My Walk to Wellness ~ Part 3

Put your heart, mind, intellect and soul even to your smallest acts. This is the secret of success. ~Swami Sivananda

It's been more than a week today since I had my first procedure in a 3-step treatment for my ostheo-arthritis which has been causing me tremendous pain, discomfort, and inconvenience for almost two years. The relief that I've been experiencing the past several days has been overwhelming and dramatic. Consulting Dr. Isagani Leal, Director for the Center for Musculoskeletal Science-Asia (CMS-Asia) has been a pleasant and encouraging ride! He came highly recommended by a friend whose husband was a patient of the good doctor. His website (http://www.cms-asia.net/) describes how patients with my condition are treated and that gave me a whole lot of hope even before I went for my appointment. I am averse to hospitals and anything that closely resembles a medical facility. My experience so far, has been far from pleasant. Unfortunately, ineptitude and apathy seem to be the general norm in these places. Sounds unfair but I'm sure a lot of people would agree with me. But ever since I started going to CMS-Asia for procedures and therapy this past week, I am beginning to be hopeful for the medical care industry. Located along West Avenue in Quezon City (Philippines), CMS-Asia is at the 2nd floor of Hollywood Square; it's facade is unassuming and does not give one the idea of the state-of-the-art medical equipment and relaxing therapy rooms that it houses. Dr. Leal obviously understands what medical CARE means and this understanding reverberates in his facility and most importantly, in his staff. His humble demeanor and warm personality dispel any anxieties that a patient may have.

Flanked by two Isaganis - one is the love of my life; the other one has allowed me to live life pain-free! As you enter, you are warmly greeted by receptionists Raiza and Steph. Raiza answers calls and handles accounts while Steph attends to schedules and facilitates appointments. They're probably the Center's self-appointed cheer squad as you hear "good-lucks" and "congrats" and "ingats" from them as you go to have a procedure or leave after one.

And then there's Dr. Leal's right-hand - Dr. Eric Yraola. In charge with diagnostics and initial queries, Dr. Eric is young and amiable. Conscious of discomfort or pain which injections may cause, he tries to distract you by engaging you in a conversation about a topic totally unrelated to your condition. Any report of pain or unexpected discomfort is attended to or reported to Dr. Leal immediately, for his attention. Dr. Eric, I understand, is being trained as Dr. Leal's understudy for the procedures at CMS-Asia.

My procedures for my condition require that I undergo therapy as my leg muscles have started to tighten and atrophy for lack of use. Hot packs, acupuncture with kuryente and stretching are administered on me very ably and skillfully by the rehab/OR-nurse, Christian and the Center's acupuncturist/nurse Myka. Both are friendly and their bedside manners are yet to be matched by a lot of older, more seasoned medical professionals (as far as my experience goes). Each step is done with care and concern, no short-cuts, always with reminders and cautions. Despite the daily routine (my therapy has to go on for 2 weeks), each act would always be accompanied with the usual explanation or warning, never presuming that the patient has already understood the steps and procedures. Due to the number of patients that they attend to every day, they sometimes handle up to 3 patients at a time but each patient experiences the same quality of treatment and service as the next one.

Christian, as he recounted to me, was a former patient at CMS. A slip-disc and a bike accident required that he undergo therapy. When his Mom asked Dr. Leal if Christian could continue with his duties, Dr. Leal offered him a traineeship at the Center. Eventually, he became a regular staff at CMS-Asia. Cheerful and a natural encourager, Christian obviously loves what he does and is good at it! I am fortunate that the road to my recovery has been relatively flat and with very little road blocks. I am grateful to my family and friends who have unfailingly taken care of me and looked out for my welfare. I must say, though, that Dr. Leal and his team have made my walk to wellness really a breeze, so to speak. Their warm reception, caring attention and encouraging manner have definitely helped me heal and recover faster than expected. Thank you, CMS-Asia!

