if how long I will be staying, she said “2 hours”. I tried to sleep until 2 hours became 1 hour then became 30 minutes then the time came that I will go back to my room. The oxygen was removed 1 hour after I arrived in the recovery room but the other monitor and BP kit were removed when I was about to be transferred back to my room.

I was so excited to go back because first, I want my mother & whoever is there waiting for me to know that it was successful, second is that it’s kinda uncomfortable already staying in the recovery room trying to sleep, hearing other patients’ complains or waiting for the time, and lastly, I wanna pee but the nurse told me that if I will pee in the recovery room, they will provide a bed pan. I can’t imagine urinating in the bed pan. I am not even sure if I can. Hahaha.

When I got back to my room, I heard a few familiar voices of my friends and family. They were waiting patiently for me. From then on, many came to visit, to check on me by sending me a messages, to pray for my safe operation and fast recovery, to bring me foods, to make me laugh, to show that they care, and so on & so forth.

They were waiting for me in my room while the operation is on going.

I have been posting ever since I was visiting the hospital for lab tests and for check up at my doctor’s clinic. Until I was confined, undergone the operation, started my recovery and until I was discharged. Maybe because a life in the hospital is kinda boring. You’re just lying on the hospital bed waiting for the foods to be served, watching any shows in the TV, being checked and injected with meds by the nurses and doctors, and being asked by them if how many times did you poop, pee, drink water & fart (which I all found hard to answer because I did not count).

And also because I am grateful. Actually, I am so grateful to everyone. This is the only way I can thank all of you for your care and concern.

THANK YOU

First, to all those who sent a message of encouragement, well wishes and prayers via Facebook, Instagram, Viber, Call and Text from all over the world. Naka boost siya og courage para makuhaan ang kakulba. Many to mention kaayo! Hehe.

Diri sad nako na proved nga laagan jud ko. Kay daghan jud nag message nga “paayo na kay ang laag”. Hahaha. Lagi oi. Daghan jud unta naghulat. Pero, they can all wait. Haha.

Thanks also to these kiddos, my happy pill.

Second, to all those who kept on checking and monitoring if naunsa nako. Nangumusta if naunsa ang operation and if okay na ko. Di nalang nako i-mention inyoang names. But, you know who you are. 🙂

Third, to all those who spent time to visit bisan layo kaayo ug nangdalikyat lang sa lunch break. Ang uban, naay mga lakaw or walay tulog kay gikan work. Bern, April, Ante Juana, Lovely, Mam Mae, Che, Tolits, Pao, Jack, Kevin, Sir Arvie, Sir Neil, Justine, Justin, Jay, Mai, Jen, Jove, Mam Ging, Irene, Maldita. Salamat.

Fourth, to all my family, friends and friends that became family – Lenares Clan, Calimpon Familia, The Jerusalems, Fujitsu VMBU Familia, and Tropang Laagan.

Fifth, kang Mama ug Ate nga kauban nako since Sunday ug way tarung tulog kay sigeg atiman nako ug sigeg assist labi na mag CR and lisod ibangon or higda, kang Coleen nga nibantay pag Sunday ug nilami jud ang rasyon tungod sa complain nimo 😂, kang Ante Clara & Uncle Dodo nga maoy nag uban namo ug ni Mama ug naghatod foods, kang Uncle Romy na sigeg monitor even before ko naadmit, kang Ante Bibing, Uncle Joe, Ante Fe ug Kenn sa help, kang Uncle Jepur ug Papa Panyong para sa foods, sa three Musketeers (Toj, Chinkee, Tatay) nga everyday nagbantay.

First two photos: mura jud og namili sa grocery.

Third photo: inana jud na sila kagutom nagbantay sa akoa. Haha!

Sixth, to Cebu Doctor University Hospital nurses especially sa assigned nurse nako, Nurse Station IV-A nurses, Operating Room & Recovery Room nurses, resident doctors and interns, housekeeping, dietician dept. ug kang Sister. Daghan kaayo musulod sa room everyday to check sa vital signs pati ang pee, poo & fart, maghatag meds, mangumusta ug bisan nindot ang tulog muanha na sila, mamukaw kay ting meds na. Thank you.

Seventh, thanks to my doctors and their teams nga always sad naga check and monitor sa akoa. Dr. Pek Eng Lim (Internal Medicine), Dr. Don Edward Rosello (Laparoscopy Surgeon), and Dr. Stephen Aldrich Alsay (Anesthesiologist). I have the best doctors, indeed.

Eight and last, my biggest thanks to God. Since July 24 to August 7 (before my operation), di jud ko 100% ready and gikulbaan ko. But, I lift everything to God. I have a stronger and bigger God so I know wala koy dapat iworry. After the operation, I really said out loud “Thank you, Lord”. And even I was in the recovery room, I kept on thanking Him. Everything was successful and safe because He was there with me.

Again, THANK YOU TO EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU!

Room 435 now signing off.