Even with PKD, Life Goes On

Asking for Prayers for a Successful Permcath Insertion

2013-05-19T03:23:00.000-07:00

As you msy already know, I only have an IJ catheter, a temporary one as vascular access for my hemodialysis as of the moment. This came about when an attempt at a AV fistula access for hemodialysis was unsuccessful. My blood vessels turned out to be really small. It is because of this that inserting an IJ catheter temporary access proved to be a challenge.

Now after more than 2 months of the IJ access, it is time to change to a Permcath. Unfortunately, I am having fever and chills after every dialysis so apparently a biofilm has already formed on the catheter that I have. I was placed on Vancomycin IV antibiotics after dialysis and this Monday, the catheter will be removed. The plan is to be without a catheter for the meantime until the next dialysis.

Immediately before the Thursday sked of dialysis, the Permcath will be inserted. I am hoping a successful catheter insertion. I was told that catheter insertion was even more challenging because this is for the 3rd time, the first time with a Permcath. The surgeon plans to do fluoroscopic-guided insertion this time.

I ask for prayers for a complication-free surgical outcome next week. Please Lord, make it easy on my surgeon to insert the Permcath. And I do hope the fever and chills after dialysis stops. No infection for a long time please.

The procedure will most likely be done in Chong Hua Hospital. It is expected to be more expensive.

So I am continuing my plea for donations. The month has been already tough for me since we are already paying for every dialysis session (PHP 2,500) and erythropoietin injection (around PHP 1,000) to save some days for the Z-package of Philhealth for kidney transplants.

While waiting for a kidney transplant

2013-05-09T14:54:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I last posted. Tests for my new prospective donor are still ongoing and I am patiently waiting with some concern that my IJ access will not hold up and I might end up having another catheter-related infection (God forbid).

Meanwhile, I've been busy with preparing the materials for my research which I will endorse to assistants. I also prepared some forms and procedures to make it easy for them to perform the study. I am set to write two physicians for advice on research funds. I am also editing a school manual. Back to usual business shall I say.

However, two days ago, I felt unusually tired. Looks like things are not really the same as they use to. But I can't seem to get rid of the teacher in me. I really love schoolwork and I want to continue doing it as my contribution to society. Which is why I am appealing again for your generosity to help me fund my transplant expenses. There is a Paypal donate button on the left side of this blog if you want to donate. I do hope the kidney transplant will push through.

Aside from easy fatigability, I once in a while experence itchiness in my elbows, knees and other parts of my extremity. I make sure I don't scratch them but it's kinda hard to resist.

I miss my days as a blogger attending events so I attended two (with a face mask) - a general assembly of our bloggers' community. I was glad to see my fellow bloggers' faces again offline. I also attended a seminar for cervical cancer awareness to express support for She Matters, a cervical cancer foundation.

There's a national election, this coming Monday. I think despite my condition, I will go out and vote. This election is too important to miss. I think other Filipinos should go out and vote too...and VOTE WISELY. DO NOT VOTE BASED ON NAME RECALL.

Challenges of My Situation

2013-04-07T16:09:00.002-07:00

For a patient undergoing dialysis and waiting for a kidney transplant, life isn't easy and there are many challenges.

One is the challenge of being able to keep up financially. We know that a transplant is expensive but even before transplant, there are already many expenses such as:

twice a week injection of erythropoietin (around 1,200 PHP each)
dialysis (around 1,500 PHP each if Philhealth benefit already consumed)
dialyzer (changed/paid every 10 sessions especially if Philhealth session is already consumed)
antibiotics (when there is an infection)
donor testing and other expenses like tissue typing, CMV, HIV testing, transportation, food, etc.
my own lab tests
others (lotion to help relieve itching, TUMS, materials for dialysis like gloves, transportation after dialysis, etc.)

I plan to take freelance writing opportunities since working at home and choosing the work hours is possible so as not to put a strain on my health.

Of course there is the ongoing fundraising effort where everybody is welcome to donate. ( Instructions and form found here https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1KWEr_V0kkRbrxz8mx37l6_sB_8Gyedayu1m25kzhHDo/viewform )

Another challenge is overcoming being "paranoid" of certain things. Being afraid of having fever during dialysis again, I often worry of my dialysis access for example. Sometimes negativity ensues. Good thing I have a brave and patient wife to assure me everything is fine.

Fear of what is to come is another challenge. Bilateral nephrectomy alone is a major operation where both of my kidneys will be taken. Then there's the transplant. I can't help but think about what is to come. That is where words of support and encouragement from friends help. Facebook likes, comments and messages do help.

Avoiding infection is also a challenge. I avoid crowds, wear mask and I make sure I eat well. I had vaccinations before that can also help.

When a setback happens, staying positive is a major challenge. During my febrile episodes and when my wife was rejected as kidney donor, me and my wife relied on faith, prayers and the support of friends and relatives to cope.

So really, it is not easy to be in this situation but it does not mean that I should not smile already. I know that God allowed these things to happen because I can bear it. Life still must go on. I know that there's a rainbow after the rain. (Wait! Teka. Parang kanta yun ah.)

Have a nice day!

Meanwhile, Helping a Fellow Friend in Need

2013-04-02T06:57:00.001-07:00

You know what? Even with all the challenges that came my way...the month long fever, the rejection of my wife as kidney donor and many more, I am still thankful to God that I am now relatively better. My appetite is back and I do not already feel weak although I still get tired easily.

