Faith over Fear

Covid-19 happened and for the past 2 years, the normal suddenly become something else. We were not spared from this pandemic. To those who are asking - Yes, we have been infected and here are my thoughts for the past few days.  I am sharing this with you and  I hope somehow it will help you with responding to difficult situations.

When we decided to cross the border even after the non-essential travel advise, we knew the risks and we just prayed for God’s protection especially from the Covid-19 new variant Omicron.  Then a few days before we were supposed to return to Canada, we all got infected with Covid-19 despite being vaxxed and following the protocols. You are probably wondering how I reacted to the news received that we were Covid positive.  Surprisingly, I was calm.  I could have allowed the enemy to rob me of God’s peace and joy and replace it with fear, anxiety, anger, complains and questions as to why even with constant prayers, we still got sick.  But one thing I learned or still learning to do when my brain begins to have anxious thoughts trying to gain a foothold in my mind, I shift my focus.  Whatever I’m facing, whatever uncertainty, whatever problems threatening my well-being and my loved ones, I remind myself that I am not alone, that I don’t have to have everything figured out, that Someone will help me and lead me – I focus on being still and know and believe that God is God.  I have my protector, my provider, my friend and my Savior Jesus Christ.  This is the truth that I go back to.  Situations sometimes painful, arise for a reason. These situations reveal some truth that deep inside, you will realize that you have GOD to seek, to pray, to pour out your cares to and in doing so, you are assured that He is there. He will guide you, give you the right people and resources to solve your problems.  As I pray and read His words, it is comforting to know that the powerful and loving God wants to be close to me.  When bad things happen, I call on Him, depend on Him, surrender to Him and let Him be God – the One in control.  I feel His comfort and His love, the bible stories of faith and miracles remind me that it can also happen to me and yes, to you as well.  He will provide answers, He will lead us to where He wants us to go.  He will reveal to us that even if the situation is too big for us, He is bigger.  Our God can do immeasurably more than what we ask or imagine. Believe - have faith not fear.  He promised us that He will never leave us nor forsake us even in these Covid times.  He will heal and restore us.  Even if we reach the moment of facing death, we know we will be in His hands and in His Kingdom.  No matter what happens, God loves us and wants us to come to Him.  Let us come and cling to God. We believe that we will all be healed, in Jesus’ powerful name. Amen.

Giving Thanks in Everything

Dadilo is celebrating his birthday today but he is sick, bedridden and in the hospital for quite some time. Mama passed away early this year and I heard an unexpected news that I couldn't accept because I thought it was all set and laid out perfectly for me.  This has impacted the plans I've made for the financial difficulties we've had with Mama's and Dadilo's health conditions. 


1 Thessalonians 5:18 "In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."  I know what Paul is saying, but I am not sure how I can possibly do this.  Maybe if it said, "In good things give thanks."  I'd know exactly why we should obey this command because it makes perfect sense. But when we consider the phrase "in everything", we begin to question whether all -encompassing gratitude is even possible.


Life includes many painful experiences - loss of loved ones, financial downturns, illnesses, natural disasters, accidents, and broken relationships are just some of the possibilities.  How in the world are we supposed to thank God in the midst of all these?


It's in the whole counsel of His Words that we learn to know who He is and what He does. Then we'll understand why we should be grateful and how we can give thanks in everything, even those that don't seem worthy of gratitude at all. We don't have to  look around at our circumstances and think that we are helpless victims of fate or evil. Every event and situation that comes our way has first passed through the hands of the loving heavenly Father. Although we may not understand what He is doing, we can find peace in knowing that He is in control.


Gratitude is not dependent upon good circumstances but is based on our confidence and trust in the Lord and His promises. It's the evidence of submission to Him and dependence upon Him, and the result is peace that transcends comprehension, a relationship with Christ that is steady and unwavering, and a powerful witness that influences those around us.


If you are a child of God through faith in Jesus, He is with you in whatever situation you are facing today.  Although you may not be able to see the good He's working at the moment, can you trust that He is?  The most priceless good He brings comes in eternity; therefore, our greatest gratitude in every situation is for the salvation of our souls.  After we've received His temporal benefits, unimaginable blessings await us in heaven, let's be faithful and thank Him today. God will use your witness of gratitude in everything to touch the lives of those around you who are struggling with hardships, loss or pain.