My Walk to Wellness - Part 2

In July of last year, when my condition became unbearable, I decided to consult an orthopedic doctor. He had my knees X-rayed and showed me that there was very little cartilage left. He then told me to lose weight. "Kahit 5 pounds lang, malaking bagay na yan." Of course, I knew that if my weight was a major consideration to alleviate the pain, I ought to be losing about 30-40 lbs! He prescribed Glucosamine and pain killers (Celebrex!) - both to be taken for a month. I took the vitamin but took Celebrex for less than a week. Af far as that went, I knew that it was a bad deal. Naturally, the relief was temporary. Now I know that that going to that doctor was a mistake as Ostheo-arthritis ought to be checked and treated by a Rheumatologist. Thinking about it now, he ought to have been more responsible by referring me to one! I did not go back for a follow-up check-up as I felt that he was not effective, based on his prescriptions. He did not even bother to call me up and asked how I was doing after a month. Well, for that matter, I guess a LOT of doctors don't care and would just wait for the patient to go back to them. After some time, I consulted a rheumatologist who told me the same thing - lose considerable weight! I then tried to seek relief from a friend who is into Beam-Ray treatment. He told me that it merely got rid of whatever bacteria and germs that were affecting my condition. He advised me to check my diet and intake and told me to take various vitamins. I have lost almost 20 pounds since last year, still no relief. It couldn't be the weight! And then the seemingly impossible happened! I had the chance to meet again the friend of a friend two weeks ago. One look at me and she was insistent that I should see her husband's doctor. I looked up Dr. Isagani Leal, the only musculoskeletal doctor in the Philippines. His website claims that with the proper procedure, Ostheo-arthritis may be reversed, depending on certain conditions - extent of the knee condition, age, health and others. I got an appointment one week after I called up the Center for Musculoskeletal-Asia or CMS.(www.cms-asia,net) Meeting Dr. Leal was something else. Knowing that he's the ONLY one in the country who can do the procedures, I expected some high-brow doctor, distant, perfunctory. To my pleasant surprise, he's a fellow Mindanaoan (from Kidapawan, Cotabato), speaks Visayan, is humble and light-hearted and very skilled. His demeanor toward patients is one that all patients expect of their doctors. This good nature and great service are radiated in the CMS staff who are courteous, friendly, encouraging and just looked happy to be doing what they were doing. He explained my condition and the treatment that I would need thoroughly. I was excited, until I learned how much it would cost! The amount was something that one prepares for, not forks out readily - well, at least in my case. I was ready to go home and schedule it some other time when I shall have put together my resources. But, as the saying goes - when God puts you through it, He sees you through it! God indeed sends us angels and they're called FRIENDS! Yesterday, I had the good fortune of undergoing the first of three steps of the treatment that I need to take. I had my right knee treated first as it had more damage than the left. After 2 hours in the OR (minor procedure, local anesthesia), I was able to flex my knee without experiencing pain. Of course, it could be due to the anesthesia. I was told to expect the anesthesia to wear off in an hour. I tried to flex my knee again after an hour and yes, the pain was indeed gone! I am at present recuperating and allowing the healing to continue. No walking yet and putting undue pressure on the knee. I move around with a walker and "swing" to get from one point to another. The next step will be done on Monday, then leg therapy to address my leg muscles that have started to atrophy. The third step is due two weeks from now. I am very hopeful about this whole thing as Dr. Leal assured me that I should be walking painlessly by next week, even before the main treatment! Well, at least with the right leg. I still have not gotten over the painless feeling. I guess my brain is still wired to expect pain every time I move my leg. To say thank you to friends who have helped me get this treatment, to my family for supporting and encouraging me and to Dr. Leal, somehow does not seem enough. All I know is that this is a second lease at living life fully and that my eternal gratitude to the Lord and to all those who stood by me and accepted my condition and rallied behind me, should be manifested in what I do and how I do them. To be less than what I should be would make me the biggest ingrate there was! To God be all praise and glory!

My Walk to Wellness (Part 1)

"In order to change we must be sick and tired of being sick and tired." ~ Author Unknown

For almost two years now, my mobility has been hampered by Ostheo-arthritis. Unfortunately, genetic pre-disposition could be the cause of this early onset as this is a common ailment among the elderly. My doctor said I have the knees of an old woman! Simple activities such as walking, standing, going up and down stairs, getting up from or sitting on a chair require too much effort and take longer than usual. I do not mind so much the length of time involved as much as the pain that I experience every time I move my knees. Even shifting my position while lying down would be very painful and uncomfortable. It's very humbling - I am dependent on my family and other people to assist me with the simplest of things and it frustrates me no end. It's embarrassing - I'm too young to have this condition and people can be rude by staring at me when I walk with an awkward gait or am pushed around in a wheelchair. It's very limiting - I can't go to certain places where there are no facilities for the disabled like wheelchair, elevator, lifter or ramp. It's frustrating - I can't do the things that I love or need to do. Cooking would be torture as I could not last 5 minutes without needing to sit down. I am a trainer and it annoys me to have to lecture sitting down. (I am thankful for the skill to sustain my audience's interest despite this condition!). There's still so much that I want to do but somehow, this ailment would discourage me from pursuing my plans. I've consulted doctors and underwent treatment, to no avail. I've taken all the vitamins that the doctor would say I need and tried to lose weight to somehow ease the pressure on my knees but....I must admit that there were times when I'd cry in desperation and frustration and succumb to spells of self-pity but I would always try to bounce back so as not to fall into the trap of accepting what I thought would be my fate. There are options out there that claim to be able to relieve me of my pain but most entail costs and could have adverse effects. These would make me all the more frustrated. I have entertained the thought of how to adapt to a life in a wheelchair. It would be the easiest, cheapest albeit the most painful (literally and figuratively) option. All this time, I would have my ever-supportive husband Gani encourage me to believe that help is on the way, that God will make a way and that I will get better. Most times I believe him, but there have been times that I felt resigned to the situation that I'm in. I am embarrassed for him as I think he's too young to be saddled with a wife who moves about like a very old woman. The wedding vow - in sickness and in health, could never be more apt as I experience Gani's care and concern. But as in all things, there is an end to everything, including my pain.

