Treading The Road to Recovery

The worst is over.

Nanay is now out of the ICU and has been transferred to a regular room where she could recuperate. I know it’s still a long way to go, but we are happy that the major obstacles have been cleared. Thank you all for the prayers. We appeal that you continue doing so until full recovery is pronounced.

Let me just share some of my thoughts as we stood guard at the hospital for news and instructions:

- despite the pillage that the Marcoses have done to this country, it cannot be denied that some of the projects they implemented turned out to be truly beneficial to Filipinos. The Heart, Kidney and Lung Centers were brilliant ideas that deserve our appreciation, particularly from those of us whose finances are hopelessly wanting. Because of these medical facilities, operations which could have been available only to the rich abroad have now become commonplace and quite accessible.

- we still have a bunch of qualified and humanitarian doctors around, who courageously stood their ground against the pull of the mighty dollar. We so far have met Drs. Tan and Quitiquit and were we so glad that they shaved off their much-daunted fees in order to save a life. To them and the rest of the medical team, I doff my hat in respect.

- the value of family and camaraderie among us Pinoys is still very much alive, despite the creeping apathy that modernity usually ushers in. I deeply appreciate the fact that there were those who entertained no second thoughts when asked to donate blood and those who were with us physically and through prayers, including fellow bloggers who only knew me through this page. Thank you folks!

- there is still much room for improvement in our health insurance system. We were lucky that I have one with my office which somehow absorbs a considerable portion of the expenses. But for those who would have to scour for every penny to spend, the prospects are just too scary. The PCSO, despite its much publicized support, can only cover so much. Where else to get the funds is one nerve-wracking challenge.

Here are some pictures I took (bawal actually) at the hospital.

Nanay before the operation. She asked for her grandchildren but the hospital guards would not allow all the kids to get in.

The waiting area for the patients' relatives.

After the operation, the patients are brought to the Recovery Room where they can be viewed by the anxious relatives.

The ICU.



And finally, the bill. It's just partial (and sans the professional fees), but enough to make one cry. :-)