Mother and nephew feverish

Tina, the main breadwinner and mainstay of a poor extended family in Kalayaan, Laguna, Philippines, and her young nephew Ken-Ken are ill but without antibiotics already prescribed, and unable to afford them.

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• At 09:57   GMT+08,   from     the Yahoo    Messenger       computer program, I sent a text message to Tina’s cellphone.
• Tina replied: she was still sick with tonsillitis.
• Eight-year-old Ken-Ken was also ill with wounds and a fever.
• They needed 1,800 pesos to buy antibiotics  but  could  not  afford them.

---

Bern:

Hi Tina, good morning. I've just re-installed Yahoo Messenger. This is just a test message to see if I can text you. I'm hoping it will work. Bern.

Tina:

Good a.m. Bern, I’m glad that I received the text from your  Yahoo.

Please help me; I have fever because of tonsillitis.

I need to buy antibiotics costing 1,200 [but] I cannot afford to buy [them].

Also antibiotic for Ken’s wounds; it was inflammation and infected; he have fever too.

Bern:

Tina, I'm glad you received the text but I'm [financially and emotionally] exhausted… To make matters worse, Ross has just mis-called me [from Manila, needing help ASAP ].

I'm appalled to hear not only that you're still sick but also that Ken has wounds. I wonder how he got them and wonder if the fever is a result.

I promised to ring Ross [a Manila householder facing possible eviction] so I should do it now.

Also I promised to help a friend do  some work, starting about now. But I'll stay in touch.

An hour later Tina texted again: “I hope you received my text: Ken’s antibiotic costs 600.”

Regrettably there was nothing more to be done. I was without sufficient funds to help until Wednesday.

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Hunger and illness stalk families; mother pleads for help

At 10:38 a.m., local time, Tina sent me a text message: Sorry if I give you much [cause to be] worried, I hope you understand my situation, [after] 2 to 3 days without vit[amins] d kids get cough & flue; dat [is] why I need to buy it, pls help me; I don't have allowance here now.

At 2:41 p.m. she texted again: Pls help me, I really felt dizzy & hungry coz till now I didn't eat break[fast] ... *

Nearly four hours later, at 6:34 p.m., Tina emailed me from the CBK Company office where she was undergoing 3 months of unpaid on-the-job training.

Hello Bern,
Bern good p.m., I hope you are in good condition, sorry if I give you so much [cause to be] worried, because you're the only person who can understand my situation and can help me.

Bern, sorry If I mention to you my personal and financial problem, I really don't know what to do. I don't know what I can do tomorrow, when and where I can get my allowance [for] going here in work tomorrow.

Pls help me; on December 30 was holiday, Rizal day, our National Hero day, that [is] why the Cebuana [pawnbroker and remittance agent] possible will be close[d].

Pls help me on my ring**, I don't want to [have] lost it, just only for 1,800 for the interest [I] need to pay, and also vitamins of the kids to avoid flue and cold: when the kids stop taking Vitamins in 2 to 3 days they were sick, it will be more expensive if they were sick; I need 1,200 for Ceelin (Vitamin C) Clusivol (for appetite) supply of the 7 kids, also Bern our allowance for food, I will [need to have] left food at home for little Bern and Josephine and other kids, also my allowance here for transportation and food too, pls.

Help me for 5,000 [pesos] pls, understand my situation, pls kept in touch.

[To] tell you the truth I felt dizzy, and so much hungry because I did not eat breakfast and lunch till this moment; [it's] 4:20pm right now; I'm worried for the food at home too.

Love

[Tina]

* Some text was lost in transmission.

** The ring was awarded to mark Tina's graduation from high school as the Salutatarian and Commander of the Cadet Army Training battalion.

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Sick child taken home from hospital

Money for treatment unavailable

Text messages between 2:25 p.m. and 3:10 p.m., GMT+08

At 2:25 p.m. Tina texted again, apologising but saying her 4-year-old daughter Bernadeth-Joe (B-J or "Little Bern") needed my help.

A paediatrician checked the child and wrote a referral to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist because she had a malodorous discharge of white liquid from her left ear.

The doktora (female doctor) also prescribed Bactroban antibacterial cream and Stafloxin [Flucloxacillin antibiotic] 7.5ml to be used for 10 days.