Thank you Lord for Dadilo's life, for our families and lives filled with blessings, struggles and hope.

Hi-tech but slow

I was sick and was home for 2 days (had the time to update this blog hehe). The first day was terrible, I was just bedridden, couldn't eat or else I'll vomit. My legs are wobbly and couldn't walk and my back hurts big time. So today, Lito and I went to the family doctor near Sherway Gardens. His sore throat is getting worse too so we spent 4 hours at the clinic. Yes 4 hours, it's like going to work halfday. Anyway, I wanted to describe how is it going to the doctor here compared with what we were used to. The clinic we went to is a walk-in clinic so even if you don't have an appointment, they will see you. Remember the comment I had when we wanted to have our family picture taken 2 years ago, everything here needs an appointment but this is an exception. Upon entering, you will see a kiosk where you will swipe your OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Program) card and you will need to confirm your address and contact number, also give your email address because later you need to specify how you wanted to be contacted. There's also a checklist there for allergies to medicines and why you wanted to see a doctor, if you knew. My symptoms reveal a UTI but I didn't put that in. All these are done on a touch screen, tap method. Even the seniors do it. There are only 2 nurses there, but they spent most of their time inside assisting the doctors and lab specialist. I remember the last thing that I saw on my screen before completing the information gathering is "You are patient no. 5 and the current wait time is 20 minutes". The information we entered in the kiosk is now reflected on their system, on the nurse desk and in the Tablet computer that they use to enter the symptoms information during the interview. This is also where they put all the vital signs that they usually get in each check up. The medical history, the prescription and lab requirements were also entered there. No paperwork, promise. Only the prescription was printed for me to show to the Pharmacist.

While waiting, I feel like urinating so I asked for a container and they gave me a sealed one. Once inside, the nurse did the urinalysis herself. I didn't have to go to another lab to bring my urine to wait for another 30 minutes. I remember that ordeal while doing the pre-natal check ups with my 3 kids. It was really hi-tech, as in..she just put in a strip. I checked on the label and it was called SIEMENS Multistix Reagent strips for urinalysis. There was a color guide in the bottle which says what the condition of my urine is. Well, based on what I saw, mine revealed, high protein, high glucose and blood stains whatever that means hahaha. I wonder where would the medical technologists be working when this is available in the Phillipines.

I was required to do an ultrasound to check on kidney stones or something so I waited again but it's a relief when I went inside the Ultrasound room, it's like a Spa, so relaxing, even the bed was so comfortable, the lights are low and even the liquid gel that they put on was warm. But since I was already there for 2 hours and I urinated, nothing can be seen on my bladder, it was empty. I was advised to drink water and come back after 30 minutes because he has more patients already lined up. It's a good thing. Lito was already done and needed to take the medication immediately but we didn't have a proper breakfast so we headed to nearby Mcdonald's to fill my bladder and our stomachs.

When I returned, I didn't wait long and so I didn't really had an issue with my kidneys but they still gave me antibiotics for the UTI, they call it bladder infection, but I'm not sure which is which, hahaha. Anyway, the doctor reminded me about the results of my previous visit because they got the X-ray report. It was confirmed that I have a Mild Scoliosis (sakit ito ng mga magaganda remember Lorna T and ZsaZsa P? LOL) and Osteo Sclerosis, the opposite of Osteoporosis where my bones were hardening, thickening due to osteitis condensas illi. The doctor advised me to do some research on this. This is new to me because in the Philippines, no one told me to do something like this. My guess is the physicians here wanted their patients to be educated on their sickness to help them in curing it. Nothing to be alarmed but it can be cured with Physiotheraphy and meds when the pain strikes again.

I was just amazed at how hi-tech my doctor's visit is today but I got tired at waiting. I wondered if it's because they only have one doctor or there were too many patients they were attending to. I know that the expensive Hospitals like Asian, St. Lukes, Makati Med and Medical City in the Philippines may already have these facilities but only those who can afford can experience where here, only the OHIP was required, they didn't even have to look for my other insurance from my employer. I really feel blessed I am here in Canada where healthcare is a priority.

