Online doctor's apppointment is the new norm

I noticed last May 20, 2020 (Wed) that I was running out of Metformin (my maintenance medicine for diabetes). I sort of panicked, I had no choice but to give 'online doctor consultation' a try.

Actually pino-prolong ko talaga eh. Few weeks ago pa dapat ako nagbook ng appointment pero dahil may hesitation ako, I called my pharmacist and asked if they could give me an 'emergency prescription refill.' Pwede kasi yun kung ang request mo eh yung maintenance meds mo talaga. Binigyan naman ako pero good for two weeks lang (normally for 30 days eh), then the pharmacist instructed me nga to get a new prescription via call or video appointment.

By the way, wala na nga pala kaming family doctor kaya floating kami ngayon. Our doctor Dr. Sahil Jain, who I really like and feel very comfortable with, went back to Toronto na yata for good. We thought temporary lang, na magpa-paternity leave lang siya nang medyo matagal, but then the other doctor at their clinic advised me to look for another family doctor na. Hay, ang hirap! Tapos natapat pa na pandemic, nag-semi close ang mga clinics. Nandito na rin kami sa Aldergrove ngayon kaya dapat dito na kami makahanap ng new doctor, kaso nga alanganin pa dahil hindi advisable pumunta sa mga clinics at hospitals ngayon (unless emergency) dahil sa Covid-19.

Hence, the proliferation of virtual clinics. Kahit naman daw sa Pinas uso na rin ang online consultation.

Grabe talaga ang hesitation ko sa online consultation, ewan ko ba. Mas gusto ko syempre ang face-to-face. Pero dahil prescription lang naman nga ang kailangan ko, walang ibang magagawa.

I've been seeing a lot of "doctors online" sites dito sa BC (just google online doctors canada/BC) pero dahil itong VivaCare ang medyo familiar sa akin (dahil nagki-clinic sila sa mga Walmart), sige ito na lang.

Ang dali lang palang magbook. You just need to ready your Personal Health Number (PEN). Pili ka lang ng date at time na gusto mo. Sobrang daming available dates and time, hindi kagaya ng sa physical clinics na pahirapan magbook. I chose a 3:45pm appointment the following day (May 21). I just chose the "prescription" option nga pala tapos nilagay ko yung mga medicines na kailangan ko.

NOTE: If you're not a BC resident, they will charge you $150 pala for the consultation. Shaiks!

 I received an email afterwards, providing me a meeting link.

The next day, I received another email reminding me of my appointment.

And 28 minutes before my appointment, may reminder na naman via text. 

Tapos after aroun 3:35, may nagtext again, saying: "the doctor is available now." I was waiting na rin naman so clicked the meeting link in the email.

I first talked to a receptionist/nurse who just verified if I am indeed Celeste Blanco. Tapos tinransfer nya na ako sa virtual waiting room. A few seconds later, kausap ko na ang doctor, who I thought will be female (kasi babae ang name ng assigned physician sa email eh).

The consultation only took a few minutes. After saying hi and hello, he just asked me kung kelan pa ako nagstart magtake ng Metformin at kung may allergy ako sa mga gamot na nirequest ko (I also asked for my cholesterol meds). He also asked me kung ano ang current blood sugar ko, I answered that I haven't had it checked yet because I am afraid to go to the lab. But I am sure that it is high because I've been eating a whole lot more during this quarantine period.

And it's done, ifoforward nya na raw yung prescription to my pharmacist. I put my pharmacy details nga rin pala when I booked my appointment. I chose the pharmacy located insider our kapitbahay-grocery store Frescho para malapit lang.

Before we hang up nga pala, I asked him if he could access my file kasi may gusto akong itanong about my gallstone surgery (Yep, I have gallstones! Ang daming sakit noh?). Ang sabi nya walang access ang telehealth doctors sa ibang health records namin. Ganun pala yun.

Hay nakatapos din! The experience was not as 'dreadful' as I thought it would be pero syempre mas gusto ko pa rin ng normal face-to-face consultation. Pero baka nga ito na ang "new normal" talaga sa ngayon. But I admit na mas madali ito kung prescription refill lang ang kailangan, ang bilis eh. Walang kahassle-hassle. Very accessible din ang doctors, kahit within the day pwede.

I called on the pharmacy after and asked kung naforward na sa kanila yung prescription ko. Yes daw. I asked my husband to pick up my medicines na lang para hindi na ako lalabas. So easy!

NOTE: We actually don't pay anything for our prescription medicines. Pinapaluwalan lang namin tapos pinapa-reimburse online sa health insurance provider namin. Ia-upload lang ang receipts tapos after a few days, papasok na sa bank account namin yung reimbursement. =)

Booster Shots

We moved here in British Columbia when Nathan was almost two so all his infant vaccines were done in Edmonton. We were told then that the next vaccination is when Nathan turns four.

We had to google kung paano nga ba ang immunization system dito sa BC. That's the thing about living here in Canada, iba-iba ang health system ng bawat province. Medyo mangangapa ka talaga kapag lumipat ka.

There is a central number per area here in BC that you can call to book an appointment. Sobrang tagal nga lang mag-antay ng sasagot so better choose their "call back" option. After a few hours, tatawag din sila.

I first called in January and asked for an appointment kaso they don't have a record yet of Nathan's immunization history in their system so I have to email it first and wait for two weeks. I emailed it and after a few weeks (I sort of delayed the call because it was super cold in February, ang hirap mag-bus going to the clinic), I called the hotline again and got an appointment for March 8, 2019. I chose their Langley clinic kasi one-ride away lang from our house.

Days before the appointment day, I was explaining to Nathan what will happen. Sabi ko sasaksakan siya and it will hurt a bit. He loves to play doctor-doctoran so he know what "shots" are. Very calm lang siya, parang wala lang. Mas kinakabahan pa nga ako, parang ako ang iva-vaccinate. I was actually very anxious because when he was still a baby, palaging kasama si Ford kapag binabakunahan siya. Si Ford ang tagahawak dahil nga nagpa-panic ako. Naisip ko, hala paano kapag nagwala si Nathan sa clinic?

We arrived 45 minutes before the appointment time. May mga narinig kaming batang nagsisigawan at nag-iiyakan kaya na-praning na naman ako. Pero eto siya, haping-happy pa. Relaxed na relaxed at panay pa-picture pa.

Na-accommodate din kami agad kahit maaga pa. The nurse was very nice as usual, pero si Nathan talagang very brave. Though shy, he was listening to her. Sinabi rin niya na" "I am not scared."

