Jet lag

After 6 weeks vacation in Philippines, we left Manila last January 28. With our latest family picture in Manila with 30 degrees celsius (in the lowest photo)... Then we arrived in Holland with freezing 1 degree celsius... Which is a big difference with weather.

We left Manila noontime of 28 Jan and arrived in Holland 7:00 in the evening of the same day with 18 hrs travel air and land... I would not wonder anymore why I have jet lag for a week since we arrived here in Holland... This is my 3rd time that I arrived in Holland travelling from Manila. but it's my first time to have a jet lag that last for a week... For one week I felt so tired and sleepy for seven whole days. Then I have to go to bed every 8 o'clock in the evening, which i never did before... I tried to stay awake but it's not helping, it's like the bed is pulling me to sleep, hehe!

That was a strange week to feel tired and sleepy always but I'm thankful because it does help and gave me some rest, after our 6 busy weeks in vacation...Yes our vacation is not fully relaxation for me because 6 weeks are not enough for me to visit all my friends in Manila:) But I'm definitely thankful that we have the chance to have that wonderful holiday!

Influenza Pandemic alert raised to Phase 6

Influenza Pandemic alert raised to Phase 6

11 June 2009 -- On the basis of available evidence and expert assessments of the evidence, the scientific criteria for an influenza pandemic have been met. The Director-General of WHO has therefore decided to raise the level of influenza pandemic alert from phase 5 to phase 6. "The world is now at the start of the 2009 influenza pandemic," she said at a press conference today.
Read Dr Chan's statement to the press
-WHO (World Health Organization)

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Lately, I didn't noticed any Swine flu update here in TV News... But I know exactly how it's spreading fast, almost 1,000 per day were infected around the world... I know it, because my husband is informing me, every day or at least 2 times a day, his checking out in the internet particularly in the website of WHO (World Health Organization) about the updates of Influenza A(H1N1) known as "Swine Flu"... He's informing me the updates of how many were in infected around the world, how many in Netherlands, then in Germany, because we are living near to the boundary of Germany... And then how many were infected in Philippines of course...
I'll admit, I'm so busy lately with my own health situation, busy with studying dutch languange, busy preparing for moving to the new house, busy everyday here in the house... busy writing in my blog, busy in facebook account..... but later, I will really try to search more about Influenza A (H1N1)...
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Influenza A(H1N1) - update 47

11 June 2009 -- As of 14:00 GMT, 11 June 2009, 74 countries have officially reported 28,774 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection, including 144 deaths.

Click this link -Influenza A(H1N1) - update 47 -To see the table with the breakdown of the number of laboratory-confirmed cases, commulative total and deaths by country as of June 11, 2009, 14:00 GMT.

Mastopathie (Fibrocystic Breast Condition or Fibrocystic Changes)

Yesterday, I got right the result of my Breast Biopsy last tuesday... The Surgeon, named Dr. De Vries of St. Lucas Ziekenhuis (Hospital) where I have my breast biopsy, said... it's "Mastopathie" or known in english as Fibrocystic Breast Condition or Fibrocystic Changes)... He told me there's nothing to worry, it's normal for many women... it's just because of changes in hormones every menstruation... or As for my case, it could be possible that those were still the milk that was left in my breast after i stop giving breast feeding to my daughter, 3 weeks after I gave birth or way back 2007... I asked the doctor if I still needed to undergo operation for them to remove it.. but he said, it's not necessary, no medication needed as well... But I have new appointment for Ultrasound afte 6 months or November 2009, for control....
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I PRAISE AND THANK GOD for blessing me with result of the breast biopsy I have... Thank you also to all your prayers.. May God continue to bless us all.

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As usual, I tried to search again about Mastopathie (Fibrocystic Breast Condition or Fibrocystic Changes)... and the MedicineNet.com, have it well explained again...