Magic Splint

I haven't blogged for a while. Thanks to my wrist splint, which prevented me from typing too much. But my CTS is almost gone, I'm done with the therapy and according to my Rehab Doctor, I need to wear the splint for 2 more weeks and after that, as needed or if there is pain. Magic!

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)

CTS or Carpal tunnel syndrome frequently associates with computer users like me. It has become popular with the advent of internet and hand-held devices like PSP and mobile phones. CTS as defined on the net results from repetitive motion or the use of devices like computer keyboards. It affects the median nerve, the nerve that supplies feeling and movement to the thumb and "thumb-side" of the hand. I was diagnosed with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome a few years back, but I returned to Rehab just last year to ease the pain around my right wrist.

I went through Electromyography, or EMG which involves testing the electrical activity of muscles. During EMG, small pins or needles are inserted into muscles to measure electrical activity. The needles are different than needles used for injection of medications. They are small and solid, not hollow like hypodermic needles. Because no medication is injected, discomfort is much less than with shots. With nerve conduction studies, small electrodes were taped to my skin or placed around my fingers. I experienced a mild and brief tingling or shock, sometimes unpleasant. The results revealed mild CTS and can be treated with Physical Theraphy rehabilitation.

After going through 12 sessions treatment, my cts progressed. I was even given a clearance before I went to the US. Now, after giving birth and carrying my 3rd son which is over 6 kilos now, I experience wrist pains again. I went to my rehab doctor and she recommended wearing a wrist splint aside from the regular PT treatment. A wrist split relieve symptoms that can occur from overuse of the hand and wrist. Here's what I'll be wearing:

I hope I get well soon or this gets worse and I might undergo surgery.

Episodic Asthma

My firstborn Aloysius was diagnosed with Episodic Asthma. He was coughing on and off for 2 months now and usually the dry cough attacks after he plays hard or have been jumping or running around which is part of their daily activities at home. He and Kyle was diagnosed with Upper Respiratory Tract Inspection (URTI) two weeks ago, Kyle got well but Miggy’s coughing doesn’t improve despite the medication he took. It was Wendy’s suggestion to bring him to a Pedia-Pulmonologist and so we went to see one last Saturday.

After finding out about Aloysius having asthma, I searched the internet and here are some information worth reading: Asthma is common in childhood—approximately 1 in 5 children will suffer from symptoms of asthma at some time. About 50% of children with asthma have onset of their symptoms in the first 3years, and about 80% will have developed their asthma by 7 years of age. Asthma in the pre-school age occurs most
commonly with viral respiratory tract infections, such as the common cold, and in
many children symptoms occur only with these viral infections.

DIAGNOSIS
Symptoms which should suggest the possibility of asthma include:
• episodes of cough and/or wheeze (whistling sound) associated with colds
• persistent night-time cough during and/or between colds
• breathlessness, cough and/or wheeze with exercise or excitement

WHAT IS ASTHMA?
Asthma can best be described as a condition in which the airways (breathing tubes) are more sensitive than normal and tend to narrow in response to certain triggers.
This narrowing is due to:
• swelling of the lining of the airway
• increased mucus in the airway
• “bronchospasm” (contraction of the muscle layer surrounding the airway)
This narrowing leads to the symptoms of asthma, cough if the narrowing is mild, wheeze if the narrowing is moderate and breathlessness and breathing difficulty if the narrowing is severe. Triggers which can produce this narrowing include viral infections, exercise allergens (e.g. house dust
mite) weather change and various irritants (e.g.
cigarette smoke). This also meant removal of all our carpets and hairy stuffed toys.. Bye Pampa….Kyle was crying hard and got angry with me as I keep his toys in the cabinet.

ASTHMA SEVERITY
Although asthma is common in the pre-school age group, the majority of children have a mild form of the disease. Asthma may be divided into the following forms:
1. Mild episodic asthma—this form occurs in about 75% of children, with episodes occurring only with colds and less than every 2 months. Some children may only have 2-3 episodes in their lifetime.
2. Frequent episodic asthma—this form occurs in about 20% of children. The episodes occur every 6-8 weeks or even more frequently and sometimes there are some mild symptoms such as night-time cough or exercise cough/wheeze between episodes.
3. Chronic asthma—this form occurs in less than 5% of children. These children have daily symptoms of cough and/or wheeze, often at night or on wakening and also with exercise. They also may have acute episodes of wheezing with other triggers.