With regards to the donor search? Still none but I remain hopeful.

Oh by the way, my parents visited me and I am glad they saw me in this "improved" state. Do not want them to worry to much especially now that they are old. They saw me while being hooked to the dialysis machine and since it was Holy week, we prayed and have some reflections during dialysis.

This week, I received bad news. (Do not worry, it is not regarding my condition.) But a very good friend of mine (Chester Dave Ricafrente) was hospitalized in Quezon Medical Center. His blood counts are low and looking for blood type A+ donors turned out to be difficult for them. At the same time he was nursing a fever. He was put on isolation in a solo room and was put under the care of a hematologist.

Also, his hemoglobin was dropping fast reaching levels below 5 and I just hope his friends and relatives realize that his condition is not a simple one and they have to get blood donors fast.

Having an idea of the possible diagnosis and knowing that they just recently welcomed a new kid, I can just imagine what is going through the mind of my friend right now. Anyway, the least I could do was offer encouragement and share my experiences especially with regards to fundraising. I am no expert but I thought maybe it could help.

So I help set up my friend's Facebook Fundraising page at https://www.facebook.com/DaveRicafrentesMedicalFund

There one could find updates regarding his condition and potential donors can see how they could help.

I do hope my friend receives help also. I am lucky that many people helped me thru prayers and donations and I am very thankful to all of them. I wish the same for my friend. Even if I am sick, it doesn't mean I won't think of my fellowmen already.

Dave, just hang on my friend. Together we will remain steadfast in our faith in God. His will be done.

Looking for a Kidney Donor Anew

2013-03-26T03:11:00.001-07:00

This morning, we were scheduled to meet with my transplant surgeon to finally know if my wife will be able to donate a kidney to me after a battery of tests including a nuclear GFR scan. To recall, my wife is a compatible blood and tissue match to me and was thus considered a prospective donor.

The surgeon began by showing the nuclear GFR results to me and my wife. He explained that my wife's GFR did not meet the cutoff. This was due to her right kidney which appeared to have scarring. If she donated her left kidney, the remaining right kidney will not be able to sustain the required functions for long. In other words, it will not be good for her health to donate a kidney.

I thank my wife for her willingness to donate a precious part of herself, her kidney. But now that she won't be allowed to donate a kidney, we are now in search of a new kidney preferably from relatives of my father's side since autoomal polycystic kidney disease (the cause of my kidney woes) runs in my mother's side of the family. My mother, her siblings and her father had it and they all died because of it.

But kidney donors can also come from my friends.

For those interested but have fears, concerns or questions, I could bring him or her to my transplant surgeon who is willing to answer any question and address one's concern or fears.

By the way, I am Blood Type B+. One can contact me thru this blog or leave me a message at my Kidney Transplant Fund page.

I will be very grateful to this person who will turn out to be my kidney donor. I definitely still want to be part of the formation of future physicians as a medical teacher. I still want to educate my readers thru my blogs. I still want to spend time with my loved ones. I still want a second chance at life.

Please help me with this wish.

The Transplant is already near

2013-03-14T22:25:00.000-07:00

After several months of submitting requirements, lining up in various offices, my Z-package appears to be becoming a reality now. Tests on me and my wife, the prospective kidney donor are now being done in coordination with the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC).

We submitted sputum and stool samples. Blood was extracted from us for various tests. We had ECG and Chest X-ray. All of these are for free as part of the benefits. I think we will also have other tests done outside VSMMC next week.

We are really near the homestretch. All I have to do is to get stronger and prepare for the bilateral nephrectomy. The nephrectomy is needed to eliminate the kidneys as a source of possible infection during transplant. To recall, I have recurrent UTIs for years. Removing the very large kidneys also will provide a space for the new kidney. The nephrectomy will be performed by a relative of my wife who is a urosurgeon. It will be done in Cebu Velez General Hospital due to financial considerations. (I enjoy a discount there in the labs and room, etc. )

The good news is I no longer have fever postdialysis. I already passed through the stage where it is difficult to eat because of oral thrush. I still have my antibiotics though -- like Levofloxacin and IV Vancomycin. Vancomycin 1 dose costs almost PHP 5000 so I thank the Lord for the donations that keep on coming.

Please do continue to send them as we will have to deal with the high cost of posttransplant medications. Total amount raised so far for the transplant fund is PHP 552,513. For the immediate needs posttransplant, we need to raise 1 Million pesos by April 15.

You can still send your donations to IVY MATA TAPIA, BPI Savings Account Number 1026 9288 02, General Maxilom Avenue branch.

Most important of all, please do continue to pray for me. Prayers can move mountains.

P.S. Special thanks to Cebu Bloggers Society and Rappler MOVE.Ph for their continuing support.

Time to Thank the Lord

2013-03-11T21:54:00.000-07:00

My application for Z-package has been submitted and it will not be long when further tests for me the recipient and donor will be performed coordinated by Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center. Can't wait for the test schedule and nephrectomy. Thank you to the transplant coordinators in VSMMC.

Meanwhile, for the first time, I have my appetite slowly returning. But there's an unexpected surprise.

My BP is relatively low and I am not even taking antihypertensive medications. Last night during dialysis, I had an episode of hypotension. Good thing the nurses where active and they were able to keep me comfortable.

I no longer have fever during dialysis but can't seem to point out why I have fever the night following a dialysis. I am already on Vancomycin IV and Levofloxacin PO.