True enough, ang galing niya. I held him bago siya tusukan and instructed him to look away and close his eyes. Pero ang bagets talagang tiningnan pa ang pagtusok sa kanya. Wala akong nakitang fear sa kanya. Ako pa nga ang medyo kinabahan. Two shots and it was done. The nurse was so impressed, siya daw ang "best kid" niya that day.

The nurse made him choose a sticker. Eto ang pinili niya.

As a reward, binilhan ko siya ng paborito niyang mocha frappucino. And he asked me to tell his dad how good he was in the clinic.

By the way, the nurse asked me for Nathan's immunization record book para masulatan niya. Since Nathan was born in Alberta, iba ito sa "Child Health Passport" ng BC na mas maganda haha.

I am happy because we're done with Nathan's booster shots. These shots nga pala are for kids 4 to 6 years of age. Katulad sa Pinas, may measles outbreak din kasi dito sa BC, may confirmed 18 cases na raw as of today. Yep, outbreak na yan dito (unlike sa Pinas na libo-libo) at nagpa-panic na ang mga tao. May case/s yata na galing Vietnam yung nagkasakit kaya natatakot ako sa airport sa totoo lang. Magfa-fly pa naman kami twice soon. At least ngayon medyo kampante na ang loob ko.

Measles Vaccine

Uuwi kami sa Pinas soon (late March or early April) and I am somewhat scared because there's currently a measles outbreak there. Nakaka-praning. When I was still living there, hindi ako bothered sa ganyang mga isyu at balita pero ngayon, talagang naga-alala ako. Una, may anak na ako. Pangalawa, medyo nasanay na rin kasi ako sa first world living (walang halong kayabangan, sadyang pagpapakatotoo lang) kaya medyo "umaarte" na.

Naalala ko noon, naaartehan ako sa mga kamag-anak kong from the US na nagbabakasyon sa Pinas kasi nga masyado silang worried sa safety and security nila. Ngayon naiintindihan ko na na natural lang pala iyon kasi nga sa ibang mundo ka na naninirahan at hindi ka na sanay sa pamumuhay sa Pinas.

Anyway, dahil nga natatakot ako sa tigdas, hinanap ko talaga ang immunization record ko dito. I remembered kasi na noong time na pinababakunahan pa namin si Nathan, pati kaming mag-asawa ay tinusok na rin. They saw something in my blood daw (when I was pregnant) that I wasn't immune to something (I forgot what it was) so kailangan ko din ng bakuna. At dahil wala nga kasi kaming immunization record sa Canada, they want to make sure din na hindi kami makaka-acquire ng sakit na makakahawa sa anak namin. I am confident na kumpleto ako sa bakuna noong baby pa ako (my mother is very responsible) pero wala namang mawawala kung babakunahan uli para sigurado. Wala daw over-dosage sa ganyan.

So eto na nga, nakita ko na. I am so happy! At least kampante na ang loob kong uuwi sa Pilipinas kong mahal hehe.

But before kami umuwi, kailangan ko pa palang pasaksakan si Nathan ng booster shots (including measles). Sinasaksak daw yun kapag 4 years old and above na. Noon pa ako nagpapa-schedule sana ng vaccination kaso they asked pa for Nathan's immunization record from Alberta para ma-enter nila sa system nila. Ganun kasi dito eh, hindi centralized ang health records, by province talaga.

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Another kwento. Noong unang uwi (or pangalawa ba?) namin sa Pinas, gustung-gusto kong pasaksakan ng Dengvaxia si Nathan. Kasi nga natatakot ako sa dengue, tapos kagatin pa talaga ng lamok ang anak ko. Kahit sa mall kinakagat siya ng lamok. Ang laking pasalamat ko talaga na hindi ko siya natuloy pabakunahan nun hay!

Currently, walang nirerecommend na dengue vaccine ang Public Health Agency of Canada kasi  daw"although advanced research is underway, there is currently no approved vaccine or medication that protects against dengue fever." Hindi nga rin pala present sa mosquitoes ng Canada ang dengue virus.

Birthday Wish 2018

Good health for me and my loved ones. That's my only birthday wish this year.

Courtesy of Bitmoji

I am not the one who usually wish for good health during birthdays. Siguro kasi taken for granted ko talaga ang health matters na yan dati. But now that I am nearing 40 (I'll be 39 this year), iba na talaga ang pagtingin ko sa buhay.

It was around this time last year when I learned that I have diabetes. Tapos ang dami-dami ko pang ibang sakit, pinakyaw ko na yata lahat. Every day, I am living in fear na baka hindi ko na makitang lumaki ang anak ko kasi nga I feel so weak. Parang I have a body of a 70-year-old na (seriously).

I really am wishing and hoping now for a longer and healthier life for my husband and son.

I also wish good health for them syempre. At sa mga mahal namin sa buhay, most especially to our parents who are in their prime na. My father-in-law was recently diagnosed with a serious illness and we are praying that he'll get through this. My son needs his grandpa and we are hoping that they can spend more time together pa.

Lutein

I kept on seeing Iza Calzado's Optein Lutein commercial when I was in the Philippines kaya naengganyo akong magtanong sa Mercury Drug kung magkano nga ba yun. Na-inspire kasi ako sa doctor aunt ni Ford na nagte-take ng kung anu-anong vitamins and supplements. Ok lang naman daw kahit maraming inumin, wala naman daw mawawala.

So after maging effective sa akin ang Bitter Go (I'll post about this next time) na ampalaya supplement, naisip ko sige iinom na rin ako ng sa mata. Medyo problematic na rin kasi ang mata ko, laging strained dahil nga sa kaka-laptop at Iphone.

Ayun na nga, nagtanong ako sa Mercury. I was expecting na less than 10 pesos lang siya (kasi Php7.50 lang ang Bitter Go eh) pero Php30.00 pala! Syempre hindi na ako bumili, tutal hindi rin naman ako taga-Pilipinas para masustain ang pag-inom nun. Saka mabigat ang Php900/month na Lutein ha. Naisip ko hahanap na lang ako sa Costco.

At eto na siya! $20.78 (o Php831.20) lang ang 140 softgels. Bale pumapatak na $0.15 (Php5.94) lang ang isa. Hindi na mabigat sa bulsa.

Sa Costco talaga the best bumili ng mga vitamins and supplements sa totoo lang. Yun nga lang, talagang maramihan ang bili.

