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!