Well what's important is I'm becoming better. Oral thrush also is gone and thanks to my friends and supporters who prayed for me, I'm not losing hope.

One thing I learn from this experience is you need to have a strong faith in God. It is not easy that is why, strong faith is needed.

At this point, I would like to thank all who donated. The funds has reached the 500 thousand mark and with your continued support, we will be able to afford the posttransplant medications.

I would like to also thank my wife for being the stabilizer. She sacrificed a lot for me. Not to mention she will be my donor. From work, imagine she has to act not just as a housewife but also as a nurse. She ensures that I receive my IV treatment. She prepares the Soluset, Heplock, etc. Having her do this ensures a great savings as I do not need to be admitted in the hospital.

Lord, please continue to grant my wife the Strength to do what she is doing. I thank you Lord for giving me a very patient wife. I do not know what would I be without her. I am lucky indeed.

I see the same thing inside the hemodialysis unit. Very dedicated spouses, siblings taking care of their patients. Lord bless them too.

A Plea to Make Easier Requirements for Government Hospital or Surgery Discounts

2013-02-15T06:47:00.000-08:00

To begin with, I do not have enough money to afford a kidney transplant. So when the Z package of PhilHealth was launched last year, I felt there was hope at last. I decided to apply under the co-pay classification where the patient shells out a maximum of 600 thousand pesos as his contribution to the transplant.

Since my fundraising efforts has not reached 600 thousand, I pleaded that my contribution be lesser than the maximum. Thus I was referred to the social welfare office for evaluation of my financial capability.

What I got was a long list of requirements in two pieces of paper handwritten.

Residence certificate - my own , my wife's and all immediate relatives who will help shoulder the surgery. (Have already mine and my wife's)
Certification that I own or do not own "real property" or "land" from the City Assessor's Office. (also my wife's and immediate relatives who will help.)
Certification that I own or do not own a business. (In my case, I do not own a business and I do not own any property or land.) Same thing with my wife and immediate family who will help.
latest ITR (have both mine and my wife's already)
1x1 picture and whole body picture
Certification of Employment specifying position, salaries, deductions and the latest payslip
PhilHealth MDR
Certification from SSS (not just an ID, but certification..Imagine long lines) that I, my wife and those immediate family who will help me are members or not.
Certificate from barangay of residence for me, my wife, etc.
A social case study report from DSWD (I think it is based in Labangon).

And I will be getting all of these while I am undergoing this...

and this because of recurrent fever..

I hope there is an easier way to get all of these. I need a bilateral nephrectomy right away to stop once and for all my recurrent UTI and to accommodate a new transplanted kidney.

I do not have household help to do chores or run errands for me. I do not have a car to bring me anywhere. I have to report to work while waiting to continue receiving salary and I am relatively immunocompromised to face many people in the long lines. Is there a better way or system to get all these requirements if we truly want to help the poor sick people? I am not speaking for myself only here.

Attention senatoriables @UNAsaSenado, @TeamPNoy2013, @piacayetano, aspiring or returning congressmen!Vice president @VPJojoBinay DSWD? @dinkysunflower @tomasosmena

I am one of the masses you promise to serve. All I want is a chance at the Z-package. The only problem is I would prefer to pay less than the maximum 600 thousand because I have to think of the immunosuppressive drugs (na di dapat tipirin). With time, I can raise the funds for the expenses posttransplant. And PhilHealth allows a patient actually to pay less than the 600k maximum based on the memos online.

My wife is a willing donor. She is already compatible with me in blood type and tissue type. Only a pre-approval is needed for us to proceed with her other tests if she really is healthy enough to donate.

Meanwhile, my bills for the antibiotics are piling, my IJ access is reaching one month when it will be prone to infection, and my will is being tested.

Yes I am a doctor but I am not a practicing one. My sole job is a medical teacher and I entered medical school through a scholarship where I strived to learn about the disease of my mother and predecessors which I now also have.

Like the others, I am getting the requirements one-by-one but I expect it to take some time with my condition. And I will be risking infection which will be another problem. I understand the requirement. I am just asking, "Can you make it easy on patients because they really need help?"

By the way, here is my humble Facebook page for raising funds at https://www.facebook.com/DocBuboysKidneyTransplantFund

Social media, my best friend during dialysis

2013-02-08T23:20:00.001-08:00

This is how I spend my time in the dialysis facility... Opening facebook, answering messages, interacting with friends. I also log into twitter. Believe it or not, social media helps keep a smile in my face.

Kidney transplant, also for non-millionaires who need it

2013-02-04T05:54:00.000-08:00

It was Day 4 of my Hemodialysis session and I met this fellow patient who was also having dialysis in the same facility as I am. We shared our stories, the reason why we came to this point. I asked him how long he has been on dialysis and how was he doing. At one point I asked him if he was considering a transplant. He replied no because a transplant costs 2 million pesos.

Hearing this I just realized that apparently there are still end-stage renal disease patients who are unaware of the Z-package for kidney transplant patients and one example is the patient I just met.

And so I told the guy that there is already a Z-package which will reduce the cost of transplant alone to less than a million (excluding anti-rejection meds) if as a co-paying patient or sponsored if classified as an indigent patient. The guy replied that he will still not avail of the Z-package because he does not believe he can afford the package.

And so it struck me. He may not be alone in his belief. Perhaps many patients like him still believe that they do not really have a chance to undergo a transplant under the PhilHealth Z-package.