I started taking Lutein last Sunday, July 29, 2018. We'll never know kung effective nga ba ito talaga. Pero siyempre hoping ako.

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By the way, I only learned now na may mga binebenta rin palang generic na Lutein sa Pinas. Hindi ko kasi alam noon, eh di sana nagtanong din ako. Puro yung Optein Lutein nga lang kasi ang nakikita ko. Malakas talaga ang impluwensya ng commercial lol.

High Cholesterol

In addition to Metformin for my diabetes, nagsimula na rin akong mag-take nito since July 19.

Yep, maintenance meds to lower high cholesterol. Nang magsabog yata ang mundo ng sakit, sinalo ko na lahat. Mag-39 pa lang ako pero may mga gamot na ako for life. Whew!

Kasali sa blood works ko ang cholesterol last July 7 and just as I had expected, mas tumaas pa ang cholesterol level ko kesa last December. Sa dami ba naman ng nilaklak kong isaw sa Pinas. I am to be blamed, I know. Wala talaga akong disiplina.

From 6.14 in December 30, 2017, 6.57 na siya ngayon. Normal is between 2.00 to 5.19. Very high na daw talaga kung tutuusin. Walang epekto ang fish oil ha. My doctor gave me a month to lower my cholesterol, tapos magpakuha daw uli ako ng dugo. When I asked him papano kung hindi pa rin bumaba, no choice na raw kundi mag-take ako ng gamot. I told him resetahan na niya ako kasi mukhang di ko naman kakayanin.

I want to be realistic. The only solution for my cholesterol level to drastically lower down is for me to significantly cut down on red meat and fried foods. Ano pa ang pwede kong kainin kung ganun? Since I am diabetic, talagang konting carbs na lang ang kinakain ko. At para ako mabusog, talagang nilalakasan ko sa ulam o protein.

It's actually hard to live here in Canada kapag hindi ka talagang taga-dito. I've had a Filipina doctor in Edmonton two years ago and I won't forget our last conversation. Noon pa lang kasi nakita na na medyo mataas ang cholesterol ko.

Ang sabi niya, sa talagang maggagamot na lang ang mga Pinoy dito sa Canada dahil nga sa nature ng pagkain. Mostly greasy, high in carbs and calories, processed. Ano bang healthy ang pwedeng kainin dito sa totoo lang? Salad lang yata. To be honest, hindi naman salad-eating ang average Pinoy (ako hindi kumakain ng salad). Hindi tayo mabubuhay nang yan lang. Ang mga isda naman na nabibili dito na galing Asia, puro frozen na. At dahil frozen, usually ipiprito mo na lang kasi hindi naman masarap sabawan. Super mahal din ang Asian vegetables dito tapos ang lalaki ng pack. Kung magluluto ka ng chopsuey, sobrang laki ng magagastos mo sa dami ng ingredients na kailangan. Sana kung marami kayong kakain. Pinakamura na talagang iulam ang karne sa totoo lang.

Tapos dahil mabilisan ang buhay dito, pinaka-convenient talagang kumain ng mga instant food (noodles, canned goods). Pinakamadaling luto rin ang prito. Sa case namin, ako lang ang kumakain ng mga niluluto kong may sabaw kaya nakakatamad magluto sa totoo lang. Yung anak ko puro pritong galunggong at manok lang kaya madalas sinasabayan ko na lang. Ang sabi ng doktor ko, mag-ihaw na lang daw ako instead na magprito. Ang tedious kaya nun, tapos good for one person lang iihawin ko for lunch halimbawa? Eh madalas gutom na gutom na ako by lunch time tapos magluluto pa ako ng ibang pagkain para sa anak ko tapos susubuan ko pa. Kung may nabibilhan lang sana ng lutong ulam dito sa tabi-tabi na parang sa Pinas, ayos sana.

Basta ang punto ko, ang hirap mag-healthy-eating dito lalo na sa puntong ito ng buhay ko huhu. Kaya talagang tinanggap ko na na maggagamot na lang ako. Pero siyempre pipilitin ko namang bawasan ang pagkain ng mga bawal na pagkain pero I doubt it kung talagang maiiwasan ko totally. Kahit ang nanay ko naiintindihan ang sitwasyon ko. Siya nga raw na nasa Pinas na eh hindi na rin malaman kung ano ang kakainin, ako pa ba na very limited ang food options dito.

Hay, diabetes at high cholesterol. Apart from my unhealthy lifestyle, namana ko rin ang mga sakit na yan sa magulang ko. Pero buti na nga lang at hindi ako "high blood" na katulad ng nanay ko. Bata pa lang ako eh low blood na talaga ako. Sana Po talaga hindi magbago.

July 19, 2019

I am grateful though kasi covered naman ng health insurance namin ang maintenance meds ko kaya hindi ko pinoproblema ang additional gastos. Kung nasa Pinas siguro ako, sobrang manghihinayang ako sa pera. Ang sabi ng nanay ko, Php52 ang isang piraso nung cholesterol medicine niya. Hindi birong halaga yun ha.

Pero dito pala sa Canada, usually 'generic' lang yata ang gamot. Basta ibibigay mo lang ang prescription sa Pharmacy tapos sila na ang bahalang mag-dispense. Unlike sa Pinas na makakapili ka (o ang doktor mo) ng brand na iinumin mo.

Kaya kung titingnan mo, mura lang naman pala ang cholesterol medicine ko for 90 days. $23.17 lang o Php926.80 (around Php10.30 per day). Mas mura pa nga sana yan kung walang dispensing fee na $10.

Yun nga pala, sa bawat prescription medicine na bibilhin mo dito, may $10 silang china-charge. Kahit na good for one month lang halimbawa (o 30 pieces), $10 pa rin ang babayaran mo. So better na imaximize mo na ng for 3 months para tipid. Good for three months lang ang maximum na pwede nilang ibigay eh.

Sa ibang health insurance companies, may co-pay. Minsan 20% ang share ng patient. Buti sa insurance namin (sa company ni Daddy Ford), sinasagot nila ng 100%. May health spending allowance kami in a year at iyon lang ang dapat naming iconsume. Malaki naman sya kaya hindi naman basta mauubos. Kailangan mo lang munang paluwalan sa pagbayad tapos irereimburse nila kaagad through bank deposit kapag nasubmit mo na ang resibo online. =)

#CessieLikes: Fuchingsung-N Cream

A couple of weeks before we leave for the Philippines, nagkaroon ako ng cluster ng maliliit na parang butlig-butlig sa right arm ko. It was so itchy, grabe! I thought it would eventually go away lalo na at maliit lang naman (circled in the below picture yung location) but after a week, sobrang itchy at reddish pa rin. Talagang kamot na ako ng kamot.

