Boy Gilbert has pneumonia, tuberculosis test ordered, funds insufficient

At 09:03 a.m. I received six cell phone messages. Mel was the author, evidently, but he was using Jester's phone. Each note was incomplete if taken singly but I reconstituted them into three paragraphs.

Mel (29/03/2007 13:44:48): Note: X-ray result, der are reticular densities in d left paracardiac and right lower lobe. Nodulohazed densities are seen in d hilar area. Heart is not enlarged. Diaphragm and costophrenic sulci are intact. Bony thorax is unremarkable.

Mel (29/03/2007 13:48:43): And today we need to go to Doctora T to bring d x-ray result bcoz we can't understand, d words is deep. After [consultation] Doctora T [will] explain d x-ray result! Our financial for Gilbert is too low, not enough. Love.

Mel (29/03/200717:45:05): Bern Gilbert need to inject (tuberculin test) for d observation, 6 months supply of medicines, doctor said, Gilbert need. D doctor['s] diagnosis is pneumonia. Saturday back again to d hospital for tuberculin test, but we need money for d injection. I hope you [are] not getting mad for reading dis. Bcoz we need help again! Love.

Bern (10:34:15): Mel and Jester thanks for x-ray results and info[rmation]. It seems Gilbert has pneumonia, may need tablets for 6 months to prevent TB. Dr can explain reticular densities.

Bern (10:36:01): Dr suspected Tina might have TB, started her on tablets (usually taken for 6 months or more) but decided later, no need - test results OK, I think.

Bern (10:42:11): Hi Tina, Mel-Jester texted x-ray result, looks like Gilbert has pneumonia, test and 6 months of medication for TB needed. TB once suspected for you. Your opinion?

Bern (10:48:54): Tina if I remember correctly, you started on isoniazid but discontinued. If it's prescribed for Gilbert, any chance he can start by using what you have left?

Filipino government health funding grossly inadequate

On 3 February 2006 a Filipino blogger known as Obi Macapuno drew attention to the gross inadequacy of government funding for public hospitals in the Philippines. I take the liberty of quoting, below, excerpts from three of his paragraphs:

I am aware that health care and medicine prices are currently a hitch on the local social welfare concerns. Pero, naman! I didn't realize it is "THIS" huge a problem, na pala. I mean, I grew up on a military clan. . . . I was born on a military hospital, been operated on a military medical facility, checked by military dentists, and heck even circumcised by a soldier!

But a couple of days ago, my sis decided to stage her birth on a private hospital. Can't blame her though . . . a public hospital is still a public hospital, and don't be a hypocrite to disagree with me that it really is worrying to consult on one especially when it's the life of your children or a relative that is being dealt upon. . . .

Which brings me to my point . . . why can't most of us have that confidence on publicly-funded clinics? I, alone, can produce a long list of reasons, but one of the most upsetting items in it is the fact that most of our public hospitals are incapable to compete with the private ones. It may come to us as "normal" just because private medical bodies have the monetary strength to fund but I tell you, IT IS NOT THE WAY IT SHOULD BE. The government has the almighty power to recruit the best medical team and provide the most advanced of medical facilities in the country that will leave private hospitals cower[ing] in comparison. BUT sadly, our government (that our heroes have sacrificed their lives to create) have more important matters to attend to . . .

Source: http://boyhalohalo.blogspot.com/2006/02/am-radio-sa-umaga.html

Mel desperate again

Mel* (22:45:11) [using Jester's cellphone]: Gud evening Bern I hope dis time you can help me Bern, pls, I really really need your help: I don't have cellphone now: [I] need[ed] to pawn it to buy food and pay elec[tricity]. Love, Mel. Pls Bern.

Mel* (22:47:45): So sorry for d tyms dat I can't text you! I know you understand my situation, no-one can help me now. I need to pawn my phone to have money, and I want to [make a] trip to find job somewhere.

Bern (22:47:49): Hello Mel. I'm really sorry you pawned your cellphone and a little surprised you never told me earlier. I think OTHER people in your house must also pay [for] elec[tricity].