"The amount of sickness among these children is just amazing", I replied, perhaps too harshly. "As previously explained, I cannot afford to help. I'm sorry."

"OK, we will decide to go home now", Tina said: "she have fever right now; doktora want B-J to [be] OBS[erved in the hospital] but we cannot stay coz we don't have money, we cannot go to ENT in private hospital, doktora just request us [to] buy antibiotic ASAP for every 6 hrs, Tempra [paracetamol] for fever.

"I trust that you will buy the antibiotic ASAP, and the Tempra", I answered, seriously wondering whether that would be possible. I guessed money might be spent on medications instead of income-producing foodstocks for the family eatery, or borrowed from a loan shark.

"I don't have now any money Bern" Tina replied. Bernadeth-Joe had already undergone costly laboratory tests including a complete blood count (CBC) and urinalysis.

Many bacteria had been seen and wounds had spread on B-J's head and face. That was why the doctor prescribed the Bactroban cream.

"Somehow you must really find the money to buy the antibiotic" I said, again perhaps too severely.

"I'm sad, coz she was excited to ride in a ["Nutrition Month" parade] float on Friday" Tina said, but she has so many wounds in d face; I hope it will be cure[d]".

An additional problem was that special clothes would be needed if B-J and her cousin Zedric were to participate.

"I can understand that Tina" was my response. "I regret saying it, but it might have been wiser to tell the kindergarten administrators immediately that you cannot afford that."

"Even now it's probably best to tell the kindergarten head that (a) you cannot afford to enter B-J in the parade; and (b) she has a serious infection."

There was no further interaction.

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Son fears for absent father's welfare

Philippine Army seeks guerrillas around father's home town

At 09:54am this morning, Philippine time, Jason contacted me from an internet cafe in San Isidro, Laguna using the Yahoo Messenger program.

He was sad and worried, having received text messages yesterday from Susan, a woman friend of his father Melchior.

Susan said for the past week Melchior had been absent from his home in the hilltop village of San Antonio, Laguna, and staying in the town of Majayjay, Laguna.'Last night', Jason said, 'I can't sleep thinking about my father: what happened there?'

I wondered why Melchior went to Majayjay. 'That's my problem Bern' Jason said: 'why he went... I ask Susan why but she can't answer; that's why I'm thinking and worried.'

Jason had no idea about his father's situation. 'I don't know what he['s] doing there; I ask Susan if my father have work there; say nothing...'

He wanted to accompany Susan to Majayjay this morning. 'She know where he is. That's why I want to go in San Antonio now; to [be] clear about my father['s] situation and why he went there but... '

Jason was worried because he suspected Susan had many friends in the communist New People's Army.

There were many NPA guerrillas around San Antonio, and many Philippine Army troops trying to find them: 'And my father every day is in the mountain' [as part of his charcoal-making and rice growing activities].

I did not see that Jason's father had done anything that should cause him to be afraid of the NPA or the army but Jason repeated: 'I'm very worried Bern; that's why I want to go with Susan in Majayjay now.'

Majayjay was far from San Isidro. Jason had a motorcycle, 'but I don't have money for transportation, or for the gasoline; I need 500 PHP [to go] with Susan; I think it is enough to go there to see my father.'

I was sad about that but my own life had become quite difficult and I lacked the financial resources to help.

'Also: last night Tina wanted money to take two children to the Laguna Provincial Hospital but I couldn't help.

'Michael planned to take Mel to the Philippine General Hospital Out-Patients Department this morning. I fear they'll need money for pathology tests and prescriptions but that's a big problem for me too.'

Jason was downcast and repeatedly apologetic: 'I know your situation Bern... sorry for sharing this to you ... I try what I can do now; I'm sad and worried about my father; I want to see him... don't think about what I'm sharing.'

Jason's hour online was running out. I hoped his father had family cellphone numbers in his possession, and someone kind enough to allow him a text; and that Jason still had some cellphone credit. 'Texts to me via Yahoo are OK', I said. They would be much cheaper than SMS messages to my cellphone.

An hour and 20 minutes later, Jason sent me a text: 'Bern, I'm not yet go to Majayjay, can't borrow money for d transport, or for gasoline. All my [friends and relations] are "don't have." I'm sad.'

I was sorry to hear that. 'I'll think about the problem', I replied, 'but money is a big problem [for me too] now. I suppose Susan is also short of money.'