My husband did some research and concluded na fungi daw yun (haha, nagmamarunong pa kami sa doctor) so he bought an over the counter Clotrimazole Topical Cream for me. It kinda work for a few days at akala talaga namin ok na. But the itch and redness kept coming back.

Then I had my check-up last January 8 (the day before we flew to Pinas) so I showed my skin na rin to the doctor. Tiningnan niya he immediately said: "Oh, it's eczema!"

Nawindang na naman ako! Dati diabetes, ngayon eczema naman ang bad news! Naalala ko agad yung nabasa ko na hindi gumagaling totally ang eczema, talagang pabalik-balik lang.

I asked the doctor kung ano ang probable cause, he said that it could be many things. Pero parang ang nag-linger sa akin ay pollen. Ha, dahil ba maraming puno sa BC? Wala naman kasi akong maisip na pwedeng magtrigger ng eczema sa akin kasi wala naman akong "bagong" ginagawa / kinakain / sinusuot. Ahh ewan ko ba.

He prescribed a new ointment for me to apply on the area. I was optimistic kasi hindi na siya over-the-counter, baka kako effective, kaso waley. Parang lalong namaga ang arm ko. Lalong kumati at parang lumaki pa yung area.

In my desperation, I used this Fuchingsung-N Cream that we usually use for insect bites. My Tita Oya introduced it to us last year (when we were also here in Pinas) kasi tadtad na ng mosquito bites si TanTan. My son has allergy to insect bites kaya nagsusugat talaga siya sa kakakamot dahil sobrang kati. We've tried everything na nga para iiwas siya sa lamok (i.e. mosquito repellent patches, lotion, etc) pero talaga hinahabol siya ng kagat. Sobrang kawawa talaga.  Dumating pa nga sa point na gusto ko siyang pasaksakan ng Dengvaxia (yung dengue vaccine kasi sikat na sikat noon) sa takot ko na mag-dengue. Buti na lang hindi natuloy whew!

Anyway, my Tita's friend suggested this cream to her. Nabibili lang daw ito sa mga Chinese pharmacy. Nagpabili ang Tita ko sa Quiapo, sobrang mura lang daw --- 3 for Php100.00! Ang dami-dami raw talagang nagva-vouch ng effectiveness nito sa itch and other skin problems.

I googled it muna bago ipagamit kay Nathan syempre. Puro warning ng DFA ang bumungad sakin. Unregistered daw ito and it poses danger to the consuming public. Medyo naalarma ako but I kept on reading. Ayun, may mga blogs and forum nga na naga-affirm ng effectiveness nito kaya sinubukan ko muna sa sarili ko. May mga mosquito bites din kasi ako noon. To my surprise, talagang nawala agad yung kati.

I used it on Nathan at talagang super effective. Hindi na siya nagkakamot pagkalagay at mabilis mawala yung mga insect bite marks. Kung maaga lang namin sana ito nadiscover eh di sana hindi na siya nagkasugat-sugat sa kakakamot. Wala naman akong nakitang any negative effect sa kanya at sa akin ang Fuchingsung kaya I brought 6 tubes pa nga back to Canada (pero hindi naman namin gaanong nagamit kasi fortunately, hindi naman nakagat ng kahit anong insect doon si Nathan kahit noong summer).

Going back to my eczema, ewan ko ba kung bakit hindi ko sinubukan itong gamitin agad. Noon na lang nandito na ako sa Pinas at hindi effective yung Betaderm Ointment saka ko naisipang magpahid. Kasi nga di ko na ma-take ang kati. And true enough, nawala agad ang itch and inflammation. In 2 days yata, nag-flatten na siya. Wonder cream talaga ang Fuchingsung!

I should have read the box dati pa. Pang-skin disorders pala talaga like eczema itong Fuchingsung at hindi insect bites lol.

I will be bringing back a lot of this cream to Canada (kahit na meron pa ako doon) kasi nga recurring ang eczema (at matagal naman ang expiration). Buti nga nasa isang area lang yung sakin at wag naman sanang magspread-out. Kapag nafi-feel ko na kumakati na ung arm ko (first pic, as pointed by the arrow), naglalagay na ako agad ng Fuchingsung kaya hindi nagtutuloy. Sana lang talaga magtuloy-tuloy ang bisa nito sa akin at hindi ako ma-immune later on.

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Ooops, nakita ko na may nagbebenta pala ng Fuchingsung-N online and they ship worldwide. Nagre-range sa US$10-20+ ang price per tube, plus shipping and custom taxes and duties pa kaloka! But really, if you're living abroad and desperately needing a cream for your skin problems, it is worth a try kahit mahal. When I go back to BC, I'll try to scout kung may binebenta ring ganito sa mga Chinese stores doon. Sa dami ba naman ng chekwa doon, baka meron ding nakakapagpalusot nito.

Reduced MSP Premiums

As I have mentioned in this post, we British Columbia residents pay monthly MSP (Medical Services Plan) rates "which help meet a portion of the costs of  BC's health care system." We were being charged $150 per month (for two adults). I actually dislike the idea of paying these premiums kasi wala namang ganito sa ibang provinces, dito lang yata meron.

Buti na lang that starting January 2018, they reduced it na by 50%, kaya $75 na lang ang charge samin kada buwan. Thanks to the Liberals, lol.

Whew, we will save a total of $900 in a year. Sobra sobra na yan pambayad sa kuryente. Malaking bagay talaga. I hope magtuloy-tuloy na kasi they have plans of totally eliminating MSP premiums later on.

Sana marami pang good news ang dumating this 2018!

Gloomy

Hello! Finally, I found some time to blog. Inaantay kong maluto ang fried chicken ko kaya eto, sulat sulat muna.

The past days have been so gloomy for us. It's raining all day ("raincouver," haler!) and it added up to the misery of having a sick child.

Nathan wasn't feeling well since Friday. His face was so flushed and I thought he had fever because he was so hot. After a few minutes, parang nawala naman ang init. Then he pooped and the stool was so watery. He has lost his appetite na rin, puro na lang dede.

I was so worried but he seemed to be ok after that. We played and he said he wanted McDonald's. When his dad arrived from work, dumirecho kami na kami sa McDonald's so he could eat. I didn't care if french fries are junk, I just wanted my son to have some solid food in his stomach.

