Our Children's Health Issues: Embracing Life's Challenges and Adversities

Unconditional Love and Happiness

Children enter the world with a natural inclination towards positivity, teaching us the essence of leading joyful lives throughout childhood. Their presence imparts a valuable lesson: regardless of life's challenges, we should always strive to give our best in all endeavors. Even if they may be unaware of the impact they have on others, children radiate an unwavering love for those around them. Their concern is solely for the happiness of others, without any consideration for their own uniqueness.

With the birth of our children, Angelene and Aldrine, we were privileged to experience unconditional love—a potent emotion that no amount of wealth could ever purchase. This pure, unfiltered sentiment filled our hearts with joy and satisfaction, creating a profound memory that is challenging to articulate but will forever remain etched in our hearts.

Papa and Angelene

Papa and Aldrine

Indeed, children have a remarkable ability to illuminate everything around them. Their smiles possess the power to brighten even the darkest days. Spending time with our children is a source of immense joy, witnessing their enthusiasm as they eagerly jump out of bed or engage in playful games like hide-and-seek. Their endearing antics and humorous expressions never fail to bring laughter into our lives. Through their laughter, children gently remind us to find joy in the simplest moments and to pause occasionally to appreciate life's beauty, much like stopping to smell the roses.

Angelene and Aldrine

Angelene and Aldrine

The Beginning of Aldrine’s Ordeal

When Angelene and Aldrine were still young, we noticed a marked difference in their susceptibility to sickness. Aldrine faced health challenges early on, undergoing hernia surgery at just three months old. Despite this, as months passed, it became evident that his motor skills weren't progressing as expected. Unlike other toddlers his age, he didn't attempt to walk or crawl. Despite appearing bright and lively, Aldrine spent his days contentedly lying on his back in his crib, causing us concern. Thankfully, daily massages from my mother played a crucial role, helping him to walk independently before he turned two. Learning to walk was a gradual process for him.

Furthermore, we observed that Aldrine seemed entirely unaffected by various noises while sleeping, such as loud conversations, music, or dropped objects. To rule out potential hearing difficulties, we sought evaluation from an otolaryngologist. The diagnosis revealed sensorineural hearing loss, rendering Aldrine unable to hear and speak.

Rubella, The Primary Cause of Aldrine's Disability

To the best of my recollection, I contracted rubella, also known as German measles, during my first trimester of pregnancy. Experts warn that acquiring rubella during pregnancy can lead to abnormalities or deformities in the unborn child. (Source: https://www.cdc.gov/rubella/pregnancy.html) I had no indication I was pregnant with Aldrine because of my irregular menstrual cycle, which can be up to five months delayed. I could no longer recall if I was given a strong medication to treat my measles when I went to the doctor. As a direct consequence of my unawareness regarding my pregnancy, Aldrine was born deaf and mute. 

Aldrine’s Asthma Attacks

During his time as a student at the Philippine School for the Deaf and Blind in Pasay City, Aldrine exhibited persistent coughing and seemed fatigued daily. Despite the administration of cough medicine, his condition did not improve. Suspecting that the early wake-up times and daily travel to Manila were contributing to his declining health, we decided to transfer him to Ladislao Diwa Elementary School SPED in Caridad, Cavite City. This new school was conveniently located near our former residence.

As Aldrine's cough intensified, I sought the opinion of a different pediatrician who diagnosed him with asthma. Aldrine had been grappling with asthma episodes for several years. The persistent coughing and breathing difficulties took a toll on him, causing weight loss and disrupting his sleep at night. In addition to budesonide and various medications, he relied on a nebulizer for relief. There was a critical point where we feared for his life due to the severity of his asthma attack. During this challenging time, he shared his concerns, referencing a child he had seen on television who had succumbed to asthma. He asked if he, too, would meet a similar fate, and, reassuringly, we responded with a resounding "No!"

Remarkably, as he entered adolescence, Aldrine overcame his struggles with asthma and regained his health.

Aldrine’s Unhealthy Diet

Owing to our demanding work schedules during the week, we usually provided Aldrine with money to buy food from fast-food restaurants or convenience stores, as I could only prepare healthy meals on weekends. Despite this, we permitted him to indulge in cholesterol-rich "balut" every night. Given that Aldrine was often home alone, and we frequently returned late at night, it was challenging to monitor or supervise his diet and food choices. Upon our arrival home, he consistently claimed to have already had dinner.