'I don't know what to do now Bern...' Jason said. I want to see my father but I can't do nothing.'

'Maybe you're worrying too much', I responded. 'There's an old saying, though: "No news is good news." I trust something will turn up.'

Children hungry; sick restaurateur pleads for help

At 09:33 this morning (GMT+8), from the rural town of Kalayaan in the Philippines, Tina sent me an SMS text: "Bern, how are you? I'm not OK, I lay on bed, have fever tonsilitis, eatery close[d]; don't have capital coz payday [of credit customers] will be Thursday. Kids was hunger. Don't have yet skol [school] supply; please help."

After a 23-minute delay I finally responded: "This is distressing for me also, Tina. I'm greatly stressed financially and emotionally. I'm so sorry I don't have an answer for you now. I really need to think."

The interchange continued until 10:22:

Tina: I just serve noodles for d kids dis morning, they are asking for rice and ulam [meat and vegetables], specially Ken-Ken, Little Bern, Zedric, Kian and Renzed asking for milk. What should I do? I don't have money to buy, I'm so sorry.

Bern: I wrestle with those problems in my head but most regrettably don't have answers now. This is a crisis for me also.

Tina: I'm worried coz I'm sick, I have training tomorrow, I have prescription but I don't have money to buy medicine, d most important to me was d food for d kids and school supply . . .

Bern: I understand. I'm making this crisis known to others but don't really expect help. I don't know what else I can do.

In the afternoon Tina texted me again: "Bern, I'm very sorry to tell you, it's 3 p.m. right now, d kids was crying asking for food, dey just eat noodles in breakfast, not yet lunch, we did not eat since dis a.m., pls help us."

The time was actually 3:48 p.m.; or 5:48 in Brisbane, Australia.

"I'm so sorry, Tina", I replied. "I'm deeply in debt. Even if I had money to send, the money change offices are closed now. This distresses me but I must tell you straight."

The situation is disturbing and distressing not only for the extended family with 7 children, but also for myself. It's probably the first time ever that I've offered them no hope whatsoever.

Receipt of remittance fraught with difficulties

Bern (08:48 GMT+08): Janice, please advise: have you received any message from PesoEpadala.com or Globe G-Cash yet?

Janice (08:52): Good morning, Bern.

Bern: Good morning. I trust you've received the question I just sent you.

Janice: OK! Bern.
:
Bern: Please advise: what messages, if any, have you received from PesoEpadala.com or Globe G-Cash?

Janice: I'm sorry BERN. What question BERN?

Bern: Have you received any messages from PesoEpadala.com or Globe G-Cash? And what is the result?

Janice: I receive - but I can't read bcoz my cellphone is can't open.

Bern: Please explain.

Janice: Hang I think Bern. I'm sorry for that.

Bern: I think that if you take the battery out of the cellphone then put it back in again you may find that the cellphone will work. It is possible, though, that the date and time will need to be reset. Of course, also, you need to keep the battery charged.

Janice: Yes Bern, already full charge. Bern please send it to my email.

Bern: You please try what I have requested. If you don't know how to do it, please try to get advice from someone who understands cellphones better.

Janice: OK Bern! Wait for 2 min. I try to get advice [from] someone.

Bern: You may also find that there are too many SMS text messages stored in your cellphone and that you need to delete some.

Janice: Bern, it's OK now - I can read the message from Globe G-cash already pick-up.

Bern: Are you saying that you have already picked up the money?

Janice: No, Bern, [they] said that the remittance is ready to pick-up.

Bern: I see. So I suppose you will leave immediately to go and get it?

Bern: Hello! What's the situation?

Janice: I can't receive the remittance #.

Bern: Please explain why you can't receive the remittance number.

Janice: Not in my message I receive this morning from G-cash. I receive the Yahoo message what the Yahoo message?

Bern: I suggest that you try to send a text to Globe saying you have not received the number. Then ask them to please send it again.

Janice: She saying Bern. I go to my email or what? Bern, I think to Jason's email he send. I look to Jason['s] email Bern - wait. Wait Bern. I open Jason['s] email.

Janice: From G-cash: "You have remittance ready for pick-up since yesterday afternoon: pick it up from Globe outlet where you used to pick-up your remittance. From friends@pesoepadala.com." This is the message I received.