Children with mild episodic asthma may only require relieving medications during the acute episodes of cough/wheeze. Children with frequent episodic asthma and chronic asthma should have regular preventive therapy as well as using relieving medications for treatment of symptoms.

I’m not sure if Aloysius’ asthma belong to the Mild or Frequent episodic type. He is still under the 10-day treatment/observation stage.

Stressfull Day!

Today, my yaya decided to say goodbye without a replacement. She and nanay had a fight over something too insignificant. I was too upset but didn’t say a word or expressed my feelings. The kids and I just decided to go to my mom’s place that very moment while they were still in the middle of the fight. I was disappointed because yaya is a very reliable help and I know she loved my children. Anyway, when I went to the OB later, I found out that my glucose is now ok but my blood pressure is high. I’m thankful that I already let go of the visa anxieties, I only have a handful to make me stressed. Haay!

Sick again!

I was diagnosed with UTI from my last pre-natal check up. Against my will, I took antibiotics prescribed by my OB. Today, I took it on an empty stomach (just drink milk) and after eating breakfast (late na kasi) my stomach ached and I threw up all my food intake. I had to rest for a while to find out if I’ll be ok but at lunch I decided to go to my OB and report for work. After office, I wnt to my mom’s house for mother’s healing food / hilot / massage..I always go to her (you know mother’s care) for healing and comfort and I had to stay overnight because I overslept. My kids will definitely ask for me so I called them up and made bilins.

Painful!

I had to take a leave today because I felt so much pain in my stomach and numbness in my right leg. I went to Healthway and I was checked by a family doctor and 2 specialists and went through laboratory tests (which I paid for because our HMO doesn’t cover lab expenses – Kainis!). I was there for the whole day and it was ruled out that I may have an Inguinal Hernia (from recent child delivery, constipation and lifting heavy Kyle) and it was suggested that I undergo surgery. I was scheduled for the Surgeon but I forego because it was too much. I can’t imagine myself being hospitalized again, and surgery? I was thankful because I didn’t undergo CS with Kyle then and here I am now contemplating on surgery…the thought is making me nervous. I’m considering second opinion and will pray harder. I hope that this pain fades away and God heals me completely.

Weather is making my babies sick

It’s too cold nowadays. Imagine 21 degrees Celsius in Manila and 10 degrees Celsius in Baguio. We had to sleep with another layer of warm clothes on and without electric fan.

Aloysius has caught colds and flu since last week and taking antibiotics now and Achilles is sneezing and about to start a cold. I’m going berserk each time my babies got sick. If necessary, we had to take a leave just to take them to the doctor, then we had to spent hundreds or even thousands of pesos for the medicine and doctors professional fees. Money may not be too much of a problem because we are blessed with jobs and cup is refillable when empty. What’s worse is when you see or hear your baby cry and you are clueless because he can’t tell what’s hurting, or you do not see them in their usual active mode because they feel weak. Have you ever gone back to your workplace without feeling worried? or have you not tried calling the house a couple of times a day just to make sure that the kids are well, has taken the meds, or has eaten or slept well?

I remember the time when Aloysius was hospitalized because of Gastroentiritis (diarrhea and vomiting) and he had to be confined. He was only 2 years old then and the thought of needles in his tiny hands for the dextrose almost killed me. I had to go to the comfort room and cry there so that he would not see me crying so he too would not cry when the needles for the dextrose will be inserted. Most moms would exchange anything for the pain that the child feels when this happens especially when the nurses could not find the vein. (I almost punched the nurse if she did not find the vein on the third try)

Tomorrow Aloysius will be checked if he has Primary Complex. Whatever the result is, I trust that God will heal him and refill our cup as He has always been faithfully doing. At the end of the day, we realize that when we are weak and sick, God is there to supply our strength and healing. Thank you Lord.