Fibrocystic breasts are characterized by lumpiness and usually discomfort in one or both breasts. The condition is very common and benign, meaning that fibrocystic breasts are not malignant (cancerous). Fibrocystic breast disease (FBD), now referred to as fibrocystic changes or fibrocystic breast condition, is the most common cause of "lumpy breasts" in women and affects more than 60% of women. The condition primarily affects women between the ages of 30 and 50 and tends to become less of a problem after menopause. ... read more - MedicineNet.com

Borstbiopsie (Breast Biopsy)

Last May 20 or about 3 weeks ago, I went to the St. Lucas Ziekenhuis (Hospital) and have a mammogram and ultrasound of my breast, because since February I always have breast pain everytime my monthly period will come... Actually my only appointment on May 20then was to have Mammogram but after it, the doctor requested me to stay and have directly the ultrasound, because they saw something in my breast... The doctor then said, I have cyst in my right breast but at the same time, she wanted to investigate the spots they saw from my mammogram in the side of my right breast... Then the doctor recommended me to have an appointment for Borstbiopsie (Breast Biopsy), that was today...

Yes, I've waited for 3 weeks since then, oh! deep inside I really got worried, and I know my family too... but for three weeks i tried to avoid to give so much attention about the word "Breast Cancer"... I did not even had the courage to write it here in my blog last May 20... I did not even write emails to my girl friends about my situation then... I just don't want to talk or write about it... But of course, I started to ask my family to pray for me for the coming biopsie then... But I heard my name is sometimes included in the Mass intentions for the sick to get well in holy masses in Parish of the Holy Family (in Karuhatan)...

It's only last night before I went to bed that I tried to search about the biopsie, and the youtube video i attatched here somehow gave idea for me on what's going to happen...



I think the doctor uses the Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) to me...

I did some research and the MediceNet.com had well explained the Breast Biopsy...
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A breast biopsy is a procedure in which part or all of a suspicious breast growth is removed and examined, usually for the presence of cancer. The growth sample is suctioned out through a needle or cut out using a surgical procedure. The sample is then examined and evaluated under a microscope by a pathologist to identify non-cancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant) tissue.

Words used to refer to the abnormal area or growth before and after diagnosis may include lump, mass, lesion, and tumor.... read more (-MedicineNet.com)

Buikgriep (Stomach Flu)

Last week, the voorjaarvakantie i have was not really so good. My daughter and I have buikgriep (stomach flu) for about 4 days. I got fever for 2 days, then stomach pain and vomiting too... While Mireille just have a fever for a day, but she have diarrhea for maybe 3 days... We both have loss of appetite, but it's good that Mireille continues with drinking. Those days, that I almost can't eat because of the feeling that I will vomit anytime, the fresh fruit helps me a lot...

Thanks! for the football coach of Ron who brought a big basket of fruits last Thursday. Then next day (Friday), the supervisor of Ron at work, came too and brought another big basket of fruits from company (Smurfit Kappa Twincorr). By the way, they came and brought those fruits not because me and my daughter got sick but because Ron is still on sick leave, still recovering from his Herniated Disc operation...

Now, me and Mireille are both well... Thank you for my family and everyone who pray for us to get well soon then... God Bless you

Fysiotherapie (Physical therapy)

Yesterday, Ron came home already. The first photo was taken last Saturday, when he received a long distance call from my family in Manila... The second photo was when he came home, giving big hug to our Mireille... Ron was not home when Mireille had a koorsstuip (febrile seizure) last saturday midnight...

After the Ron's operation, Fyshiotherapie (physical therapy) is so important now for his fast recovery... It's been a month (since Dec 24) when Ron start to have terrible back pain also pain in his left leg which causes him not to walk normal then... Now, Ron has to practice again the walking little by little everyday...