My Tapok Family

The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other's life. Richard Bach

In my own family, there's just my husband Gani and my daughter Anna and there's me. Just the 3 of us. Most people, and even we sometimes, feel that there ought to be more of us. God does provide and in our case He not only added one member to our family - He more than quadrupled it! I do not mean to disregard my immediate family and that of Gani's (brothers and sisters and their families. But God has blessed us with having an extended family of about 50 people! Our extended family is made up of about 13 families. We go a long way back, about 10 years now. I guess the one thing that bonded us was our common activity - mass service. This, and that one fun practice that we never failed to do - potluck lunches after every Sunday mass. We'd gather at the Libot residence (more often than not) and bring whatever we prepared for lunch and spend the rest of the afternoon talking about life in general. The moms would gather in the dining area while the dads stayed outside. The kids had their own group - there were the teen-agers, the tweens and the grade-schoolers. At times, these lunches would extend until the evening when we'd all go back to our houses and get more food and go back to the same venue for dinner. We would plan our vacations but would take care to mind the mass service. There were times whe we would forego vacations or take short ones because our absence meant that the mass would be "mingaw" - no songs, no servers. These get-togethers (tapok) filled with fun, laughter and food - kept us close. We evolved and became the TAPOK FAMILY.

Our kids grew up together and experienced life changes together - from teeth gaps, menstruation, bras, and circumcisions to debuts, graduations and relationships. Birthdays, anniversaries and other life milestones are celebrated together. We've gained (a lot!) and shed pounds (just some). Our husbands' thinning hair proves our long-time friendship. We've stood as baptismal or confirmation sponsors to each other's kids and we've cheered our kids in their accomplishments and rallied for support when they needed it. We'd laugh and cry over joyful and sad stories and we still pray together; maybe that's why we've stayed together.

We know each other's love stories and pet-peeves. We've memorized our jokes and antics. Our bloopers and anecdotes would be retold countless times and would elicit the same response as the last time. When one leaves for some place, others would be informed of the absence for car pooling or emergency response. We'd exchange parenting and cooking tips and would go on ukay-ukay sprees or scout for antiques and quaint household stuff that would make for nice conversation pieces.

We all call each other Tita or Tito or just plain Tits! The Titas in particular are known for something or other. Tita Gina Libot is the Hermana Mayor, responsible for whatever needs there would be for the masses; she was also the perennial host of the Tapoks. Tita Alma Salih whips up special Mediterranean dishes and "refreshing" and delectable dishes - couscous and fresh green salad with feta & olives or appetizers of fruit and cheese (just not the very "aromatic" raclette!). For nifty designs of printed materials, we depend on Tita Isel Makapugay, who is just as nifty in the kitchen where she makes yummy tapioca, strawberry soup or juicy steaks. Tita Chari Lada is our Martha Stewart, whose home looks like a page in Better Homes and Gardens; she is a good cook, as well. Tita Noemi Casino is the gracious host, efficient organizer and kitchen diva!