Mel* (22:49:47): I am desperate now: Jester knows dat, bcoz every tym I'm down I know I can count on him, bcoz you're so far to me: I can make it through d rain if you here by my side; I love you.

Bern (22:49:59): As always, Tina's also urgently wanting much money. Alice's 1st cousin died in Mount Isa city, far away, 3:20pm Filipino time today, [she] wants us to go there.

Bern (22:52:25): Alice shocked me an hour ago when she asked me if I'll go to Mount Isa with her. So far, so costly. I couldn't answer her. Life is difficult.

Mel* (22:52:52): Bern pls help me dis tym, I am crying now. Sorry, tell Alice condolence; so sorry. I don't know what to do now. I can't stop thinking.

--

* Mel was using Jester's cellphone.

Sick student injured in motor crash tries to carry on in college examinations

Tina (08:49:31): Gud a.m. Bern, I and Jovs was been school yesterday, he help[ed me] go up and down d stairs. I try to past program project, exam on 1 subject, Jov is d 1 who write my project in physics coz I cannot write coz of wounds on my hand.

Bern (15:31:08): Hello Tina, thanks for your text. I'm so sorry you've had such great difficulties. I admire your great courage and determination and trust you'll have some success.

Tina (15:36:58): You know Bern, I ask opinion from our registrar, she said if I can enroll [in] "Research 2" dis summer, and I can defend for it, I can get my credential on June, I can start to find a job.

Bern (15:41:13): That's good news, at least. But you still need time to recover from the crash injuries, and, very importantly, you still have a very serious illness.

Bern (15:42:41): I regret to say I must make an urgent phone call now. I'll come back online briefly 1/2 an hour from now. Goodbye for now, though.

Tina (15:43:26): Today I felt so tired I don't know why, I been collapse in our room at 12 p.m., when I woke up I'm in bed, but don't worry; I feel OK now, but felt dizzy.

Tina (15:44:39): OK, take care.

Bern (16:26:10): Final exam period is very stressful for a student who's healthy (not seriously ill), with enough money, without family responsibilities and without crash injuries, and, very importantly, you still have a very serious illness..

Tina (16:36:10): I think so Bern, you're right, still its be hard for me to accept dat I can't go in graduation on [March] 30, coz of accident, and I don't know how I explain it to Joe if i will try.

Bern (16:38:14): Joe already knows the major facts - about your poverty, your family responsibilities, your serious chronic illness and the traffic accident.

Tina (16:46:00): I think so Bern, you're right, still it's be hard for me to accept dat I can't go in graduation on 30, coz of accident, and I don't know how I [can] explain it to Joe, if I will try to enroll "Research 2" dis summer, start of enrolment will be on March 26, start of classes April 10.

Bern (16:48:01): I see. I guess, just tell him the truths he doesn't know and keep them short and simple.

Tina (16:56:38): Tomorrow if I felt better I will make [a] scan [of] d result of medical certificate, computation of enrollment from our accounting, dis is tel. [number] of our school. 049-8 . . . 435, cell No. of our Dean 092 . . . 467.

Bern (16:58:45): Thank you for the phone numbers. Don't stress yourself to send scans. I still think good nutrition and rest is best for you. I guess your exams are finished?

Tina (17:02:05) Our exam was finished yesterday and Jov been with me yesterday; he help[ed] me to write my report.

Bern: (17:03:56) Yes, you mentioned that Jovs was your scribe. Still, I imagine it was still difficult. You deserve some success and I hope you get it.

Tina (17:17:24): I hope so, today was d deliberation of grade, I will know d result on Monday. Thank for your concern Bern, I hope you are OK, also Alice.

I think my platelet count [is] getting low coz of my stress and depression.

Severely ill woman injured in motor crash must face college examiners

Tina (13:33:48): Gud a.m. Bern, I ask[ed] Laurice to get d official result of my x-ray at 2 p.m. [and also a] medical certificate to bring it in school.