Balut
Due Credit to Marshall Astor from San Pedro, United States - Inside a Balut - Embryo and Yolk, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=8008863

Additionally, as per his sister's observation, Aldrine has a habit of staying up late into the night and rising early in the morning for school. Upon learning about this, we cautioned him about the potential health risks associated with inadequate sleep. Despite our warnings, he seems indifferent and unresponsive to the importance of proper rest.

Aldrine’s Stroke Attack

As I prepared for work early one morning, Aldrine rose from his bed and suddenly collapsed. Despite his weight, I managed to prevent him from hitting his head on the computer table in the room. We assisted him back to his bed as he seemed extremely weak, and unable to walk on his own. Initially, I thought his dizziness was a result of sleep deprivation, but he informed us that half of his body, particularly the right side, felt numb.

My husband, foregoing work that day, took Aldrine to the nearest hospital. However, he was dissatisfied with the initial evaluation by the neurologist, who suggested a substantial financial commitment to our son's treatment and recovery. Rather than engaging in an argument, my husband decided to seek a second opinion. How could the doctor make such assertions without conducting any tests on our son? It seemed absurd.

That night, noticing the sagging and stiffening of the right side of Aldrine's face, we opted for a second opinion from a neurologist in Manila, recommended by a high school classmate.

Aldrine's right side of his face drooped and stiffened. This photo was taken right after he had a stroke.

Aldrine gets massage therapy from our grandma after complaining that he felt numbness in his right arm.

Bell’s Palsy Ruled Out

Dr. Carissa Paz Dioquino, a neurologist associated with St. Luke's Medical Center and Manila Doctor's Hospital, conducted a thorough examination of Aldrine. She prescribed the initial medications needed and recommended further diagnostic tests, including an MRI, CT scan, and additional blood tests for Aldrine.

Upon the release of his MRI results, Dr. Dioquino urgently conveyed to us that Aldrine needed immediate hospitalization. The cause was identified as a blockage in a minute vein, leading to a stroke. This wasn't a mere case of facial paralysis or "Bell's Palsy"; it was a severe medical condition necessitating emergency attention and hospitalization. The reality that my 19-year-old son was diagnosed with a stroke was difficult to comprehend, and it felt as if everything in our world was unraveling.

Following over a week of hospitalization, during which numerous tests and treatments were administered, Aldrine was discharged. He was recommended to undergo continued physiotherapy to address his facial paralysis.

Electrical Stimulation Therapy for Face

Facial Physiotherapy at Manila Doctor's Hospital

Aldrine’s Health Status

Since 2016, Aldrine has consistently taken his maintenance medications. Amidst the ongoing transmission of COVID-19, Dr. Dioquino conducts telemedicine checkups for Aldrine.

Maintaining a healthy mindset, he has refrained from overindulging. He has conveyed his commitment to avoiding illness by conscientiously monitoring his daily food intake and adhering to a well-regulated diet.

Victim of Bullying

Aldrine reached a point where he decided to discontinue attending school due to the persistent bullying he endured. At his high school, students with impairments, including him, were integrated with those without disabilities. Regrettably, he experienced bullying from both his non-disabled classmates and those who were deaf and mute. Despite undergoing therapy, the visible effects on his face remained, leading him to anticipate further bullying from his peers.

He chose not to share the bullying issue with us earlier, recognizing our busy and exhausting work schedules. It was only during his hospitalization that he began opening up about the extent of the bullying he had faced.

As a result of these experiences, Aldrine became socially and emotionally isolated, grappling with negative emotions such as rage, fear, and despair. Coping with stressful situations became challenging for him. The lingering impact of school bullying may have contributed to his excessive stress and restless nights, potentially playing a role in his stroke. Additionally, the departure of his sister for Dubai, U.A.E., might have intensified feelings of extreme sadness for Aldrine.

The Diagnosis of Angelene's Crohn's Disease in Dubai

On February 10, 2016, our daughter, Angelene, embarked on a journey to Dubai to explore opportunities abroad. Initially facing challenges in securing a stable job, she persevered, and after a year in Dubai, she successfully obtained employment at a hospital.

Despite her newfound stability, Angelene encountered a hurdle when she experienced severe stomach pains. Promptly seeking a checkup and tests at the hospital where she worked, she received the unsettling diagnosis of Crohn's Disease. In an effort to confirm or rule out the diagnosis, her doctors recommended seeking a second opinion from a different hospital. Following their advice, she pursued the second diagnostic, which unfortunately concurred with the initial diagnosis of Crohn's disease.

