Thursday, June 30, 2011

SORE THROAT PART II









It was in February when I had my last check-up with my ENT doctor in St. Luke's. This was still in relation to my sore throat that took more than a month. I had throat swab. The test showed the microorganisms present in my throat and the antibiotics that they are sensitive or they can resist.

Well, to sum up, my doctor said that everything was fine. I had nothing to worry. Though there are microorganisms present in my throat. They are normal, the doctor said.

Months have passed. Sometimes I could feel that there's something inside my throat that bothers me. I could feel hoarseness, as if there's something rough in my throat that goes down and up. I also noticed that my tonsils are not normal in size. And actually, my left tonsil is larger than my right tonsil.

Until one day this June. I felt some pain in my throat. When I checked my mouth, I saw that my tonsils were swollen. I was then bothered when I saw some white pus. The following day, when I checked again, I saw some scratches on my tonsil. 

I seek for the advice of our company physician, like what I always did when I had it on the first time. She told me to take clarithromycin twice a day within five days. Later, I realized that I have flu. Some fever, colds and cough. I came to the conclusion that the reason why I had the sore throat was because of the flu.

Before I could actually consume the drugs, I noticed that my throat was feeling better. 

Nevertheless, just a week after, I felt some pain again in my throat. I saw some white pus again on my left tonsil. I felt anxious for myself. 

I took personal medication. I took clarithromycin twice a day within five days. However, five days have passed and yet I was still feeling some hoarseness in my throat. 

So I decided to go back to the doctor. She told me that my tonsils were indeed swollen. I asked her if she could refer me to ENT for check-up. She also informed me of possible removal of my tonsils. 

Eer! That's an operation.

On June 29, I went to St. Lukes. They referred me to a different ENT. 

The doctor explained to me the importance of the tonsils and when they become useless.

At the young age, tonsils are important because they produce cells that protect us from infections. However, at the age of eight, lymph nodes started to grow that replace the job of the tonsils. At the same age, tonsils should start to shrink and become useless.

As we intake different foods and anything in our mouth, tonsils become the best breeding place for organisms to grow. Considering that mouth is the dirtiest part of the body. 

There are three scenarios that could lead to tonsillectomy or the removal of tonsils. As for my case, recurrent tonsillitis and enlarged tonsils are the causes why I need to undergo the operation, Dr. Jurilla said. He added that in the level of one to four of tonsils enlargement, my case is already three.

In case that tonsillitis is recurrent, complications could lead to rheumatic heart disease or kidney failure. Rationale: there are veins from the tonsils which are connected to the heart and kidney.

The doctor already scheduled me for the operation on July 16th. 

I'm not yet decided for the operation because I was thinking for the cost. St. Luke's is not an ordinary hospital. It's one of the expensive hospital. 

The next day, I went to our company doctor. I told her that I was scheduled for an operation. I asked her if I could go to other hospital which is cheaper than St. Luke's. 

So she referred me to Humana. I need to ask for an LOA, she said.

When I was in Humana, the ENT doctor re-examined me. I was surprised that he informed me that I am pretty good. That I have nothing to worry.

In contrast to Dr. Jurilla, Dr. Vincent Luzod (if I got his name correct), told me that in the range of one to four tonsil enlargement, my case is only two. He added that the operation for my case is not necessary not unless I want to. 

With Dr. Vincent's statement, I was vindicated. I decided not to undergo the operation.

As per him, the operation is recommended on the following: having three tonsillitis within a year in three consecutive years; having five tonsillitis within a year in two consecutive years; and/or having seven tonsillitis within a year.

As of press time, I'm doing fine. The hoarseness I was feeling since this week has gone. Hoping for the best.


Tuesday, June 28, 2011

PILIPINAS GOT TALENT 2 GRAND FINALS



JUNE 25, 2011 PERFORMANCE NIGHT
ARANETA COLISEUM













Videos: PINOY-AKO.INFO

MAN WITH A DIVA VOICE IS PILIPINAS GOT TALENT 2 GRAND WINNER


On June 25, 14 grand finalists of Pilipinas Got Talent Season 2 had their performance night at Araneta Coliseum. And on Sunday, the day after, the largest talent-reality based show declared its  grand champion.

Named as 'doble-kara', Marcelito Pomoy who has a golden voice of both male and female, garnered 19.56% of the total text poll and bested other 13 finalists. Pomoy, from Cavite, just won 2 million pesos from the said talent show.























PAMANGKIN








Thursday, June 23, 2011

SPORTS FEST 2011: VOLLEYBALL BOYS CS VS. COLLECTIONS




Company Sports Fest
June 19, 2011
Worldwide Corporate Center
Shaw Blvd




WE'LL MISS YOU FETCHAI





Life has been so short for Wilfred (a.k.a Fetchai). Way back in 2007 when I worked with him as CS. We became team mates on a mid shift after my endorsement on the floor. He became one of the pioneers of QA for CS operations. But sad when he resigned in 2009. 

The last time I saw him was when he visited the office this year (dunno what month it was). I was then on a GY shift. 

When we were team mates and if ever he'll be on mid shift (1200 NN to 900 PM), I would always tease him, "Sarap umuwi ng maaga.", "Sarap mag-mall." He would then answer back, "Uuwi ka na, mainit kaya. Buti pa mamaya (900 PM) wala nang init.", "Kahit magpuyat ok lang. Di ko kailangang gumising ng maaga." He would do the same thing if ever I'll be on mid shift.