I am hoping that my kidney transplant under the Z-package will be successful so that I may inspire others to avail of this very timely package and therefore have a second chance of life even if they are not affluent.

Meanwhile I am preparing for an upcoming bilateral nephrectomy this week, an equally difficult procedure. And after that, another challenge...going through days without a single kidney while waiting for the transplant.

Please say a prayer for me and my surgeons and my team of doctors. Say a prayer also for all the other patients who are on hemodialysis who may want to go through kidney transplant. That they not be discouraged by their financial standing.

Kidney transplants should not be for rich patients only. With the Z-package, there is hope for others who are not millionaires.

The tough journey begins with my first hemodialysis

2013-01-29T09:20:00.001-08:00

Entering the operating room, I was greeted with a smile by the anesthesiologist (in another operation which has not yet started) and it was a good start for the day especially that I was quite nervous knowing that my blood vessels are small from the previous attempt to make an AV fistula in my arm.

I was in the OR for a procedure to create an access for hemodialysis in the internal jugular vein. It helped that I saw some familiar faces and that my wife was around. As the operation started, I was in a Trendelenburg position with my body laid flat on the back and my feet higher than the head like a volunteer for a magic show. Perhaps I indeed need some magic working for me as my veins are quite "challenging". True enough, there was some difficulty in inserting the catheter but thankfully it was resolved. If you ask if it is painful, I can say what I felt more was the discomfort of having something somewhat pierced to your neck than the pain. I felt like a cyborg with a line for refueling.

Anyway, below is the pic of me after the procedure.

Immediately after the procedure (with this look), I went to the administration office of my employer to take care of some PhilHealth requirements for transplant. Unfortunately, I wasn't still able to get a certain signed document I was requesting. (I hope they realize the urgency of the situation so please help me pray for that.)

Later in the afternoon, I reported to the hemodialysis center. I always wondered what is inside and how does it feel to be in a dialysis center. I do not know if it was luck or what but the in-house physician happened to be an alumnus of my college before and we have common acquaintances so the conversation with her and the center's senior nurse helped eased my feelings towards going to the dialysis.

Inside I met the other hemodialysis patients. I still consider myself lucky that I can still walk around relatively "healthier" than most inside. I thank God that my kidneys still have some function left and I can still urinate. I have read all about dysequilibrium syndrome and some possible side effects of dialysis and I thank God I did not experience those during and after the dialysis.

I noticed there was a TV in the ceiling for patients to watch. Mine was showing HBO. But being the social media enthusiast that I am, the first thing I asked was, "What's the wifi password?" The staff did not know. However I was still able to access the net somehow without a password so I did some "camwhoring". Hehe. I will just post one photo here. Yup that's me smiling.

My first session was just 2 hours but even 2 hours is quite long for a newbie like me. I just tinkered with my phone playing fruit ninja and answering messages on facebook. And before I know it, the 2 hour session was over. 0.4 kg was taken from my original weight and I am due after a day of no dialysis for my second session this Thursday. This time it will be 3 hours.

Meanwhile I am going to go back to my employer again later for the PhilHealth requirement which I really need and which I hope they will already give. Then visit my urosurgeon for the next challenge -- bilateral nephrectomy early February.

Please do pray for me. Any form of help is really appreciated. (And my paypal donate button is still around in this blog.)

Till next time. And thank you for the overwhelming messages of support and prayers in Facebook.

Transplant preparations update for January

2013-01-12T02:17:00.001-08:00

The past few weeks, I have been very busy. It's because before the Big Day comes, I would like to put things in order especially my schoolwork.

Had lab tests where my electrolytes were within normal range although my creatinine is still on the rise. I still have good urine output though. No swellings or edema anywhere and I feel good.

Visited my team of doctors. In one of those visits, I had my first erythropoietin injection and boy it was quite painful. I think I prefer the pain of venipucture than a subcutaneous injection. Anyway, the hormone was administered by my wife so somehow it helped lessen the pain. Being anemic already, the plan was to raise the hemoglobin high enough so that it will be less likely for me to have a transfusion later. I will have erythropoietin twice a week says my nephrologist. Then I will have IJ access on the 28th then dialysis.

We also planned where dialysis will be held and in which hospital the procedures will be done.

The Feast of the Child Jesus or the Sto. Nino (Cebu's patron saint) is fast approaching. I really requested that the procedures be done after this feast not because I want to dance during the Sinulog festival. Somehow I want to build up the spiritual and emotional strength as well and partipating and witnessing the people showing their devotion during the Holy Mass at the Basilica Minore del Sto. Nino Pilgrim Center grounds really helps.

My favorite part is when people raise their hands as they sing in unison the BatuBalani sa Gugma.

Fundraising efforts are also doing OK. I thank my colleagues especially from the Philippine Society of Microbiology and Infectious Disease (PSMID) Cebu Chapter for really supporting me in my ordeal. I really appreciate it.

Special thanks also to my friends in Candelaria, Quezon Province. They still remember me and I also cherish that.

I can really feel the Divine Providence. When there's a problem, somehow some help arrives. I know the Lord will help me get through this with the help of family and friends.

As the Sinulog or the Feast of the Child Jesus comes, I have a request. Please include me in your prayers during the novena masses and in the procession so I may continue to be strong.

