I first felt sick about a week ago. It all started with what I thought was a slight fever. I slept it off, thinking that I’d feel better when I woke up. I thought wrong. Not only did my fever stay, I also experienced pain all over my body and I also experienced chills. Good thing my mother and I just stayed at home that day so I asked her for some paracetamol and body pain reliever. I could barely sleep that night.
The next day, my mother and I did the next best thing we could think of — (Now don’t judge us. We’ve been doing this all our lives and well, let’s just say that we’re really not fond of doctors and hospitals) we called for our regular “manghihilot” (a person who practices the ancient art of healing by using long, deep strokes as well as stretching techniques). After the massage, I was able to sleep really well. I thought that was the end of it.
Unfortunately, the fever and the chills came back. My mother said I was already close to being delirious (because of the very high fever) and I constantly complained of body pain and headache. Then the vomiting episodes started. They were so bad (sorry) my mother and I knew that it was time to succumb.
After about 20 years, I got myself admitted to a hospital. Yep, it’s been THAT long.
I won’t even try to lie. I WAS SCARED LIKE HELL! Numerous thoughts ran across my mind. What will doctors find out? What if I had a life-threatening disease? What if my blood isn’t healthy? What if they didn’t have enough medicine supply? Can I afford the hospital fees? WHAT THE HELL IS THAT NURSE DOING WITH THAT HUGE NEEDLE?!
After crying like a banshee in the middle of the hospital room, I finally let the nurses get a blood sample from my right arm and stick another huge a** needle (for dextrose and IV antibiotics) on my left hand. I couldn’t remember anything else after that except that I was wheeled into a pleasantly-smelling room. That room became my home for the next 3 days.
Now that I’m home and feeling way much better, I would like to thank the Lord for His healing hand. Thank you God. Thank you to the nice and friendly nurses stationed at the 4th Floor of the Polymedic Medical Plaza, Kauswagan, Cagayan de Oro. You guys are awesome. Thank you to the guys who cleaned my room and served me food. Thank you also to Dr. Bacal, who, as I described in one of my Facebook posts, had a dashing 1,000-watt smile that made me feel at ease. Never mind if he told me I had to take antibiotics for the next 5 days – you could almost see a ray of light at the edge of his smile and a slight “ting!” whenever he flashes it (just like Johnny Bravo’s! :D) Thank you to all my friends who sent in messages of concern. Thank you very much to Senator Chiz Escudero. Thank you to everyone who prayed for my recovery. Special thanks to Chayo for her cheery smile and amazing assistance. Thank you for making my stay extra comfortable 😉
But most of all – I would like to thank my family. I love you Mama, Ben, Chevy and Bon. Thank you for taking care of me and for showing me just how important it is to have the love and support of your family.
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Mindanaoan is a multi-awarded blogger, content creator, seasoned social media strategist and publicist with undeniably successful track record. 2012 International Visitor Leadership Program (for global leaders) alumnus and O visa grantee (for people with extraordinary skills and who have risen to the top of their field). Avid traveler and a proud relief operations volunteer. Regular resource person for social media, blogging and content creation. Available for work and travel – [email protected]