Koortsstuip (Febrile Seizure)

Last night, i went to bed early because I had such a migrane the whole day, then at 10:30pm i woke up and heard that Mireille is waking up so i went to her bedroom and i noticed already that she seems to be warm and I'm thought maybe just because of her colds, so i bring her to our bedroom so I can better observe her (by the way Ron was still then at the hospital).... Mireille stay awake maybe for an hour, so I cannot leave her in our bedroom because my plan then was to get the thermometer and paracetamol (which we kept in the kitchen), just in case she had fever... maybe it's about 11:30pm when she fell asleep and so as I... Then at 12:30 midnight, I woke up so finally i got the chance to get the thermoter and paracetamol then... At about 12:45 (midnight) I checked her temperature and it was around 40.3 (celcius degree) so i give her right away paracetamol and changed her diaper (because normally she will have rashes whenever the wet diaper stay long if she had fever because her urine is warm as well then )...
After changing her diaper, she suddenly got convulsion, i don't want to tell the detail anymore because it makes me sooooo sad everytime i remember how she looks like then.... Here in Holland they called it Koortsstuip or (Febrile Seizure) which is commonly known in Philippines as "kumbulsyon".... On that moment, I was in panic already, and it's good that Mama Gea (my mother in law) was here... She know's exactly what to do, like putting a lukewarm wet towel in Mireille's head and feet... She keep on saying also to me to stay calm, because she know's exactly what to do, because it happened also to her kids before... Then we called an ambulance too... Actually the seizure did not last for more than 5 minutes, so when the ambulance came, Mireille is a bit okay already and it's not necessary anymore to bring Mireille to the hospital... They just give additional paracetamol to really let the fever go down... and they told me to check again the temperature after an hour if the fever stays high...
I stayed awake till 2:00 a.m. (because I'm soooo afraid if it will happen again), then when I checked her temperature the fever was gone.... and she had a good sleep then. When we woke up at around 6:00 in the morning, she's okay as if nothing happened... Mireille woke me up with a kiss and say's "mama go!" which she means for me to wake up and for us to go out of our bedroom... but those word's means a lot, it's like saying..."Mama go, there's nothing to worry anymore...."
Thanks for all the prayers.... God Bless!
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Today, I got busy reading in internet about Febrile seizure, because I want to understand exactly what is it ... I found and read a comprehensive overview of Febrile seizure from www.mayoclinic.com

Beterschap (Get well soon)

We praise and thank God...
This morning, Ron finally had the operation in his back (Herniated disc)...
Thanks for all the prayers.... everything is okay now though he still have to stay in the hospital for observation... for his schedule with Physical Therapist.
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Beterschap lieverd (Get well soon sweetheart)

"Veel Sterkte!" (Great Strength!)

"Veel sterkte!" (Great strength) is what we lately hear from our friends here who knows the situation now of Ron (dutch my life: Lumbar Herniated Disc)... and "Beterschap" which means "Get well" soon is the wish they give especially for Ron...

Today, Ron was admitted in Martini Ziekenhuis (hospital) in preparation for his herniated disc operation tomorrow morning...
Please pray for God's guidance and blessing for his operation... Thanks!
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Ron,

Veel sterkte sweetheart! and God bless you.

Ik hou van jou,
Marge

update 2

This afternoon, Ron received again a phonecall from Martini Ziekenhuis, his operation this coming Monday (February 3) was re-scheduled for next Friday (February 7, 2009)....

update

Today, Ron received a phonecall from Martini Ziekenhuis... Finally, he had a schedule for operation on Monday (February 2, 2009) in the afternoon. Please pray for God´s blessings for his coming operation... Thanks!

God Bless you!

Anesthesist (Anesthesiologist)

Yesterday, Ron went again to Martini Ziekenhuis. He had an appointment with the Anesthesist (Anesthesiologist)... This is in preparation for his coming operation... They made another x-ray photo of his back, where he had a herniated disc.
As for now, we are still waiting for the schedule of his operation...
Also yesterday, Ron's special bed was delivered too...