And to my surgeons, can you play Les Miserables soundtrack during surgery? #wishfulthinking

Urgent Financial Help Needed for Kidney Transplant

2012-11-19T04:32:00.000-08:00

Many say that compared to other countries, the cost of kidney transplantation in the Philippines is cheaper. But for me, it is still very expensive. As early as the screening phase, the cost of the tests is like that of having one major surgery.

Tissue typing, Panel reactive antibody and tests for CMV and EBV is already very heavy on the pocket. That is why I thank my cash donors for their generosity as their donations really helped. There are still other tests to be done. And there are also tests for the donor like tissue typing and crossmatching among many others.

PHILHEALTH will really be a ray of sunshine for patients like me though. One thing I have to share is that there is this P600,000 Z package of Philhealth which can be availed for the meantime in only selected government hospitals. In Cebu, one can avail of this package at the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center. Included in the said package are payment for hospital services such as hospital room and board meds and laboratory exams, operating room and professional fees for the entire course of treatment, including mandatory and other services required per illness. But one must qualify for the said package and I am keeping my fingers crossed.

Despite Philhealth, the cost still is very high since the Z package is good only for 1 year of posttransplant medications. I have to think of the anti-rejection meds. And I will have a nephrectomy prior to the transplant which will cost me even more.

The usual kidney transplant in the country based on my research is about 3 million pesos. Unfortunately, my salary as a teacher is not enough.

And so now I humbly appeal to my Facebook friends, colleagues, former students, online and offline friends to help me have a second chance in life. I wish to continue molding future medical doctors. I wish to continue educating through my blogs. I want to see my students graduate and become successful physicians. I still want to see my dog wagging his tail with excitement when he sees me. I still want to come home to my wife.

My creatinine is already too high and the sooner I have the surgery, the better the chances of success. My family just can't raise 3 million without others' help.

1) You may send your cash donations to:
Account name: IVY MATA TAPIA
BPI Savings Account: 1026 9288 02
General Maxilom Avenue, Cebu City branch
or

2) Donate securely through Doc Buboy's Youcaring.com fundraiser at http://www.youcaring.com/fundraiser_details?fundraiser_id=12655&url=docbuboyskidneytransplantfund

or you can

3) Send funds securely online via Paypal and address your donation to: tapyboy2@yahoo.com

or you can find the DONATE button via Paypal in this blog on the left sidebar.

Thank you very much.

Thankful and hopeful

2012-11-04T06:36:00.000-08:00

With the schedule of AV fistula creation nearing (with stress balls in hand), I thought to myself, "This is it. This will be the start of a new journey...beginning with a series of hemodialysis in the upcoming months." I know it will not be an easy one. For one, I saw my mother and my relatives before me go to this difficult process. Number 2, I know management of PKD is an expensive one, especially dialysis, transplant and post-transplant.

Because of the anticipated expenses, me and my wife has started a kidney transplant fund anchored on a Transplant Fund Facebook Page, and a Youcaring fundraising website. Instructions on the ways to donate as well as the form for contributions are found in this Google document.

God is so good to me.

I have one possible kidney donor so far and tests are to be done.

I can feel the support of friends and family and their support has kept me going. I am very grateful for their facebook shares also.

My creatinine is really high but at least I can still be functional with no edema or difficulty in breathing although I was already admitted for pancreatitis which was a very painful experience.

I have a wife who is always there for me even through these tough times. I don't know if I can bear all these without her.

Because of the support of God, family and friends, I have high hopes of the days ahead...that I have many years ahead of me doing what I love: mentoring future physicians, medical technologists, and researchers. Hanging out with the "unlikeliest" of buddies-- my blogger friends during events, speaking in front of a young crowd, singing my compositions, having a nice walk with my dog and enjoying the company of my wife.

Please do continue to be with me in this journey.
P.S. Thanks to my medical school classmates abroad...Karen, Evelyn, Steffan and Lizette, Rhea and my batchmates here in the Philippines particularly those based in CIM and in Cebu; my blogger friends (can't name them all), JP, MD who were among the first who responded to the online fundraiser. I can't thank all who agve me support this week.

Preparing for the Inevitable

2012-10-25T08:41:00.000-07:00

It's kinda tough when the kidneys start failing. Different blood tests have to be monitored as some of them may go up and down. Uric acid, creatinine, sodium, potassium, calcium, albumin, etc.

I just had my regular checkup and blood tests and my nephrologist noted that I am noticeably getting thinner even though my appetite is still good. Ultrasound revealed the biggest cysts have gone really bigger. My PKD is in "full bloom" I suppose.

But hey, I am still continuing with my advocacies. Last week I had a talk with some youth leaders regarding responsible use of social media and this Saturday, I plan to attend a bloggers' meetup this weekend. I don't expect though to be as active as before in my blogger activities in the coming days.

I am preparing to undergo a procedure to have vascular access for expected hemodialysis to clean up my system. I have started reading about AV fistula or vascular access for hemodialysis. Prior to the expected procedure, my prothrombin time will be checked. Just to be sure I have enough vitamin K especially with me on prophylactic antibiotics, I was prescribed menadione tablets. Of course, there's the usual medications like iron, calcium supplements, bicarbonate, antihypertensive meds. I will being seeing a surgeon for this procedure in the days to come. As you well know, I am also looking for a living kidney donor.

I really hope that despite of the procedures I will go through, I can still pursue my passion for educating the youth regarding social media and health through blogging and speaking engagements in the same way as before. I am also hopeful that I can still finish my other masters degree with the help of an open university.