Pero yun nga, isang subo pa lang ng fries, he threw up na. Buti nasalo namin agad kaya hindi kami nagkalat sa McDo.

Nathan was ok naman the following weekend. Wala naman siyang lagnat (although mainit talaga siya kapag nahawakan mo). Not as energetic as his usual self pero wala na ang stomach pain na kino-complain niya nung Friday. I really thought stomach flu o gastroenteritis ang sakit niya, just like last year when he was hospitalized in the Philippines. Nagpapanic na talaga ako, kasi baka madehydrate na naman. Buti na lang nagdedede pa rin.

Come Monday morning, mahina na talaga siya paggising pa lang. He was extra clingy to me, palaging nakayakap. Tapos iritable rin at tinotopak. He was coughing so hard, and crying kasi masakit daw. Ang sakit sa puso, kaya grabe ang stress ko. Ford was asking me kung uuwi na raw ba siya (from work). Sabi ko wag na. Pero grabe talaga ang tension ko kapag inaatake siya ng ubo at nagii-iyak.

Ford had to leave work early so we could bring Nathan to the clinic. The clinic is actually just a walking distance from our place but it was raining, mababasa kami kapag naglakad lang kami. It was also too cold, baka lalong magkasakit ang bata.

Upon checking on Nathan's throat, sa tingin daw ng doctor ay 75% throat infection (bacterial) o 25% viral. He prescribed antibiotics and instructed us to return if the little boy's condition didn't improve by Wednesday.

Nathan was still not feeling well yesterday (Tuesday). Sobrang hirap for me, wala akong support system (kapag nasa work ang asawa ko). My heart was breaking whenever I see my son crying. Ang hirap talaga kapag maliit na bata ang may sakit kasi hindi nila ma-explain ang nararamdaman nila. I was so decided to bring him back to the doctor the following day.

Thankfully, medyo maayos na siya paggising niya kaninang umaga. Hirap pa rin sa throat niya pero less discomfort na kasi parang hindi na siya gaanong nasusuka. Kumain na rin siya nang fried fish kahit konti. Medyo matagal-tagal na rin siyang nakakapaglaro, unlike yesterday na halos nakahiga lang sa kwarto. I really wish magtuloy-tuloy na.

Hay! Kung sa Pinas mahirap magkasakit kasi magastos, dito mahirap magkasakit kasi we have no one else to help us in case of medical emergencies. Kailangan mong maging strong talaga kasi no choice. For a person na laging naka-depende sa nanay (ako yun), malaking pagbabago talaga ito sa buhay ko. Parang gusto ko ng magbreakdown pero hindi pwede. I know "simpleng" sakit lang naman ang throat infection, but I am a worrier at kung anu-ano ang pumapasok sa utak ko lalo na at mag-isa lang ako.

My son is only three years old. A long way to go bago namin siya mapalaki. I really need so much strength.

My Sugar Pouch

Meet my sugar pouch. Ang cute noh haha. My husband has been teasing me, aliw na aliw daw kasi ako sa pouch na ito.

I bought this pouch at Daiso for $2 (plus 12% tax)

You see, hypoglycemia or low blood sugar is a common yet scary effect of diabetes. In my case, there was this certain medication (Glyburide) that throws my sugar off balance. Simula nang inumin ko yun every morning after breakfast, ayun palagi na akong nanginginig sa gutom, nagpa-palpitate at pinagpapawisan. During one hypo attack, I tested and my glucose level was only 2.2 mmol/L or 39.6 mg/dl (normal must be at least 2.9 mmol/L or 70 mg/dl)! I literally ran to the refrigerator to get a regular pepsi! I was so nervous, nakakatakot sa sobrang baba. And to think na hindi pa ganun ka-severe ang pakiramdam ko noon ha (kaya nga nakapag-test pa ako). There were days na hindi na talaga ako makapag-isip nang tama at parang magko-collapse na ako.

Hence, I never leave the house now without my sugar pouch. Mas mahirap kasi kapag sa labas naabutan ng hypoglycemia, hindi laging may access sa food lalo na sa fast-acting carbs like candies and chocolates.

I always have something to eat naman dati pa sa bag ko but I just put them on the pockets, or minsan sa diaper bag ng anak ko. Ang problema, minsan nagkakadurog-durog o napipisa. Kumakalat pa sa bag. I also change bags often kaya ang hassle pa maglipat. So this pouch is the perfect solution. I like that it's transparent pa for easy viewing.

A small juice will fit pa nga in this pouch kaso ayaw ko ng beverage na hindi malamig kaya wag na lang.. 

Aside from chocolates (I wasn't able to buy candies yet), I always make sure too that I have crackers with me. Again, ang hirap kapag nasa labas at hindi ka makakain sa tamang oras. Kailangan ng pantawid-gutom.

And just today pala, I also added Twin Sugar (calorie-free sweetener) in my pouch. I realized na dapat laging ready just in case may gusto akong kainin/inumin sa labas na kailangan ng sugar, like coffee or mais con yelo.

So there, I guess I'll have a sugar pouch for the rest of my life.

--------------------------
NOTE: I finally found the courage to stop taking Glyburide, since last Monday (October 9) pa. Thankfully, my numbers are still good. =)

D-Day -- August 16, 2017

Hello! Yes, I am still alive.

I just have diabetes. *sigh

I'd probably never forget August 16, 2017 (aside from it being my BFF Raxie's birthday). It was my D-day, the day I learned that I have diabetes.

Parang deja vu. Three years ago (August 2014), I was diagnosed din with gestational diabetes.
Then three months after giving birth (February 2015), pre-diabetes naman. As I have said in my previous posts, ine-expect ko na rin naman na magkaka-diabetes ako. Both my parents are diabetic at napakalaking factor talaga ang family history sa pagkakaroon ng ganitong sakit.

It's just that I am only 37 years old (38 on August 27).

I only have myself to blame for this. I abused myself. I had a very unhealthy lifestyle. Despite the "warning" of pre-diabetes, I continued to eat a lot and live a "tamad" life. Di na rin ako bumalik uli sa family doctor namin sa Edmonton para magpa-check up. If I remember it correctly, they mailed me two laboratory requisition forms and I just ignored them. Sa isip ko, saka na lang. We were so busy then with our pending move here in BC kaya hindi ko siya pinriority. Tsk. Akala ko rin kasi mga 5-10 years pa bago mag-fullblown ang diabetes ko.

