ULOG DAY 38: "THREATENED WITH LUPUS"

These days, since Sunday, I am here in Manila for 10 days of stay because my sister has a medical test in St.Luke medical center for her US Visa and next week she will have an interview in the US embassy. I too have a checkup in Manila doctors for ANA test and EMG. Today, I got my result for ANA (Antinuclear Antibodies). This test finds out if I have rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, but everything is normal. I thought that I would pay big in this result because when I called the Polymedic Plaza in Cagayan de Oro, it is as expensive as 1800 pesos. I wasn't sure if I'll pick to undergo my tests in CDO, my questions will be answered so I made certain to come back to Manila instead. Before, I went to Philippine General Hospital, a hospital for the poor people because it has no payment when it comes to lab tests and if the patients are admitted to the hospital. However, the process to choose this free hospital is several and the employees are mean, especially the employees that schedule the patients. I remember that one employee who schedules an appointment, she was very mean especially when she knew I couldn't speak Tagalog. And then finally when I went to the doctor, the doctor just tested me the lab test I never wanted or the lab tests that were never in my purpose why I came in Manila, so I went back to the province and waited there for the result. The doctor adviced that I should come back to the hospital to get my tests, 'coz if they still cannot find out the reason of my illness, they will do another same test and I need to come back again after the 2 weeks waiting of the result. It was never easy to make a decision since I lived away from Manila, luckily, my friend helped me to get the test result on behalf of me.

These days, I am happy that I am finally here so I could undergo those tests finally. This process and purpose were shipwrecked many times 'coz I lost money. Tomorrow will be my EMG test. A while ago, I was worried I lost the slip where my doctor's recommendation to undergo in the lab in which my nerves will be monitored. I am nervous from now on. I don't wanna think negative thoughts before the result. My new hospital is the Manila Doctors. The employees even the information desks are so nice and hospitable. The first day I came to the hospital, my sister and I were lost for it was so big. The information desk instructed us the map of the hospital so we will never be lost to see the recommended Nerve and Muscles doctor. Then I asked many people where could I see the nerve specialist and they were so nice and helpful. And finally, my sister and I rode an elevator on the 4th floor. When we arrived, I saw the long queue of the patients waited for their names to be called. Then I decided to just undergo a test first and go to the doctor after the tests so she will read the meaning.

I am happy the ANA test is normal, but I will still undergo the EMG test tomorrow. The EMG (Electromyography) is a procedure where the movements of my nerves will be monitored inside. My physician in Butuan city told me that this is a rare illness and I need to undergo these tests. Today seems like another nail is pulled from my head to think that I have no problem with my immune system. Then as I carried the result, I was very happy and then we decided to go home. But then, my younger sister and I dropped into the hospital's pharmacy inside because she had a headache, so we bought three pieces of Ibuprofen and finally went back home.

Disclaimer: The content and illustration are original.

Camera used: iphone7+
Photographer: Clare Blackburn
Taken: 2018
Location: USA