As I enter into the difficult parts of my condition, I appreciate prayers and support.

Searching for a Living Kidney Donor

2012-10-10T17:40:00.001-07:00

With my creatinine already at its highest in years, the point has come when I was advised for hemodialysis and kidney transplant. Kidney transplant appears to be the best choice at a relatively young age of 39 and in the absence of stroke and cardiovascular problems. The transplant will most likely be done in Cebu, Philippines.

And so my search for a living kidney donor has started. I cannot already count on my relatives on the mother's side since polycystic kidney disease came from the genes of my mother. To recall I have Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease. That leaves me with my relatives from my father's side as the best choice of living related donors (related by blood within the fourth degree of consangunity.) By the way, my blood type is B+.

The Philippine DOH Administrative Order 2010-0018 also allows for directed voluntary donors (-Those who are not related by blood to the recipient but bear close emotional ties with the recipient. (e.g., spouses, relatives by affinity, friends, employers/employees of long standing, Colleagues, fiancé /fiancée and adoptive parents or children) when it is found to be voluntary and truly altruistic.

So yes, those within the Philippines other than my relatives may also donate.

Of course potential donors shall be without health problems like high blood pressure, diabetes, substance abuse, heart disease, psychiatric illness, lung disease, cancer, impaired kidney function, hepatitis B or C infection and HIV. Donor must also be a non-smoker. He or she must be above age 18.

I understand it is not an easy decision for donors and many feel uncomfortable with this. Some of the questions potential donors ask are the following (with answers):

Will donation affect future pregnancy or fathering a child? The answer is NO based on literature.
Is a donor more likely to develop kidney disease? The answer again is NO. They are no different than the general population. Of course donors should have a healthy lifestyle eating the proper diet, exercising among others. From what I know, he or she should refrain from contact sports like karate, football and boxing, etc.
There is no change in life expectancy for a kidney donor based on current research.
The risk of donating kidneys is similar to those undergoing major surgery.

I am hoping that all will go well and the search will not last long. This blog has a contact page should you wish to contact me.

I thank those who are praying for me and supporting me in any way they can. May God bless them hundredfold.

The Day I experienced Pancreatitis for myself

2012-09-11T08:12:00.001-07:00

Last night, I wasn't able to sleep because of abdominal pain. It was steady, dull, unrelenting. This persisted in the morning even with me taking Tramadol orally. I can't help but shout in pain as I was in the ER.

IV tramadol was given and from a pain score of 10, I was able to tolerate the pain. Lab tests were taken. Ultrasound, xray, ECG too. A few hours later, results came out revealing that I may have pancreatitis. "So this is how pancreatitis is!"

Good thing I went to the ER. I was contemplating on staying at home only. I thank God, he helped me decide to go to the ER. Now I take nothing orally. Mediations are coursed through the IV line.

Now i have several crosses to bear including PKD and now pancreatitis.

Father, If It Is Your Will, Take This Cup Away From Me; Nevertheless Not My Will, But Yours, Be Done." (Luke 22:42)

I take comfort in the fact that many friends and relatives wished that I get well soon. Thank you and continue to pray for me.

31 years, still hoping for a PKD cure

2012-09-09T06:06:00.001-07:00

Exactly 31 years ago, I was with my mom when she breathed her last in a hospital. It was a day after Mama Mary's birthday. She was 39 years old then. I was a kid then who did not fully understand what happened to her. What I know was that she was extremely sick and she had bad kidneys. "Sakit sa bato" was what the family knew then.

Fast forward to the present. Now I know what my mom had was polycystic kidney disease. I am now 39 years old. My family and I went through many challenges, but I am not losing hope.

There is the PKD Foundation "promoting programs of research, advocacy, education, support and awareness in order to discover treatments and a cure for Polycystic Kidney Disease..." Researches and clinical trials are underway or are ongoing. Tolvaptan, Everolimus, Bosutinib and even water are some of the agents being studied. Many people are becoming aware about PKD although not so much in my country.

So like what my blog's name says, "Even with PKD, Life Goes On". I go on with my life. I am finishing a research undertaking (not related to PKD), I continue to be a teacher to my students and I blog. I continue to do the things I love to do just as my mom did when she was still able. My mom served as my inspiration. Correction. She still continues to be an inspiration even 31 years after her early demise.

Even when she was already losing weight and weak, she was personally present in my sister's graduation. She continued to be a hands-on mother to us all even when she was not feeling well. She made sure she was there to supervise my homework, joined me in fieldtrips, fetch me from school, prepared my baon. She loved what she does and she did not let PKD stop her.

PKD won't stop me either. I know there is hope for a cure. It's out there. And even if I may not be able to avail it, I just hope I can inspire others with PKD as my mom did more than 31 years ago.

How Google can help students (and teachers)

2012-08-11T06:32:00.001-07:00

This generation is what is known as the Net Generation. Gadgets and the internet are commonplace. Even toddlers know how to use the tablet, the desktop, laptops and the netbooks.

Learning nowadays involves more of collaboration, critical thinking, communication, analyzing information, problem solving, creativity and innovation unlike in the past when the trend was listening to lectures.

There are still some who express concern over the use by the youth of technology in education. But with the changes in how this generation makes use of technology in learning, eventually they will still get their hands on the gadgets and on the internet. And so for me, it's better instead to teach than to ban. Technology can really be useful you know. And one common tool that probably every student sees every time he logs in the net that can be used in education but perhaps does not realize it yet is...GOOGLE.