I also did not listen to my body and to those symptoms that I felt -- extreme fatigue/lack of energy, weight gain, frequent urination, blurred vision, numbness in my hands, frequent infection (UTI), many "low sugar" episodes.

Kaya nasa huli talaga ang pagsisisi.

---

The doctor was 'apologetic' when he told me the bad news. Diabetes is a lifelong disease so I would have to deal with it for the rest of my life. Again, I am only 37.

I honestly wasn't expecting him to tell me that I have diabetes. Ang dami dami ko ng inisip na pwedeng sakit ko because of my stomach pains, pero never nga nag-occur sa akin na diabetes ang sasabihin niya. Ang tagal ko na kasing may problema sa tummy. Almost two decades na siguro.

Kaya nung sinabi niya sa akin na, "I am sorry but you have diabetes," ang unang pumasok talaga sa isip ko ay "hay, buti hindi cancer."

Later na lang nagsink-in sa akin na ang hirap hirap magka-diabetes, forever na talaga ito.

After texting my husband, who of course was shocked as well, I cried. Umiyak ako dahil sa regrets. Umiyak ako dahil nga panghabambuhay ko ng dadalhin ang sakit na ito. Umiyak ako dahil siguradong nabawasan na ang buhay ko (kawawa naman ang asawa at anak ko). Umiyak ako para sa mga pagkaing di ko na pwedeng kainin. Umiyak ako para sa malaking pagbabagong ito sa buhay ko/namin.

After wallowing for just a few minutes, I calmed myself. Ayoko ng mag-dwell sa negative. Inisip ko na lang na hindi pa naman katapusan ng mundo. Hindi lang naman ako ang may diabetes. In fact, one niece of mine (daughter of my first cousin who is also diabetic) was also diagnosed last month, and she's only 29. We also have one employee in the Philippines who is the same age as me who has it. Manual pa ang trabaho nun ha, kaya sagana sa "exercise."

Ang sabi ko na lang sa sarili ko, it's about time na rin naman na baguhin ko ang lifestyle at eating habits ko. At saka gusto ko ring pumayat kahit papano.

---

So here I am today, feeling a little bit better than week ago. I've been instructed by my doctor to test my blood sugar every morning (after I wake up). He also prescribed Metformin and Glyburide for me to take. My numbers are good so far, kasi talagang on low carb diet na ako.

It isn't easy. Everyday is a struggle to get better. Ang daming adjustments and challenges. Pero sige lang, kakayanin.

I still have an ultrasound on September 9. I can feel na may ibang problema pa ako other than diabetes because my stomach is still not well. Sana naman hindi grabe. =(

----

D-Day = Diabetes Diagnostic Day

I am sick

I am sick. I haven't been feeling well for a couple of weeks now. I am scared, I can feel that this is something serious.

I actually went to a walk-in doctor already last July 24 for my stomach pain but I was told that I need a family doctor who could request tests for me. He just prescribed antibiotics because I suspected that I had UTI. They didn't even test me for it.

Since then, the state of my stomach has fluctuated. There were days that the pain is manageable, and there were times that I just wanted to die. I was actually hoping to get a Filipino family doctor so I was indecisive to go to the clinic near our place that accepts patients. But because I couldn't take the pain anymore last weekend, I promised myself I'll have myself checked. The hell with my fears, I have to get better.

August 14, 2017 (Monday). Bringing Nathan with me,  went to see the doctor after lunch. I was lucky he had no scheduled appointment that time so he was able to see me immediately.

He asked several questions and briefly examined my side stomach. He then handed me several papers and instructed me to have some blood works and ultrasound done. He also gave me a prescription for acid and gas pain.

I asked the receptionist on where the nearest laboratory is. Hay, I feel like starting all over again. I am already familiar with medical procedures in Edmonton, eto panibago na naman dito sa BC.

There's a lab at the back of Sheraton Hotel daw so I googled it if it's walkable. I wanted to finish my blood works as soon as possible. It was only a 13-minute walk (1.3km) daw so off we went.

It was sunny (but thankfully not that hot). While walking (and pushing the stroller), a lot of mixed thoughts have run in my mind.

Mamamatay na ba ako? Kawawa naman ang anak ko, ang liit pa niya.

Paano pag ooperahan ako? Paano na kami? Sino na mag-aalaga kay Nathan? Kelangan ko sigurong umuwi sa Pinas pag ganun.

Kawawa naman ako, naglalakad ako. Eh me sasakyan at nakakadrive ako sa Pinas. Hindi ako maglalakad sa initan doon.

Ano nga ba ginagawa ko dito sa Canada? Ba't nga ba ako napunta dito?

Sayang, sana nasa Edmonton na lang kami. Marami akong kaibigan doon na dadamay sa akin. 

Tsk, tutusukin na naman ako. Ang sakit nun. Di talaga ako masasanay sa tusok tusok na yan.

Sana Pinoy na lang ang doktor ko para mas ma-explain ko sa kanya ang dinaramdam ko.

Tiyak mahaba ang wait time sa ultrasound. Tsk, kung nasa Pinas ako tapos na agad ito at alam ko na agad ang results kasi nga Radiologist mismo ang pinsan ko. Siya na ang magu-ultrasound sa akin.

"Libre" nga ang health care dito sa Canada kaso pahirapan naman. Paras mas ok pa rin magkasakit sa Pilipinas kapag me pera ka.

Gusto kong umuwi sa Pilipinas. Gusto kong makasama ang Nanay ko.

I received a call from the doctor's office this morning. They now have my lab tests results and the doctors want to see me. I am going there in an hour.

I am so nervous. It's good that my good friends in Edmonton (Mylene and Joy) are cheering me up.

My ultrasound schedule is on September 9 pa. Ang tagal pa. :(

Medical Services Plan of British Columbia

We moved to Surrey, British Columbia last October 2, 2016. Unlike in Alberta where you are covered the moment you moved there, we had to wait for 3 months to be eligible for BC's health care.

Just a few weeks ago, my husband informed me that we are already "covered." (By the way, I had to write to Health BC to explain why my son and I will be 'away' from BC for five and a half months). I was grateful but 'disappointed' at the same time.

Why, we have to pay $150 per month as premium for our Medical Services Plan!

Waaah! Another reason why I want to go back to Edmonton.

Bigla talaga kasi akong nanghina. I mean, on top of additional 7% provincial tax on goods, eto at me additional monthly bill kami. We are now paying the maximum premium (for those with above $42,000 net income) of $75 per adult (hence, $150). We don't have to pay for Nathan as there are no premiums for children under the age of 19.