We could always expect fresh fruits and healthy dishes from Tita Leni Bacolot (we also hope to have her figure!). Tita Judith Amik is a great "joke supporter" and always appreciates your cooking by asking for the recipe and trying them out. Tita Darlene Limbo is known for her fashion and style and will not hesitate to serve lechon for the simplest of reasons for a get-together. When we need medical attention or advice, Tita Doc (Rosette Cabrera) is only a text away; she does house calls for the Tapok and updates us of our children's vaccine schedules. Of course, there's Tita Edna Puertas and her breads and pastries. And for comic relief, there's always Tita Marlene to bank on. Tita Ginny Aspera is known for her piano skills and Tita Eloy Mongcal cooks yummy Kare-Kare or can infect you with her laughter. And there's one Tita that never fails to clarify almost anything ~ Tita Jing Capitan and her "Alin? Alin?" or "Ano daw?" ensure that everyone knows exactly what is being talked about! Me? Well, I'm known as Ms. Nette, ever the teacher, reminding kids to behave at mass, or to play outside instead of PSP, and telling the Titos off, every time an off-color joke is told. We do not always agree on all things and have agreed to disagree on certain issues. We try to respect each other's opinion and keep the peace.

Some of the Tapok members have relocated since. The Pabayos, Ladas, and the Carranzas have relocated outside CDO. In 2010, when my Dad passed away, we had to leave the subdivision to transfer to a bigger house so my Mom could stay with us. Since then, our get-togethers have been few and far-between. We miss the frequent and regular tapok with our extended family but we continue to keep in touch. We may no longer serve at mass or come together at a moment's notice for beer and nuts or for the Sunday lunches but we continue to update each other, albeit not as regular as before. Our Tapok Family has grown bigger since 10 years ago - the kids are no longer kids as they have grown older and bigger. We exlaim how much taller the boys have become or how the girls have become ladies, now with their own special guys.

In the past, we'd talk about how to handle teen-agers, kids' health problems, school work and the simpler concerns in life. Nowadays, we share our physical pains as our bodies adapt to our ages and exchange observations of mood changes in our husbands. We're starting to talk about how to support our grown children in their careers and guide them in job hunting. And much later (and we all hope that it would be much, much later!), we would be exchanging tips on how to plan for our chidren's weddings and family life. I feel very blessed to have the Tapok Family. They are my brothers and sisters and children; they have made me appreciate and value my family even more. And I pray that when our children shall have their own families, they, too, will continue this tradition of the Tapok and gather together as a family.

God bless the Tapok!

The School of Life Awaits...

What can I say, my dearest, Anna?

In a few days, you will be walking down Xavier University’s main lane in your cap and gown, proud of your accomplishment and happy in the knowledge that Dad and I will be rooting for you as you bask in your one-minute of fame on stage while you receive your diploma from the University President.

I remember the first time we brought you to your first day in Kindergarten at Rosevale School. It was to become a tradition for us to always bring you to school on the first day of classes of every school year and semester. We did it when you went to prep school, and then again every school year while you were in grade school, high school and even when you went on to college.

You have gone through three commencement exercises and each time was a happy occasion. I’m sure this one will not be any different. If anything, it’s going to be an even more awesome event in our lives! After all, it’s never going to be repeated!

Are you ready for the world, baby? I must admit that I am anxious if you are or if the world will be kind to you because it usually isn’t. It will not always be rosy. But then as your Lolo (my Daddy) would always tell us while we were growing up – Life is what you make it! Happiness or the lack of it is a matter of choice. You will be what you want to be.

Dream big, langga….. imagine and believe! You become a better person when you see more places and meet more people. The world becomes kinder in a way, after you understand the way other people think and feel.

Be kind to yourself. You’re just 19! You are bound to commit mistakes. Learn from them. Learn from others as well.

Be positive! You are your father’s daughter in this respect and I thank God for that! The sun always comes out after the rain! Life’s downpours may last for some time but it will stop. Always expect the sun.

Stay safe. Be extra careful and cautious. There are a lot of people out there who will not hesitate to hurt others. Take care always.

Don’t stop learning. Life is an enormous, infinite repository of information. Develop yourself as a person and as a professional.

Let the Magis in you come out! You are more than what you think you are. You will always have a bit (?) of Dad and me in you woven so intricately with who you are. Offer your best!

Love life! Life offers countless opportunities. But don’t forget what I always tell you – whatever you do (good or bad) does not just affect you; it affects everyone around you as well.

Love, respect, be kind and generous. At the end of the day, it’s not what you know that matters. It’s how you have made somebody else’s life better by loving with an encouraging word, a kind gesture, a respectful stance and a generous heart.

Pray. It’s your only lifeline. Value how you were brought up. Consider our rites and ceremonies, beliefs and practices as sacred.

Never waver in your faith in God. He is your “everything,” every time, all the time!

Anna, you are our link to a time, which we won't be able to see. Dad and I may not be able to live all our dreams but that’s okay because we know you will do better.

Congratulations, my darling Anna Girl!

I love you! Always take care and God bless you!