Here are some of the ways Google can help a student with his studies:

Google mail - for communication purposes, it is student-friendly as emails of the same topic are grouped together so one can really follow the conversation. Attached documents can be converted to Google Docs.
Google Docs - perfect for collaboration. Students working as a group on a project and research paper can edit their documents in realtime, insert comments, and talk about their project thru chat. Online survey forms can also be made as well as databases for brainstorming. Teachers can also be part of the conversation, making corrections and comments without the need for downloading documents or files that stays in one computer. Of course Google Docs comes with enough storage for these uploaded files.
Google plus - if one is not satisfied with chatting, Google plus can host hangouts where up to ten people can join including the host. Or one can decide to do hangout on air and let many others tune in to the conversation, lecture or discussion. Participants can see each other through the camera and may also have view of presentation or files by the host which can be shared by share screen feature. Meetings within school organizations for planning activities can be made online also in case it will hard to be physically present in a certain venue on a certain day. Google plus can also be used as a showcase of one's portfolio or credentials via the profile page which may be useful later when applying for a job.
Of course, there are many others like Google Calendar and Youtube which may also be useful for students as a reminder for activities and for visual learning. Teachers can use Youtube as a teaching tool too by making their own teaching videos and uploading them to their channels..

You belong to the Net generation, right? Then explore these online tools now and head on to your Google accounts and learn by discovery.

And oh by the way, all of these are free.

You can also opt to go to Google in Education and know more about what Google can do for students and even teachers. They also have tutorials there on how to use these tools.

And while you are there, include me in your circles.

Trans Cebu or BRT Cebu, the Future of Transport iin Cebu

2012-07-26T15:51:00.001-07:00

Everyday in the streets, one cannot help but get annoyed at undisciplined drivers loading and disembarking passengers in pedestrian crossings or just about anywhere.

Some public utility vehicles or jeepneys take too long in taking in passengers. Some would wait for the seats to be filled. When one is in a hurry, one could lose patience experiencing this.

There are also too many vehicles in the streets of Cebu City already. I learned that BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) might help provide a solution.

I got the chance to listen to an orientation regarding BRT by consultant Colin Brader in relation to my city's transport system and the buses in Singapore come to mind. Like the buses there, the mode of payment will be a card pre-loaded with a certain amount. The card will be tapped to a sensor that will charge the amount of the fare which by 2015 is estimated to be around nine pesos.

The bus loads and unloads passengers in a station located in the middle of the street. The station may be reached through what I call "staggered" pedestrian lanes. Let me show pictures.

See the pedestrian walkways?

This design is believed to be optimal so as not to obstruct the path of other vehicles and with this adjustments would have to be made with the lanes and which lanes certain vehicles will be in.

The buses will stop for about 30 minutes for loading and unloading then takes off. No more waiting for the bus to be filled to capacity and travel time will be reduced.

The routes will be mainly within Cebu City.

BRT is also being implemented in Jakarta, Bogota and Guangzhou, China.

With an estimated vehicle fleet of 180, some jeepney drivers may be displaced from their jobs as the jeepneys will be replaced by BRT. But BRT is said to provide employment opportunities to some of them as jobs aside from driving will be generated. These jobs, including driving the buses will be like the regular-paying jobs which offer benefits and regular salaries.

The BRT will be known as Trans Cebu once it is put in place and it will involve computerization as traffic and the routes will be monitored. Expect street modifications if this is to be implemented.

For example, one side of Fuente Osmena will be freed from the usual public utility vehicles as the other side will only be used. This will allow people on the "free" side to safely cross the street towards the center park across Rajah Park Hotel.

So what do you think of BRT Cebu or TransCebu?

June Aspin Day 2012: Dogs' Day Out in the Plaza

2012-06-24T07:09:00.001-07:00

The Aspins or Asong Pinoy or our home-grown dogs got a special day of their own today in the form of the June Aspin Day, thanks to Island Rescue Organizaton (IRO) and its partner organizations, groups as well as the City Veterinary Office.

Many proud dog stewards or owners brought their Aspins, big and small, to Plaza Independencia earlier this Sunday morning (June 24) to have their pets registered, checked up, vaccinated, dewormed, receive treats as well as interact with other aspins. Some of the dogs get to show their tricks, their costumes and their good looks.

IRO booth with some of their officers

It was great to see man's best friend enjoy the park with their masters. Unfortunately though the grass area of the park was off limits to both man and dogs following the plaza's guideline.

The Aspins included IRO's rescued dogs Otap and JY.

Otap was enjoying his day out in the park while JY was kind of stressed but slowly warmed up as time passed. This is already a big achievement for both of them especially JY who was badly injured after being hit by a vehicle prior to his rescue.

They may be Aspins but the dogs were all beautiful and well taken cared of.

It was difficult to pick the best looking dog among these. I would say that all the owners should be given medals for taking good care of their pets.

I commend the organizers for putting up this event. It raises awareness of responsible pet ownership, the importance of rabies vaccination and in a way, it pays tribute to our very loyal companions including the aspins who really deserve to be pampered and showered with love.

I hope June Aspin Day will continue to be celebrated and I am also hoping that more organizations and companies will support this as well as the initiatives and other activities of IRO.

IRO is a nonprofit animal rescue organization based in the province of Cebu. For more info visit their website at http://islandrescue.org.