Ford argues na meron din namang "bayad" talaga ang health sa Alberta, naka-imbibe lang sa income tax. Mas mababa daw ang income tax sa British Columbia.

Oh well, we will find that out this April when we submit our income tax returns. Pero sa ngayon, hindi ko pa talaga masabing gusto ko na sa BC.

------------------------
NOTE: I consider $150 a 'big' amount already. When you are living in Canada (especially on a single income), every dollar counts.

My little boy is sick =(

This is the worst feeling ever. My son is sick and I am miserable.

This is the first time in three months that Nathan got sick (it started last Tuesday). Common cold at cough lang naman pero as a first time mom, I can't help but be worried. As a first time mom, I had no idea what to do. Ito na nga ba ang kinatatakutan ko, ang magkasakit ang anak ko. It's so painful seeing him cough. Barado rin ang ilong sa sipon kaya nahihirapang huminga. Kawawa talaga ang babies kapag may sakit because they can't properly express how they feel. A mom could only cry.

I am thankful though na wala siyang fever. We opted not to bring him to the clinic anymore kasi wala rin naman mangyayari doon. We just bought a nasal aspirator to help him relieve his nasal congestion.

It's been four days and his condition is already a bit better. He vomited nga lang the past two days. Hay, I can't wait till this ordeal is over. I myself am sick. Hindi ko nga alam kung ako ang nanghawa kay Nathan o siya ang nanghawa sa akin (the past days medyo may pasipon-sipon na rin kasi siya). Pero hindi ko afford na isipin na masama ang pakiramdam ko. I have my son to attend to, walang ibang mag-aalaga sa kanya kundi ako (while his daddy is at work).

Anak, please get well na. Let's go broom broom na. =(

I am prediabetic =(

I received a call from the Diabetes Center a few hours ago. I just had my postpartum 2-hour glucose test yesterday morning and they already received the result.

2-hour wait at the lab

I am "positive" for prediabetes. According to the nurse, my fasting sugar is 5.0 mmol/litre (but the med tech at the lab told me it's 4.4) but my  sugar after 2 hours of drinking the 75-gram glucose drink is 9.4 mmol/litre. Normal sugar must be below 7.7 mmol/litre. Prediabetis (or impaired glucose tolerance) is somewhere between normal glucose tolerance and diabetis (11.1 mmol/litre and above).

To be honest, I was already expecting a not so good result. Aside from having a family history of diabetes, I have a very poor eating diet. Pasalamat pa nga ako at hindi pa ako diabetic.

I was never a healthy eater to begin with. But after giving birth, my eating habit got worse. The first month after Nathan was born, I lost weight. I stayed in our bedroom (upstairs) the whole time and relied solely on what my husband will bring me to eat. I wasn't in the mood to eat too. But when I finally had the energy to go to the kitchen on my own, I ate a lot again. Mostly junk foods, those that I missed when I was pregnant (i.e. lots of rice, chocolates, chips, soda, etc.).

I did some reading and learned that the only solution (for now) for prediabetes is healthy eating and exercise. I need to lose some weight in the process. I would need to test my sugar again. Hay, parang deja vu ito noong buntis ako.

I am scheduled to meet with my Diabetes doctor again on March 9. Hay, akala ko hindi na kami uli magkikita soon.

Nathan's 2nd Check-up

It was Nathan's second check-up with his pediatrician yesterday (January 26, 2015). Our appointment was at 9am so we were already at the parking of Misericordia Community Hospital at around 8:35pm. Thankfully, the weather was still "good" (approximately -2 degrees). It's really hard to bring the baby out when it's too cold and/or snowing.

It was still early but the parking lot near was already near full. I saw this sign and told Ford to park there. He was hesistant and we 'debated' for a moment:

FORD -- Pang-expectant mothers lang yan oh!
CES -- Haler, nakita mo naman may picture ng dalawang bata! Pwede yan sa may baby.
FORD -- Eh expectant mothers nga lang ang nakalagay.
CES -- Sus, eh di sasabihin ko buntis ako! Saka haler, wala namang security guard na sisita noh!

Yep, unlike in the Philippines, there are no roaming security guards here in Edmonton/Canada. People act on the virtue of trust. Imagine yourself paying the parking fees all by yourself, without any one checking if your declared time of stay at the parking lot is true or not?

After paying $4 for a one-hour stay, Pod put the ticket on the car's dashboard. Para sa random checking daw. Pero parang wala pa akong nabalitaang Security na nag-check haha!

Anyway, back to Nathan's check-up.

We were called by the nurse just a few minutes after the receptionist has checked us in. Since it was already our second time there, we already knew what to do. We have to undress Nathan because his whole body will be 'scrutinized' by the doctor.

Whenever we are out, it's Ford who is in charge of Nathan. He's the one carrying him, feeding him, changing his nappies, and dressing/undressing him. And my role is just to take pictures, lol!

The nurse first weighed Nathan. He is now almost 6 kilos! Big boy daw. I am so happy! I am relatively 'big' woman and I of course want my baby to be big too!

After weighing, his height was measured. Whew, almost 60cm already! Ford is only 5'9 and I am hoping that our son gets taller than he is. Kahit kasing tangkad lang ng mga brothers namin na around 5'11.

Nathan has a big head as well. His head circumference as of yesterday is 40cm.

After the routine weighing and questioning of the nurse (like how much milk we are feeding him now, or if we have other concerns for the baby, etc.), we were directed to a room where we will wait for the doctor.

Ito ang practice dito. The doctor doesn't have his 'own' room where he solely checks his patients. In a clinic, maraming rooms at doon pinapupunta ang mga pasyente para antayin ang mga doktor. Each room is complete, may mga exam bed, chairs and tables, lavatory, hand sanitizer, tissue, etc.

Just like Nathan's first check-up, the doctor was late again. He came at around 9:40am na yata. Haha, we were worried about the parking. We only paid for an hour. Oh well, kasalanan naman ng doctor noh.

If we choose another doctor/clinic, hindi na kami magbabayad ng parking. But then I like Nathan's pediatrician na. He was assigned to us before we left the hospital (noong nanganak ako) and I kinda like him. Aside from being a specialist, he really checks on the baby thoroughly eh.

The doctor confirmed that Nathan is indeed a big boy. He just talked fast (with an Indian accent) so I didn't get everything that he said. Pero may minention siya that Nathan belong to the 70-75th percentile sa weight o height.