Neurochirurg (Neurosurgeon)

Today my husband went to the Martini Ziekenhuis, finally he was examined by Neurochirurg (Neurosurgeon) and told Ron about the evaluation of his MRI scan... Ron's case was really EMERGENCY, that's why he should really have an operation... Actually as early as the first day he felt the back pain last December 24, he should already come to the hospital in an ambulance... But of course, we don't know... When Ron called a doctor last December 24, the doctor said the ambulance is only for life danger cases and if we insist for the ambulance to come and the doctor examined that it's not emergency then for sure we will have a Penalty to pay worth thousand euro, and as i've mentioned on that moment we really don't know what is the source of Ron's back pain... Anyway the Neurosurgeon was amazed to see Ron today, that there are still moment that Ron can walk, normally with what they see in the MRI scan, they thought that it's not possible for him to walk because of such pain.... Of course with the help of medicines he's taking now, then there are moment that Ron don't feel so much pain... I remember when Ron told me that the doctor was wondering how he could walk with his situation... I think like what I've prayed for "that angels will be sent for Ron to help him and ease the pain...

Next Tuesday January 27, he had an appointment with the Anesthesiologist, before they will give the schedule for operation...

Afspraak (Appointment)

Today my husband received a phonecall from Martini Ziekenhuis, instead of his afspraak (appointment) for Neurosurgeon on February 12, he had a new schedule... on Wednesday, January 21... I think it's really better for Ron to have an appointment with Neurosurgeon as early as possible, so they could decide if it's emergency case for him to have operation or not...

Like what I've mentioned in my Medical System blog here... Afspraak or appoinment is very important here...

Lumbar Herniated Disc

Finally after three weeks of thinking and thinking what exactly the problem with Ron's lower back pain and left leg pain... We got the result of MRI scan... Confirmed that Ron have Spinal Herniated Disc or Lumbar Herniated Disc to be specific...

Of course, I don't really understand what it means and how it goes with herniated disc so I tried again to read some information from internet... I found some information from www.orthopedics.about.com, (http://orthopedics.about.com/cs/herniateddisk/a/ruptureddisk.htm) it is well explained there but for course there are lots of medical website who can really explain more...
I found also an explanation in a video in www.spine-health.com (http://www.spine-health.com/video/lumbar-herniated-disc-video) then i understand why Ron had such lower back pain...

As for now, Ron still on sick leave because the lower back pain is still there, but of course the medicines his taking now like morphine, lyrica and diazepam (3x a day) are helping so the pain will not be so hard... Ron receives a letter from Martini Ziekenhuis (in Groningen), on February 12, his appointment with Neurosurgeon... I've read in internet that it is usual that for a patient with herniated disc, to have 6 weeks under observation with the development before the Neurosurgeon will decide if the patient need to undergo an operation....

Please help me pray for Ron to get well very soon... Thanks!

MRI scan

My husband had his MRI scan today at St. Lucas Zienkenhuis... then we are going to wait for a week before we will get the result... This is important for the doctor to know exactly what's the cause of Ron's lower back pain and left leg pain since December 24....
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I tried to get some information what is MRI scan. In Wikipedia MRI means - Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMRI), is primarily a medical imaging technique most commonly used in radiology to visualize the structure and function of the body. It provides detailed images of the body in any plane. MRI provides much greater contrast between the different soft tissues of the body than computed tomography (CT) does, making it especially useful in neurological (brain), musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and oncological (cancer) imaging.

Medical System

I saw already some differences in Medical System here in Holland compare to Philippines... Here in Holland almost everyone have a medical insurance, unlike in Philippines ordinary workers don't really bother to apply for medical insurance... But here there's a big difference also with rules in going to hospital... Every person has Huisarts, or what we called family doctor... If you are sick you first have to have an appointment with your doctor before visiting the doctor's clinic... then if you need to go to the hospital, it's your doctor who will make a referral for you to have an appointment to go to hospital... Of course except for emergency cases, then you could go directly to the hospital without appointment...
Anyway, that's the exact procedure we are going through with my husband's situtation... Today, it's good, we received a letter from St. Lucas Ziekenhuis (hospital) in Winschoten, on January 7 (Wednesday) Ron will have his MRI scan....

