Allow me to share with the readers of Filipina Images this article written by Bobong,  a Filipina friend of mine now living in Singapore. It is about her experiences and learnings in dealing with depression, sickness, and the possibility of acquiring the big “C.” Women are vulnerable healthwise so let us  learn from her and take care of our health. This way, we will be able to help more women become empowered Filipinas. Marikenya

“It has been more than 4 years that I have been suffering from painful monthly periods and other abnormal symptoms attached to endometriosis. My OB in the Philippines gave me 2 choices- go for pain relievers or a hysterectomy. I opted for pain relievers since I could still bear the pain even if the medication had minimal effect on me. Twice I was rushed to the emergency way back 1998 and 2000, and the doctors couldn’t determine the cause of my pain. My OB found 4 growths in my uterus in 2003 and suggested that I bear another child, to hopefully lessen the pain since 9 months of pregnancy means 9 months of no monthly period.

Then we had Sandra in 2004. But having a second child was not the solution to my problem. Pain became more severe and more abnormalities followed.

I still had my regular check ups with my OB in the Philippines whenever we were in town. The growths were getting bigger, the pain relievers were no longer effective, and heavy flow was a discomfort.

On our first attempt to get a second opinion from a MALE OB here in Singapore, I was told outright to go for a hysterectomy since the 7 (not just 4) growths in my uterus won’t get any better and the pain will be more severe if we don’t do something about it.

The findings - adenomyosis with tumor markers in the ovary. If the normal size of a uterus is that of a pear, mine is a watermelon with 7 lime-sized growths (the total weight of this whole mass taken out from me is 300gms).

Thank God that the biopsy done on my ovary showed that the cyst is benign. So, both my ovaries are still in tact.

Statistics show that 1 out of 3 women in the US have hysterectomy caused by endometriosis or adenomyosis, but mostly in women who are 60 and above.

We still lack the knowledge or proper information on prevention and early detection of women’s diseases  therefore most women will go through all the pain and the ultimate solution is a major operation. Women , particularly in the Philippines, are not well informed  on the importance of a regular papsmear, HPV test, cervical cancer vaccination, or regular transvaginal/ ultrasound,mammograms, since we would only see a doctor when we are  pregnant or feel some pain. Secondly, these procedures are quite costly.

The post-operation (first 24 hours) was really painful. I would say 3x painful than my caesarian. But I just kept praying and thanking the Lord that I am lucky that we are covered by a comprehensive insurance that we did not have to shell out a single cent. Edgar was with me the whole time, and so was my bestfriend Liza.

Well wishes and prayers from all of my family and friends gave me the strength I needed.

My UPAAS friends here in Singapore kept me company alternately for 3 nights and my room was filled with baskets of red flowers and fresh fruit.

The stroller Moms who visited me, brought food, made me laugh, gave me gas pains and brought  joy to my heart while I was still in pain

A visit from my sister Coralline, hubby Ricky and daughter Eya from Australia made the days before my operation less worry free for we were up and about going around the shopping malls

I look forward to more bonding with another good friend Agnes Lapena (my co-member in the Down Syndrome Association Phis.) who will keep me company for the next 9 days of my recuperation. She and her family are dear to us.

Lessons learned?

1.Get an insurance that will give you a full coverage. Ours is cashless, that we just had to show our insurance card. Thanks to Pearl Energy Limited for  giving this as one of Edgar’s privileges in the company he works for.

2. For female friends and relatives  - have your papsmear/hpv test and mammogram annually, include a transvaginal and ultrasound, CA125 blood test (to test tumor markers), don’t wait ‘til you feel the pain, it may be too late.

3. Save enough for your medical needs. Our health must not be neglected or our family and savings suffer.

4. Be a good person (ha ha) You will need all the kind words from the friends who are dear to you.

5. Open up to someone when you are in pain. It is difficult to be alone when you are not feeling well. Being in the company of those who love you uplifts your spirit. It also helps to talk to someone who went through the same procedure.

6. Keep praying for strength and for those who love you and trust the Lord that he will listen to your prayers.

7. Get ready for the next reunion of your family or friends or reunite with long lost friends, and bridge the gap with people you have had some misunderstandings with. Life is short.”

Bobong

(Read more articles by Marikenya at http://www.marikenya.com

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