He asked us if we have any special concerns on the baby. To be honest, wala naman. He is feeding well and has not been sick. He was also immunized last Thursday (January 22) and so far wala namang side effect.

The doctor then proceeded on 'inspecting' Nathan's body. Meron siyang kasamang residente kaya iyon ang kinakausap niya at hindi kami. We felt relieved every time he would say "normal" (pronounced as 'nermal' haha!) sa bawat body part ni Nathan na tinitingnan niya. Nakakatensyon talaga pag check-up ng anak mo, feeling mo mahihimatay ka kapag may hindi magandang mapapansin ang doktor.

We were so thankful when the doctor finally told us that everything is fine and that he has no concern for Nathan at this time. Our next appointment with him is after two months na (on March 19).

Ford and I are so happy. Our son is in good health and is growing normally. Keep it up, Nathan! We love you and we are so proud of you!

Nathan's first shots

As per the nurse's instruction, I booked Nathan's first immunization last November 19, 2014 pa. Ang unang bakuna pala dito ay ginagawa on the baby's second month. We were scheduled to come to the Public Health Center on January 22, 2015.

Hindi lang si Chicklet and babakunahan. According to Nurse Cindy (who visited me at home after I gave birth), I also need to get vaccinated because they found out daw in one of my blood tests (done during pregnancy) that I am not immune to "something." Sorry, I couldn't remember anymore the exact term. Even Ford needs some vaccination, too. I really appreciate their concern for our health. Ang ganda talaga ng health care system dito sa Canada.

January 22, 2015 (Thursday). I feel bad whenever I/we have to go to the doctor/clinic/hospital on weekdays because Ford has to either be late or leave the office early to accompany us. Nathan and I are so immobile without him. I am worried na baka mapagalitan siya sa work o mapagsabihan na abusado. Although I know na hindi naman (their office can't afford to lose him and he is being paid on a fixed monthly income, not hourly), I still wish na sana hindi na namin siya maistorbo. Kaso wala namang choice. We need a car and a driver to move around Edmonton. I've been assured din naman na "normal" lang dito sa Canada ang pag-absent o pag-undertime when it comes to health concerns. In the first place, by appointment system ang lahat. May mga schedules na hindi pwede sa weekend o gabi, halimbawa.

Anyway, Ford' home a few minutes before 4pm to pick us up. Our schedule is at 5:00 pm but we have to be there at 4:45 pm for the baby's weighing.

Ford said we could leave a bit later since malapit lang naman ang clinic. I insisted na umalis na kami agad because I do not want to be late. Ayokong mag-penalty at ayokong magpa-reschedule na naman.

True enough, the West Jasper Place Public Health Centre is just about 10 minutes from our house. We were there at around 4:20 pm. I am getting used to this, 10 to 15 minutes travel time. In the Philippines, we usually allot an hour or two papunta sa destination namin kahit malapit lang kasi sobrang traffic. A lot of time wasted on the road.

And because we were there "early" (but not that early naman in my standards), the receptionist told me: "But you know that the nurse can only get to you at 5:00pm, right?" Haha, time is so precious here!

We first had Nathan weighed. His weight as of last Thursday was 12 lbs 13 oz 9 (or 5.82 kgs) and height was 59 cm.  His head circumference was 40 cm.

We had to wait for a few more minutes before we were called in. Nagutom na si Nathan, Daddy Pod had to fed him. I am so proud of my husband, he is a hands-on dad. Very patient to his son.

Soon we were inside one of the rooms in the Clinic. It wasn't just a simple turok-agad session. The nurse asked me how we are. She gave us some "lectures" again on taking care of the baby. She explained to us all the vaccines that will be given to us. She also handed me a thick book on parenting (from Alberta Health Services) and a "Welcome Baby" Package from Edmonton Public Library.  Nakakatuwa talaga dito sa Canada, first world treatment talaga ang natatanggap ng citizens and residents. Sulit talaga ang taxes na binabayaran.

I had to take a picture of this chart. I need to know how my son's development is faring.

The nurse asked me if I want to get the flu shot as well. I refused, sabi ko sa susunod na lang. Two shots are enough for a day. I was surprised though that my husband agreed. Eh isa pang duwag yun. Para isang puntahan na lang daw. He was trying to convince me but I was scared. I've heard of people getting "sick" after having flu shots. We cannot afford to both get sick, kawawa si Nathan.

I was the first to get vaccinated. Despite my horrible and painful experiences in pregnancy and child birth, I was still scared. Kung tutuusin ay sisiw na lang yung sa pinagdaanan ko haha! The nurse was very kind, she made me feel comfortable.

After Ford got his three shots, it was Nathan's turn. I was so scared. It was Ford who handled him. Deep inside, I was crying. A baby doesn't deserve any pain. But it's for his good naman.

The little boy cried so hard, to the heartbreak of his mother. Three injections pa ang ginawa. If only I could take the pain for him. Ganun pala talaga ang nanay.

Buti na lang he got easily pacified by the chime. We mentally took note of that. Kailangan pala ng tunog-tunog para ma-pacify ang baby.

I didn't know that children are getting their shots on their legs. My poor little boy was so red.

We were told by the nurse to wait in the lounge for fifteen minutes to see if we experience immediate side effects from our shots. Thankfully, wala naman.

Before I forget, the nurse noticed that our car seat has a 'wrapped' blanket. She reminded us that we can get a 'ticket' for that kapag nakita kami ng police (ganun pala dito, naniniket ang pulis kahit tungkol sa car seat). Dapat daw walang ibang sapin sa likod ang car seat because it isn't tested for safety yet. Ewan nga daw ba niya kung bakit may nagbebenta pa ng ganun gayung bawal naman.

We find it weird though because the nurse at the Misericordia Hospital who inspected our car seat before we were allowed to go home didn't say anything naman. Oh well, sinunod na lang namin ang nurse sa Jasper. We removed na the blanket. Kailangan nga lang next time ay may jacket na si Nathan kapag nilabas namin.

Our next immunization is scheduled on March 19. Yep, may take two pa ang measles-mumps-rubella vaccination namin ni Ford.

Nathan's Record:

Ford and I's record:

I guess it will be best if we don't travel before Nathan gets all the shots. My original plan is to go home in Pinas this end of March but I realized na importanteng matapos muna lahat ng bakuna ni Nathan (hanggang six months old siya). Alanganin kung sa Pilipinas ko pa ipapatuloy ang bakuna, aside from mahal (I don't want to pay for health services anymore haha!), iba rin kasi ang sistema ng immunization doon. Baka magulo lang.