Two days ago, I visited my third year Filipino teacher. Word quickly spread that she was confined somewhere in Manila due to her long-standing heart condition. The pathology was first diagnosed back in 2000 after consulting her physician due to easy fatiguability and slight dyspnea (difficulty in breathing). Apparently, it wasn’t an acute disease process. My teacher had rheumatic heart disease and her mitral valve (the bicuspid valve) was already damaged (stenosis AND regurgitation). She probably got it as a young girl and the symptoms only revealed themselves shortly after she turned 40.
The other members of the faculty tried to help her by organizing a raffle to raise funds for her mitral valve replacement. Though the effort was largely successful, she had her qualms about going under the knife.
Early this week, she had a hard time breathing. Her family brought her to the Emergnecy Room of PGH. Fortunately, she’s doing much better now thanks to the superb management of eminent cardiologist, Dr. Antonio Dans. The doctors are now currently figuring out their next step. Surgery’s definitely on the table, but it hasn’t been determined yet whether the best option is to go for a valve replacement or an interventional cardiology/radiology procedure.
Regardless of the choice, both operations will cost a lot - think six figures. That is why those who can give (especially us UP Rural High School alumni) should chip in a little something if we can. Our donations can go a long way. Bank accounts are currently being made to accommodate donations from all over the world, but since the account numbers are not yet certain, I am also willing to serve as a point man for the people who would like to get in touch with the people who are behind the fund-raising activities. I will post the pertinent details of this UPRHS-wide effort as soon as they are available.
Ma’am Advincula is currently confined at room 647 Bed 1 at the Philippine General Hospital. She is good spirits and is doing well. She is awaiting her doctors’ decision regarding the definitive management for her ailment. If you’re just in the area, I’m sure she will appreciate your visit.
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Ei I saw your interview with Che-Che Lazaro on ANC. You’re very articulate and I’m proud that you’re one of my fellow bloggers. BTW, care to exchange links?
o_0 @ Makoy. Blogging pet peeve #1: leaving a comment that has no relevance to the entry.
I was thinking about this other day. If I find time, I’d prolly visit, but I doubt Ms Advincula still remembers me.
helga: Right on Helga. I hate people who do that. UGH. Ok, now I’m off-topic! hahaha
oooohh daddy dans gets a mention! i only know him through his daughter, and he seems like such a wacky guy hihi :p
So the news is true. Gosh. I only got tiny bits of detail from other Ruralites. I hope she’ll be fine. I never actually got to be, Ma’am Advincula’s student.
That’s the heart disease my girl dormmate has: mitral valve stenosis. At least alam ko na ang tiny bits ng sakit ng dormmate ko. Hehe.
Hope she’ll get well soon.