Bern (20:17:48): Hello, thanks for text, hope you've survived today OK and hospital allowed Laurice to get results and certificate OK too. I'll be interested in latest news.

Tina (20:28:15): Da result: multiple physical injuries sec[ondary] to vehicular accident - contusion w/ abrasion (L) frontal area, 3cm x 3cm, abrasion (R) elbow, abrasion (L) elbow, confluent abrasion 1cm x 2cm, abrasion (R) ankle area. Result of X-ray: no definite radiologic evidence of fracture.

Bern (20:31:58): So sorry about the multiple abrasions, but it's good there's no definite evidence of fracture (broken bone). Absence of excessive bleeding probably good also?

Bern (20:34:39): I hope the college will show consideration and allow you sick leave and extensions of time because of your severe illness and injuries, but I'm not confident.

Tina (20:37:10): Bern, sad to say I have now so many bruises right now, and I suffer muscle pain. I can't walk alone without da help of other person around me coz of my ankle.

Bern (20:39:02): I'm so sorry to hear that. I thought study and exams would be too much but knowing you I'm not really surprised you went to college today instead of hospital.

Tina (20:39:48): No Bern, my sister show[ed] my medical certificate, but still I need to defend my thesis till Thursday at 9 a.m., and need to attend deliberation on Friday.

Bern (20:40:09): If your ankle swells, try to keep it HIGH, when sitting. In bed, put it up on a pillow.

Bern (20:40:37): What sort of crazy college is that? They make no allowance for illness and injury?

Tina (20:41:11): Only my sister go there I'm stay[ing] at home today.

Tina (20:47:46): Only Laurice talk[ed] to all my teacher[s] and guidance [officers] but they said I need to be in school tomorrow to do my thesis & defend it on Thursday or else my name will be erase[d] to [from] da [list of] name[s] of graduating [students].

Bern (20:49:49): That's a crazy college. What alternative arrange-ments are made for students who are too ill or too injured to take an exam?

Tina (20:54:02): They want me to defend my thesis on Thursday, and past our project till Friday, or else I need to enroll on summer and I will be graduate[d] next year.

Bern (20:55:17): I see. I don't really know what to think or say.

Tina (21:00:09): I will force my self to be in school tomorrow with 3 feet, but my problem [is] our lab room was in 2nd floor with stair[s]. I already paid my graduation expenses.

Bern (21:03:22): I see. It's not clear to me what you mean by 3 feet. I suggest you phone college admin early and request they have 3 or 4 strong men waiting to carry you up and down.

Bern (21:06:07): Incidentally, I'm starting a weblog. The college's reputation may suffer once people around the world can read how they treat their students.

Van strikes motorcycle: husband and wife injured but lack funds for medical treatment

Image via Wikipedia

March 19

Tina (11:50): Gud a.m. Bern, I'm now in DTI [Department of Transport and Industry], located in Pila. I'm not sure if I can get d list of name[s] of registered hotel[s] and resort[s], coz dey ask for request letter, but I'm still waiting for d person in charge.

Accident

Bern (15:52): I told Joe all I know about accident. IMPORTANT: tell [the] doctor you have Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), with platelet count about 16, and take Azathioprine.

Bern (15:53): I think doctor will see, however, if you have excessive bleeding. I certainly hope not.

Tina (16:03): Bern, driver of d van don't have money to pay x-ray and medicine; we're going [to] Provincial [hospital], but I don't have money too. What I can do? I suffer so much pain now.

Bern (16:05): If you are in [a] medical clinic I cannot understand why you are leaving it in pain. Surely doctor will treat [an] accident victim, even one who has no money.

Bern (16:06): Are you saying it is van driver's responsibility to pay for your medical treatment? Are you saying he is to blame for [the] collision?

Bern (16:09): I'll probably phone the Dr soon. I'll have to go offline to do that.

Bern (16:15): Jovs I hope you have load and can reply. I'll probably phone [the] Pila doctor soon to understand situation but to do that I'll have to disconnect Internet and Yahoo.