Good Health

Lately, I don't really have so much in my blog although there are lots of ideas in my mind to write... we don't have internet connection also since 24 December so... At first, I felt a bit homesick before christmas... I mean, this is the first time that I would have my christmas here in Holland, I'm excited of course and happy because first christmas also for me and my husband together with our daughter..... But every now and then the christmas in Manila keeps on coming in my mind there's really a big difference with christmas celebration here....

But on Christmas day itself, I realized that we should always look on the blessings around us... more than receiving material things as a gift... we should not forget that having GOOD HEALTH is a gift itself... and to spend the christmas day just in the house together with your family is a celebration itself....

Actually my husband is on sick leave now because of BACK PAIN, sound simple and common pain but I think what he had is not a simple back pain... Last 23 December, while he is changing his clothes to working uniform, he felt suddenly an intense pain in his lower back while lifting up his left leg to wear his pants. After that, the pain in his back and leg stays but he had managed to still go to his work...

24 December, in the morning he felt that the pain in his back and left leg are still there but he could still walk and drive a car... We attended Holy Mass on 6:00pm then we went to the house of Klaas and Ivy (my filipina friend who's living near to our house).. Then at around 10:00 pm Ron felt such pain in his back and left leg to the point that he could not stand straight any more and could not almost walk, so we went home...

We don't have a chance anymore to celebrate for Noche Buena (Christmas eve) because we went to bed as early as 10:30pm. But actually we almost don't have sleep that evening because Ron's back and left leg was so painful then... I asked him to call his doctor but then it's not possible because of Christmas holiday so his doctor was also in holiday.... at 1:00 in the morning (25 December) he called a Doktersdiensten Groningen, because that's the only way he could talk to a doctor even it would cost (Euro) 0.10 cents/minute. Oh! I thank my sister-in-law Marjan, who came here at 3:30am and bought the medicines that the doctor recommend for Ron... so at 4:30am Ron finally take a medicine for his pain but it's sad that the medicines seems to be not working because the pain stays...

So on Christmas day, at 9:00 in the morning, Koos (our neighbor) brings Ron to the St Lucas Ziekenhuis (Hospital). They recommend Morphine (10mg) and Lyrica medicines so Ron would not feel the pain but actually the pain stays even after taking those medicines... So on Christmas day we put an airbed here in the living room for Ron to make sure that me, Ron and Mireille are together to celebrate christmas.... In the evening, we almost don't have good sleep again because even he took those medicines, it seems to have no effect to Ron's backpain and leg too.... so at around 4:00am Ron called the Doktersdiensten again to ask if it's okay to take 2 tablets of morphine and the doktor said okay...

Christmas day here are 2 days, and 26 December is what they called here the 2nd Christmas day... we have observed that taking 2 morphine tablets seems to have no effect so at 2:00 in the afternoon, our neighbor Evert brought Ron to the hospital again... They made some xray in his back and it's good. It seems to be just lower back pain but they suspect that it's possible he has Spinal Disc Herniation (or Lumbar disc herniation). So they gave a letter that Ron will show to his doktor to recommend an emergency MRI to detect if he had hernia and to know if Ron needs an operation in his back right away.

Somehow the medicines work good, Ron had a chance to have a good sleep although waking up every now and then because of pain, it is better than the past 2 nights then that he almost don't have sleep. But on 27 December when he woke up, he don't feel anymore in his left knee, then on lunch time, he got fever... So he called again a doctor, it's unbelievable, the doctor just said, oh fever, that could be a start infection, then oh you don't have feeling in left knee that could be a sign of hernia, please call again if you don't have any feeling also in the legs...

Yesterday, it's a bit better, because at least he don't have fever anymore.. At night he had a good sleep.. Today Ron receives a phonecall from St Lucas Ziekenhuis (Hospital) to say that they cannot promise that Ron can have an emergency MRI this year, so i hope at least next week, Ron could have a chance to have MRI or as soon as possible...