Bern: Janice: this morning I phoned Peso Epadala in Sydney but received only a recorded message on an answering machine. Then I phoned their manager Annie on her cellphone and received only another recorded message. I'll have to go offline and try them again. But I can e-mail them.

Also you could e-mail them: I'll give you some addresses. Set the e-mails as high priority.

Janice: OK BERN, thank you.

Bern: Try anna ... That's Anna, one of the managers. There's also Annie... And Boyet, And the Processing Department ... Shirley's e-mail address ... The New South Wales office e-mail address ... You could send a single e-mail to all of those addresses simultaneously by using the CC method.

Janice: OK Bern.

Bern: I trust you are sending an e-mail or two without difficulty?

Janice (12:45:34): Yes! Bern, I send already some message of them all.

Bern (12:46:57): Good. I'll try to phone PesoEpadala.com again soon and after that I also want to send them e-mails.

Janice (152): OK, I'll will wait for her message.

Janice (21:29:09): Good evening, BERN. Thank you very much; I get money at 2 p.m. I buy Jayson vitamins and some fresh fruits - and also medicine. Thank you, Bern, and always take care. We love you. [Received at 22:10:05.]

Poor woman cannot afford medical care for sick husband or schooling for daughter

Janice (18:35:29): Hellow Bern, how are you?

Bern (18:37:28): Hello, I'm just OK. I've been going backwards and forwards to the TV news.

Janice (18:38:20): It's OK! Bern.

Bern (18:39:47): This morning Jason sent a message saying he was feeling sick. I hope he's improved.

Janice (18:41:23): Yes! Bern, he's sleeping and I hope he's improved as soon as possible.

Bern (18:41:53): So do I. It's a real pity he can't afford to consult a doctor.

Janice (18:42:46): Not yet Bern! B-coz I don't have money.

Bern (18:43:01): Just as I thought.

Janice (18:49:17): He take tablet Bern, biogesic only.

Bern (18:51:08): I see. Do you know the ingredients? I think it probably contains only paracetamol for pain relief.

Janice (18:51:55): He feel cold.

Bern (18:52:12): Perhaps he has a fever.

Janice (18:52:28): Yes! Bern.

Bern (18:52:39): I wish there was more that could be done. Does the employer know about Jason's illness? What does he say?

Janice (18:55:18): He said rest - and get well soon!

Bern (18:55:43): Who is performing Jason's duties while he is unable to work?

Janice (18:56:20): His assistant!

Janice (18:57:01): I'm surfeit Bern! I can't help Mae Mae, to her study, I can't give money allowance.

Bern (19:01:36): Don't your relations in San Isidro try to do that?

Janice (19:04:23): Do to support my relative but Bern, I'm shy b-coz he can do every day - money allowance to Mae Mae! I'm worried also Bern!

Bern (19:05:17): I understand.

Janice (19:07:00): I don't know what can I do now Bern!

Bern (19:07:45): I'm so sorry, it's getting quite hard for me also.

Bern (19:09:17): I'm sorry I'm distracted right now by someone else sending Yahoo messages and the TV going. Also Alice is calling me to eat.

Janice (19:10:42): OK! Bern, thank you for chatting . . . (-_-) . . . you're my good friend. Sorry for sharing this!

Bern (19:15:09): There's no need to apologise. But I really must go now. I'll probably be online again later tonight.

Janice (19:15:34): OK Bern! I'm waiting.

College girl's skin lesion healed following surgery: father seeks help again

Fernando (10:38:13): Hi, how are you now? Hope you're OK. About Rhea-Fe: she is good condition and also operation is perfect. We are here in my house. I am a candidate as a councilor in our Brgy. 2 at Kalye Pogi. Thanks a lot to your help my family.

Bern (10:45:28): Fernando! It's so good to hear from you at last, and especially good to hear that Rhea-Fe is in good condition and the operation perfect!

Fernando (10:51:12): Thanks very much Bern. [I] was running a candidate as a councilor this coming Oct 29 barangay election.

Bern (10:55:40): Yes, congratulations! You have wide experience of life so I'm sure you'd make a good councilor. I hope you win and also receive a good regular salary for it.

Fernando (11:06:50): Thanks and hope you have a good health and 19 of Oct starting of campaigning so I need your help in a meantime; it's me, Poe*.