Bern (16:14): Mel, sad to say Jov's motorcycle [was] hit by van in Pila today. Jovs slightly injured I think. Tina has many abrasions, bruises, scratches on leg, foot hurt.

Tina (16:16): Driver don't have money today. He said he will help a little, he just have 200 pesos.

Tina (16:18): Doctor put Betadine [antiseptic] on wounds, dat all they do. I need x-ray in Provincial [hospital]. I'm sure they will give prescription.

Bern (16:18): Thanks for info but important questions not answered. Where are you? What are you doing? I'll go offline very soon to phone [the] doctor. I trust you do not have excessive bleeding.

Bern (16:20): Also you do not explain how you will travel to [the] Provincial Hospital. I don't know if your motorcycle is fit to ride or badly damaged or what.

Tina (16:21): We're now in police station, but d driver have only 200 pesos. We're plan[ning] to go now [to the] Provincial.

Tina (16:25): My mother bring d trikes here, we used to go to Provincial. We're now leaving now in police station. We have only 200 pesos from d driver.

Tina (16:27): It was motor cycle was damage too, but it can [be] used little by little to bring it home.

Bern (16:31): Sorry, visitor just arrived. I'm sure Joe sent you money very recently.

Tina (16:32): I felt dizzy but I don't have bleeding, we're now on da way to Provincial, I have only 100 pesos in my wallet. Jovs have referral for x-ray but our money is not enough.

Bern (16:32): I thought Provincial Hospital provided services free of charge.

Tina (16:34): Yes I already pay it in school last Friday coz today was our final exam, I need to have permit.

bern5321 (16:35): Pls provide estimated total cost and price of X-ray, medicines etc,;also advise where you will get the money.

Christine Lisa (16:42): Yes, its free but we need to provide things like bandage, medicine etc. Like in PGH, it's up to you, Bern, I don't have any idea about the cost. W'e're lucky if x-ray [machine] in Provinical [Hospital] function[s] - if not? X-ray outside [costs] 500 per x-ray.

Tina (16:43): I already paid all necessary things for graduation last Friday, I don't have problem now; only my thesis and exam today and tomorrow.

Bern (16:52): Sounds like you are not in [a] fit state for thesis and exam. You gave no estimate. I'm very unhappy about West[ern] Union. Agent here CLOSES 1 hour from now. We have [a] visitor.

Tina (16:56): We not arrived yet [at the] Provincial. I'm sorry, Bern, it's up to you, how much you will help, put in name of Jovs, if we don't have enough money we cannot get d result of x-ray and medicine.

Mel (17:05): Oh, Bern, what happen now to both of them? Who tell you about dat accident?

Bern (17:16): I got text from Tina so I phoned her. She's on way with Jovs to Provincial. I must rush to Western Union to send money for medicines, bandages, x-ray.

Tina (17:13): Bern, Dr. gave prescription vaccine, anti-titano [tetanus], 850 [pesos] each, 2 pcs. for 2 of us.

Tina (17:15): Sorry, I cannot give exact estimate coz Jovs have wounds also in his legs. I will send you d medical scratch.

Bern (17:18): I must rush now to bank then Western Union agent. I guess maybe I'll send 4,000. Goodbye.

Mel (17:19): OK Bern I hope both of them are OK now... 18:31:23.

Bern (18:39): I trust you and Jovs received text from me, sent about 15:50 your time. I'd appreciate an update on the current situation for both of you. Mel knows. Christine Lisa will receive your messages on a mobile device.

Tina (18:50) Thanks Bern, Jovs get d money; we already paid d vaccine, I done d x-ray. We get d official result tomorrow at 2 p.m. Nanay Josie was here now. Dr. gave prescription for pain, mefanamic acid 500 and cefalixin 500 mg.

Bern (18:56): OK. I'll look up those prescriptions. I suspect Cefalexin is an anti-biotic. Try to eat nourishing food, especially with Vitamin C, and try to rest tonight.