He's funny. Straightforward. If he doesn't like you, he doesn't like you. He's vain. He's finicky. Above all, he's a critic but still nice!

We'll miss you Fetchai! Happy trip! You may rest in peace!








DOH WARNS THE PUBLIC AGAINST SCARLET FEVER


The Department of Health is reminding the public to make necessary healthy precautions against scarlet fever after Hong Kong declared an outbreak.

On the report of ABS-CBN News, Dr. Eric Tayag, director of the DOH's National Epidemiology Center, said scarlet fever is a childhood illness that usually affects children 10 years old and below. The symptoms are fever, sore throat, strawberry-colored tongue, and rashes.

As per Yahoo News, the doctors in Hong Kong are investigating the death of a 5-year-old boy believed to be the second person in Hong Kong to die from a mutated form of scarlet fever with higher resistence to antibiotics, authorities said Wednesday. The boy was taken to hospital with a fever and died Tuesday. Medical authorities were checking whether he had the same strain of scarlet fever as a 7-year-old girl who died of the disease in May. She became the first patient to die of the illness in at least 10 years, and researchers at Hong Kong University said she had a genetically mutated strain that is much more resistant to antibiotics.



Pictures: Google











Source:
MedlinePlus Trusted Health Information for You



Scarlet fever is a disease caused by infection with the group A Streptococcus bacteria (the same bacteria that causes strep throat).


Causes
Scarlet fever was once a very serious childhood disease, but now is easily treatable. It is caused by the streptococcal bacteria, which produce a toxin that leads to the hallmark red rash of the illness.

The main risk factor is infection with the bacteria that causes strep throat. A history of strep throat or scarlet fever in the community, neighborhood, or school may increase the risk of infection.

Symptoms
The time between becoming infected and having symptoms is short, generally 1 - 2 days. The illness typically begins with a fever and sore throat.

The rash usually first appears on the neck and chest, then spreads over the body. It is described as "sandpapery" in feel. The texture of the rash is more important than the appearance in confirming the diagnosis. The rash can last for more than a week. As the rash fades, peeling (desquamation) may occur around the fingertips, toes, and groin area.

Other symptoms include:
Bright red color in the creases of the underarm and groin (Pastia's lines)
Fever
General discomfort (malaise)
Sore throat
Swollen, red tongue (strawberry tongue)
Vomiting

Exams and Tests
Physical examination
Throat culture positive for group A strep
Rapid antigen detection (throat swab)

Treatment
Antibiotics are used to kill the bacteria that causes the throat infection. This is crucial to prevent rheumatic fever, a serious complication of strep throat and scarlet fever.

Outlook (Prognosis)
With proper antibiotic treatment, the symptoms of scarlet fever should get better quickly. However, the rash can last for up to 2 - 3 weeks before it fully goes away.

Possible Complications
Complications are rare with the right treatment, but can include:
Bone or joint problems (osteomyelitis or arthritis)
Ear infection (otitis media)
Inflammation of a gland (adenitis) or abscess
Kidney damage (glomerulonephritis)
Liver damage (hepatitis)

When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your health care provider if:
You develop symptoms of scarlet fever
Your symptoms do not go away 24 hours after beginning antibiotic treatment
You develop new symptoms

Prevention
Bacteria are spread by direct contact with infected people, or by droplets exhaled by an infected person. Avoid contact with infected people.

Alternative Names
Scarlatina

SWEET YELLOW CRACKERS


On June 21, while I'm having my lunch together with my colleagues, somebody entered the pantry. I looked at my back and behold! The one who entered was the-one-who-makes-me-happy.

Binati ko siya at tinanong; "Kumain ka na ba?" Sagot naman niya; "One (1:00 pm) pa break ko." Pabiro ko naman siyang inalok; "Gusto mo ibili na lang kita ?" May pagkain naman daw siya, sagot niya.

Sa isip ko, malamang nagugutom na siya. May hawak siyang dalawang balot ng crackers na kulay dilaw (di naman niya break, ayun kakain ata). 


To my surprise, inalok niya ako. "Gusto mo?" Sabay abot ng isang balot ng crackers. Ako lang inalok niya. Sa isip ko, patawa 'to, kumakain na nga ako, ako pa aalukin. Sabi ko naman; "Sige huwag na." Ayun, tuksuhan tuloy sa loob ng pantry. Ako lang ata nakikita niya, may mga kasama naman akong kumakain. Nahiya naman tuloy ako.

Sa galak ko, kinuha ko naman yung inialok niya at nagpasalamat. Kinain niya yung isang balot at ilang minutong nanatili sa loob at nakipagkwentuhan.

Bago nito, noong isang araw, June 20, kinonfirm niya yung friend request ko sa kanya sa facebook.

Sunday, June 19, 2011

SPORTS FEST 2011: CHEER DANCE



Cheer Dance 
Company Sports Fest
June 19, 2011
Worldwide Corporate Center
Shaw Blvd





























SPORTS FEST 2011




Company Sports Fest
June 19, 2011
Worldwide Corporate Center
Shaw Blvd