Bern (11:09:34): So it's a 10-day election campaign? I worry when you say you need my help because I suffer from great financial stresses now.

Fernando (11:16:56): It's OK, I [am] just asking to you if you give me help a good for us. I am going to Comelec** now to file my candidacy. Thanks Bern.

Bern (11:18:23): My best wishes go with you. Fernando, Jov's wife Tina from Kalayaan is begging help today. She has fever and no antibiotics.

Bern (11:19:37): Jov's younger brother Mel is also begging urgently for help from Magdapio. He has no work and no money but wants to buy cellphone loads to sell again.

Bern (11:20:50): I just spent AU$600 to pay for an elderly lady to fly to her daughter's funeral and I must spend another $700 or more to register my car immediately.

Fernando (11:28:01): Well thanks again and hope you're always in good health and condition course I knew you have given help here in Pagsanjan especially [to] Jov's family. Rubee-Fer asking when did you come back in Phil[ippines].

Bern (11:29:58): Oh, I wish I could return soon but I just don't see how it's possible for some time. My health is not bad, all things considered, but I suffer many stresses.

Fernando (11:32:44): Regards to you, Rubee-Fer say love you, ninong [godfather]. Take care of yourself. I know you're going older. Thanks, gud a.m.

Bern (11:34:37): Hey, don't remind me I'm growing older! Age is only a number (I wish!). I'm so glad that someone and especially Rubee-Fer loves me! My love to her also!

Fernando (11:39:40): Yes I know only a number getting older not in your body. Rubee getting taller and beauty. She is graduating now at her grade six elementary she wish you come back soon.

Bern (11:42:08): Well, children getting taller and more beautiful, that's a bit different! But please pardon me now, I'm being called urgently to merienda [snack] with a visitor!

---

*Poe: a nickname derived from the movie star Fernando Poe.
 

**Comelec: Comission on Elections.

Sick young man unable to afford therapy requests help

Texts received online at 13:47 GMT+10

Mel (12:11:10): Gud a.m. Bern, sorry I spent my money for therapy today - I can't go today, bcoz the other night and tonight I had fever flue. I buy food med and fruits, that's why!

Mel (12:13:48): Right now Bern I have phlegm and dry cough! Bern hope you can help me to my therapy and to have a load selling too my Smart load is not enough eh! Sorry but please try.

Mel (12:15:19): I hope you will get in touch soon, bcoz I will wait for your touch again Bern, hope you understand me. Ate Gelay [Aunt Anagel] is taking care of me when I'm sick. Love Mel.

Bern (13:53:23): Hello Mel. I'm sorry to hear you are sick. Also, regrettably, I can't help you today. Six days ago Tina said she would hand you 4,000 pesos [US$88.65] from me.

Bern (13:57:53): Mel it was extremely important that you spend and save with great care. Please explain what you did with the 4,000 pesos.

Young man Mel left with little money after buying antibacterial tablets and vitamins

Mel (11:54:04): Hello Bern, good morning, I already buy Ofloxacin and vitamins. Now [I have] 500 [pesos]* left in my wallet. I'm here now in Mercury drugs in Sta. Cruz, and ready [to] ride a jeep to go home.

* * *

* About US$10.78.

Text received online at 18:12 AEST

Expenses overwhelm poor, pregnant, bleeding woman and relatives

E-mail from Tina sent at 14:42 GMT+8

Dear Bern,

1. This is the prescription of Dra. D . . . :

Duvadilan 1 tab, once a day, need 7 pcs, 17.20 each, total cost 119, Hemostan 500 mg 10 cap, 2 x a day 22.50 each, total cost 225, Beniforte or Hemarate 1 tab. once a day, only available in Mercury drugs was Hemarate cost 11.00 each, total cost 674.

2. Then I spend Dr. fee cost 1,500 in 2 times each, yesterday and today dra.* Fees.

3. Then after Dra.* D . . . give a request for ultrasound on May 28, to see if there [is] a development and to avoid premature labor, it will cost again 1,500.

4. I Hope you understand, I also scan the result of ultra sound before which [was] requested in doctor in Provincial hospital last April 27, 2007.

5. I almost spend 2,500 for Liza check up and medicine, then my problem was another 1,500 on May 28, for ultrasound and another dra.* fee, need another 2,500 almost.