Tina (18:59): We're now going home after d vaccine injected to both of us, and we have now d medicine, we just rest at home, still I cannot walked; my right ankle was injured.

Bern (19:00): So sorry to hear that. I wonder how you get about. I hope Jovs doesn't have to carry you! Perhaps you need crutches.

Tina (19:04): Yes, I use crutches in hospital. Lito is d one [to] carry me, coz Jovs suffer wounds in his right leg too.

Bern (19:07): Oh, I hope the hospital allows you to take the crutches home. I'm glad to hear your mother and Josie and Lito have been there to help you; my greetings to them.

Tina (19:09): They did not allow [borrowing of the crutches]; only in hospital; we're now ride on d trikes going home, also Laurice was here too.

Bern (19:10): Crazy! Australian hospitals at least allow patients to take crutches home, even if they have to put a deposit on them. My greetings to Laurice too!

Tina (19:12): Yes, Bern, I told to them about your greetings. They want to say hello to you too.

Bern (19:13): I sincerely trust they are all well and managing OK.

Results of motor crash texted to victim's brother

Tina (19/03/2007 23:18:09): Bern good evening, thank you for everything, were now lay[ing] down & rest[ing]. I hope you're OK too. Gud nite, take care always. [Received on 20 March at 10:59:40.]

Mel (19/03/2007 23:58:48): Bern are you with touch now with Jov or Tina? I hope so. Lucky baby Deth [Bernardette] is not with dem during d accident. By d way I can't text more, [my] load is low, I olredy text[ed] Jov.

Bern (11:05:14): Hello Mel, thanks for your text last night. I was in touch with Jovs and Tina by phone and text & sent 5,000 for med[ical] expenses. They went home and were resting. "Mel will receive your messages on a mobile device."

Bern (11:07:06): Mel, the van ran over Tina's foot. She had crutches to walk about in the Provincial Hospital but was not allowed to take them home. Lito carried her out.

Bern (11:11:12): Tina was supposed to be in college taking exams today but I think she's unfit. Jovs & Tina are due at the Provincial at 2 p.m. to be told x-ray results.

Bern (11:14:48): Mel I understand Tina's mother went to Pila yesterday. Your mother went to see Jovs and Tina at the Provincial. Laurice and Lito were also there and helped.

Bern (11:17:46): I understand you probably have no load to reply. I hope you'll be able to see Jovs and Tina soon and will be able to let me know how they are. Hope you're OK. Love.

Jayson's family really needs help

Jovs (9/03/2007 08:57:15): Good a.m., Bern, Jayson was here this morning hoping that you will help him b-coz they really don't have anything at home, he said please Bern, help them.

Love from Mel

At 09:55 I went online and received a text from Mel, sent the previous evening (8/03/2007, 22:06:16): Hello Bern, I hope you are surviving. I love you so much Bern! I really, really wish you were here! Love.

Mel (9/03/2007 02:08:04): Good a.m. Bern! I know you are asleep now. I'm just worried coz you are out of touch, I don't know why? But I understand maybe you are driving Alice and thinking [about] Tina's condition. Love.

Sick patient waits for tablets purchased

At 09:18 I sent a high-priority e-mail:

Mercury Drug Corporation
Quezon City
Philippines

Dear Manager

URGENT: Sick patient still waits for tablets purchased

On 28 February you advised me that Mercury was processing my order for the generic form of Azathioprine Tablet 500mg which had just become available. At 16:18 on that date, Mercury debited my credit card for an amount of PhP2,825.00. I thank you for your subsequent e-mail attaching a JPG image of the sales slip.

You requested that we allow 1-2 days lead time for the transfer of stock to your Pagsanjan JP Rizal branch and added that your store would be immediately coordinating with the beneficiary.

On 6 March, most regrettably, [Tina] has still not received the desperately needed medication.

Would you please investigate and contact us urgently about the situation, advising what progress is being made.

Yours sincerely

Bern . . .

