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!