6. The money I have was my allowance for operation maybe on the first week of June, and I don't know yet what will be the exact expenses, what I can do? I want to save the life of the baby, that why I do that, I [know] that will be my next problem soon, how I can return the money I spend for Liza, and another expenses on May 28?

7. The main problem of mine was the allowance of Liza ‘s 2 child Ken and Kert, which Ken now I need to enroll in kindergarten this coming June, it's also my responsibility, also the situation of Liza, I hope we avoid premature labor, coz we experience it before on her 2nd child Kert, [who] was [in an] incubator for 1 month, it's so hard and so expensive. The allowance for their milk, diaper, and food, that make my life harder, but what I can do, I'm the elder and my responsibility [is] to help them, specially this moment.

8. I try to open a ATM account so I did not bring cash in hospital - it was BPI Express Teller International . . .

9 I hope Bern you can help me regarding my problem about Liza and kids' situation.

[Liza's husband] Roderic was now in Alabang suffering illness in TB.

Tina.

*Dra. is an abbreviation for "Doktora", female doctor.

Pregnant woman still bleeds, sick sister uses funds set aside for own surgery

Tina (00:23:00): Gud evening Bern, how are you? I hope you're OK, if you ask me, I plan to go to PGH* on Thursday, to talk to my surgeon n private OB**, coz Liza was bleeding even [though] she was stay[ing] at home. We need to return tomorrow, I will scan prescription.

Tina (00:28:19): Sad to say, I used some of my money for my operation for Liza bleeding, coz my opinion my first priority is to save d life of d baby. I know you're so busy, I will scan.

* Philippine General Hospital.

** Obstetrician.

Texts received online at 10:20 AEST

Insufficient funds for trip to hospital

Tina (08:31:32): Gud am Bern! How are you? I hope you're OK? And Alice. I received withdrawal 5k, from Joe yesterday, I can buy [medications] on [i.e. at] PGH* on Monday, which was my schedule of my checkup in Dr. T, but sad to say I don't have allowance for d trip [Received Friday, 4 May 2007 at 15:26:15].

*Philippine General Hospital, Manila.

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?

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 . . .

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.

Pharmaceutical prices high in Philippines

Tina: (09:23:25): Good a.m. Bern and Alice, how are you? I hope you are both OK, and in good health, sorry if I didn't reply yesterday coz I don't have load, sorry to tell you I don't have medicine to take, last 2 days.

Bern (16:09:53): Hi Tina, just now, at Mercury Drug's website, I ordered 1 pack, 100 x 50mg Azathioprine tablets for pick-up at their Pagsanjan Pharmacy, same as before. "Tina will receive your messages on a mobile device."

Bern (16:12:11): I also sent Mercury an urgent e-mail confirming your address and cell number. Nevertheless I expect they will be slow to respond. Admin office closes at 5pm.

Bern (16:20:32): I think you'll have to be lucky to get the Azathioprine (aka Imuran) today. I requested receipt for high priority e-mail (as Mercury does) and am waiting for it.

Bern (16:21:59): Also if necessary I can drive to bank ATM machine to check my Mastercard balance. If it has increased by $120 I'll know Mercury has already charged me.

Tina (16:49:11): Thanks Bern for your concern, I will wait for der call, for confirmation.

Bern (16:49:52): I'm waiting for them to acknowledge receipt of my high priority e-mail.

Sick woman lacking medications sends best wishes

Tina (23:36:58): Gud evening Bern, I'm sorry to hear dat Alice was been heart attack, I pray she will be OK, best wishes for Alice. 16:14:37.

Tina (23:45:49): You know Bern, I don't have medicine take today, dat why I'm not surprise I suffer headache right now and d reaction of my body I suffer before when I don't have medicine. I'm getting weaker.

Tina (23:48:31): I'm so sorry, I know you have your own problem, specially now Alice was sick too. I know you're so tired for what happen. Please take care of your self always. Careful to your BP [blood pressure].

Tina sleepless, lacking money for food, medications and transport

Tina (11:50:00): Gud am Bern & Alice, I cannot slept in d whole nite last nite, thinking when I get my medicine today, coz my last tablet I take last nite.

Tina (11:52:54): Sorry to tell, but I did not go to skol yesterday and today coz I don't have allowance for food and transport.