Upon receiving the distressing news from Angelene, I promptly delved into research on Crohn's disease online. Based on the studies and information I gathered, the incidence rates of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis in the Philippines are 0.07 and 0.09 per 100,000 person years, respectively.

Crohn's disease cases are exceptionally rare in the Philippines. I came across a video featuring a Filipino female patient who had been diagnosed with Crohn's disease. Despite being a health-conscious eater with no vices, she expressed shock upon learning about her condition and remained uncertain about its origin. The journey of her diagnosis and subsequent treatment, including hospitalization and medications for a few months, incurred costs in the millions of pesos.

Regrettably, there is currently no cure for Crohn's disease, and the available treatment options primarily aim to manage symptoms and sustain the individual's quality of life. Symptoms have the potential to flare up at any point throughout one's life. (Source:https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323072#treatment-options)

Angelene's Colon Polyp Surgery, Pneumonia, and COVID-19

The same year Angelene received her diagnosis of Crohn's disease, she underwent surgery to address colon polyps. As parents, it was truly disheartening to acknowledge that we couldn't be there for her during the times when she needed us most.

Our trials appeared relentless, and approximately a year ago, Angelene faced hospitalization due to pneumonia. The news was alarming, considering the potential severity of pneumonia as a life-threatening condition. Fortunately, she was blessed with the support of many Filipino friends who took the time to visit her in the hospital, providing essential items such as food and clothing.

Following her recovery from pneumonia, Angelene was subsequently diagnosed with and admitted to the hospital twice for COVID-19.

Angelene’s Recent Condition

Despite Angelene's repeated assurances that she and her doctors are diligently monitoring her Crohn's Disease, it's challenging to maintain composure and remain calm. Her frequent complaints of stomach aches, discomfort, unexplained fatigue, and alarming symptoms such as blood in her stool raise concerns about the potential deterioration of her health.

Even though we desire for Angelene to return home, she insists on staying in Dubai. Her rationale is that her health insurance covers a significant portion of the associated costs, and any extra charges are minimal, roughly a hundred pesos in our currency. In contrast, medical examinations, tests, and hospitalization in the Philippines can be considerably more expensive.

Despite our physical distance, we support Angelene's decision to stay in Dubai, confident that she will receive prompt and comprehensive medical assistance there.

Is God To Be Blamed For All The Challenges And Trials We’re Going Through?

We recognize the immense challenge that parents face in grappling with the question of how a loving God could permit tragedies, especially when a family member is critically ill or passes away. The revelation of serious illnesses in your children can shatter your world and leave you questioning, even if you understand that God is always faithful. Despite this understanding, moments of discouragement can creep in. There have been times when I've questioned God, wondering if I'm meant to endure the most hardships, asking why my children have to go through such trials instead of me, pondering the causes of their suffering, and contemplating the reason for my own profound pain.

However, I am cautious not to place blame on God for the challenges we face. In the midst of hardships, God has bestowed unexpected blessings that I never prayed for. Furthermore, I firmly believe that God does not desire anyone to suffer needlessly. The undeniable evidence of His great love for us lies in the sacrifice of His Son for our salvation. While the crucifixion was a brutal form of execution, God gave up His only Son so that we, His children, could attain eternal life in heaven. His intention is not for anyone to lead a miserable life, but rather for all to enter paradise and spend eternity with Him.

Hope, Faith, and Prayers

I choose to embrace the positive aspects during challenging times. The introduction of hope transforms everything, serving as the fuel that propels us forward despite encountering obstacles. Life is not devoid of troubles, but with hope and a positive mindset, we can alter our perspective and overcome any challenge that comes our way.

Faith, on the other hand, is the confidence we place in God and His plan for our lives, even when the future remains uncertain. By entrusting God with control over our lives, we find comfort and tranquility amidst the obstacles we face. Our faith empowers us to confront challenges and sustains us throughout our journey.

Reflecting on Matthew 17:20 (NIV), the verse comes to mind: "He replied, 'Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.'"

God holds the answers to every problem we encounter because He has navigated these paths before. Having witnessed everything, He understands precisely what we're experiencing. While we may feel disheartened by our circumstances, it's crucial to allow Him to guide us through them, knowing that He will never leave or forsake us. God's unwavering love remains constant, and despite the challenges that may seem overwhelming now, He assures us that He will always be there, never ceasing to love us.

When you feel like you've exhausted all your resources, turn to prayer, for there is something greater than both you and me — and that is God!

Our Family