Stress

Tina (11:26:02): Good a.m. Bern and Alice, how are you today? I hope you are both OK, last nite it's been 4 a.m. got slept thinking how I go to PGH [Philippine General Hospital] on Wed[nesday]. Coz my Dr. was waiting with me, he schedu[led] . . . [incomplete] 22:16:51.

Bern (22:28:06): Hello, thanks for text. Sorry to say it, but you really must learn that staying awake worrying until 4 a.m. is NOT a useful thing to do. It is harming not helping. "Tina will receive your messages on a mobile device."

Credit card debited but tablets not received

Bern (22:44:15) to Tina: Just received from Mercury, Quezon City, a JPG image of credit sales slip, date Feb 28, time 16:18, amount PhP 2,825.00 [US$57.65 approx]. That's the price of Azathio[prine], I think.

Bern (22:47:54): I hope by now you have received Azathioprine tablets and are benefiting from them. No doubt it would be unwise to expect to see and feel results immediately.

Bern (22:51:51): Hi Jovs, I sent texts to Tina but probably she has little load. I'd appreciate it if you can text me ASAP to advise how you all are. Alice & I are still surviving. "Jovs will receive your messages on a mobile device."

Tina (23:05:55): Sorry to tell you Bern, but still I did not yet received call from Mercury Drug as confirmation, I don't have yet the medicine.

Bern (23:08:09): All day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. I was in court with Alice waiting for cases against her grandson and his two mates. I'll complain to Mercury's QC office. "Tina will receive your messages on a mobile device."

Tina (23:08:51): I and Jovs received your text but he don't have load to reply.

Tina desperate to keep hospital appointment

Bern (10:22:38 GMT+10): Tina, sadly I recommend you CANCEL trip to PGH [the Philippine General Hospital] [on] Wed[nesday]. You have insufficient money, travel and waiting is exhausting, and in my opinion [the] results are not worthwhile. [Yahoo Messenger: "Tina will receive your messages on a mobile device."]

Tina (13:13:14): Good a.m. Bern and Alice. I received your text this morning, sorry I don't have load to reply, I just try to go here in Bon Vincent [computer store] to check if you [are] still on line, here [using the Yahoo Instant Messenger program] there have no limit of word sending, not like in text in cellphone.

Tina (13:17:39): I hope you're OK, with Alice.



Tina (13:21:40): Bern, this is just my opinion and observation, I understand your situation, and I'm just rely[ing] on you in my financial [situation], specially in my medication and consultation in PGH [the Philippine General Hospital, Manila]. I want to tell you that there was 1,000 of patient in PGH and every department have hundred of patient every day, their record section is not like on your hospital computerize[d], here it [is] manual, if I cannot return on my schedule of appointment on March 7, there a possible my record was lost, like the other cases we observed there in record section.

Tina (13:23:35): The Dr. T. . . is the one who decide to return me in March 7, after 15 days of observation, coz he was doing a chart, and it will be so hard for me to have a[n] appointment again.

Tina (13:25:28): If I will not return on Wed[nesday], I need to go there personally and have another trip, just to file an appointment, and look for Dr. T [to see] if I have a chance to have a[n] appointment again.

Tina (13:28:45): Sorry to tell you, but Dr. T was expecting me to return there on Wed, coz he was so worried in my situation, in our last appointment he convince[d] his secretary to schedule me on the nearest schedule of him (March 7), coz of my situation he want me to have a check up after 2 weeks.

Tina (13:29:48): If you just see the patient[s] in PGH, it [has] almost 100 of patient schedule[d] in 1 room.

Tina (13:31:34): I understand the result of lab [tests] will not [be] OK, coz I don't have enough time to take my medicine coz of what happen in Mercury [pharmacy], I will just explain to Dr. T that I have only 3 days to have a medicine.

Tina (13:32:32): He also told me that on this trip, he will do so much study on my case problem.

Tina (13:33:54): I'm so sorry Bern, I know I'm the cost [cause] of your problem, I really want to be OK, i want to [be] cured, and start a better future, pls, help me.

Tina (13:34:02): By for now, I have to go.

Tina (13:34:25): Take care always, Tina.