My Fit Fil Cebu Camp Experience (So Far)

2012-05-19T09:37:00.002-07:00

Last time, I mentioned I joined the Fit Filipino or Fit Fil Cebu camp of Coach Joe Saret in Ayala Center Cebu. I was told that it was unlike the usual fitness camps but I had to see or experience it for myself.

Attending 2 sessions so far, I could say this: Guys, all that was said about the camp is true.

It is really unique. Imagine, just 4-minute workouts! Sounds easy, right? Nah!

The camp is like a scene coming straight from a soldier movie. It is like one is being trained to be a soldier. It brought memories of past CAT or ROTC trainings. The feeling is just like that. "Dah! Ngano ni enter?" "Bakit ako?" "Lord, ano nagawa ko?" "Ayoko na!" People are saying this things...laughing! It is one activity that you complain too much but you do not want to actually miss. Many complain of soreness and yet they are willing to subject themselves to the challenging exercises. That's Fit Fil.

We, Cebuanos are really lucky to experience this first.

So what exactly do we do during the camp?

Well, one is the 4-minute workout composed of cycles of 10 counts jumping jack, 10 counts squats, another 10 for push-ups and another 10 for lunges which are repeated until 4 minutes is reached. Believe me, as time passes, execution becomes more difficult. However, one can feel the different muscle groups at work, becoming sore afterwards.

There is also the Cabinta workout in Day 2 with the most difficult part for me personally, being the planking which effects can really be felt in the abdominal muscles.

The camp is complete with nutritionists to give advice and plan a participant's individual diet and a drinking station. There is also circuit training where groups shift from one activity to another in sequence.

It is a fun workout and I believe the camp uses the right strategy motivating its participants. It really helps to have a team that trains with you, a coach that constantly reminds and motivates its members and varying activities that counter boredom. The camp really gives one the feel of being part of a Biggest Loser show.

I am lucky also to gain new friends and be part of the CeBOOM Hazelers Team under Big Loser Philippines alumnus Hazel Chua's wing. The team is serious in sustaining the initial steps in this camp that it came up with a Facebook group even to act as a support group hopefully even after the camp.

For Fit Fil Cebu CeBOOM Hazelers team, just visit this CeBOOM Hazelers Facebook Group then join the group.

Special thanks to Ayala Center Cebu and Nestle Wellness along with the other sponsors. Oops! I forgot....I have to sleep for not less than 7 hours. I have to stop writing this post already.

See you for the weigh-in!

The success that was Startup Weekend Cebu 2012

2012-05-15T02:00:00.001-07:00

I was there. I am proud I was in the midst of it all. I participated in the recently concluded Startup Weekend Cebu last May 11 to 13 at The UP Cebu. Yeah!

Coming to the Startup Weekend, I have little idea what actually happens in a startup weekend. I attended Pre Startup Bootcamps, made some mock pitches and listened to the experts. But it is really different to experience the real thing and I was glad to experience it, not as a media observer but as a participant myself.

Well, I shed one thousand pesos but what I got back was way beyond that particular value.

The organizers

There were several interesting pitches. "WaitNoMore" aims to eliminate having to go through long lines waiting for your number to be called. "Luto.co.", an app that will tell you what you can cook based on the ingredients you have on your kitchen pantry. "DeadOpen", a way to attain closure of your digital life because it emails your chosen loved one your various passwords upon your death.

And of course the team where I eventually joined, the "MyEatinerary", an app that will tell you what and where to eat with the budget that you have.

The participants then gave selected their favorite pitches represented by the name of the planned app or website pasted on the Idea Board.

There were so many participants looking for teams. Team leaders shouting their need for developers, designers, etc. Teams were formed and plan for action made. Our group was divided into a subteam. I became head of the Content Team, being a blogger.

The next day, teams were so busy doing their own assignments. It was so nice seeing everyone working together for a common goal. You can feel the team spirit, the competitive edge, the creativity, the meeting of minds, the sharing of talents, the brotherhood. It was so amazing to watch it unfold before your very eyes.

So this is how it feels to be in a startup weekend. Computer programmers in action, conferring with teammates. Apps slowly taking shape. While we in the non-tech side provide the content with some design inputs.

Day 2 was tiring but fun. Teams are preparing for possible launch of their respective apps the next day. I did not realize an app prototype can be made in such a short time. Suspense was in the air. Mentors were going around giving very useful advice and these are people who are actually the icons of technology and business.

The final day... Team leaders are now starting to prepare for their presentations. They were rehearsing their pitches. The other members were putting the final touches into their prototype. I made our team's Facebook page and blog post and monitoring the views and likes. This is it!

By midday, a lot of the prototypes were going live already, including ours. Amazing what a true team passionate about something can do in such a short time! I am finally a part of a team that created an app! Never in my dreams did I imagine that.

Towards the evening, the final pitches were made and it was nice to see the finished products. Good job to all the teams!

Team WaitNoMore won 1st place and the idea belonged to a student of my college alma mater.

Our team did not win but I did not feel sad. Why? Because at the end of the event, we are going to continue what we started. We are now a real Startup!

Here is a screenshot of our app!

And more importantly, I won new friends -- Drew Shobbrook, Steven Lava (MyEatinerary was his idea), Faey Szew Abella, Ryzza Mancio, Ardee Aram, sisters Yen and Charisse Dirain, Dan Mortalla, Nico Enego, Kevin de Jesus, Junix Villacorta, Giovanni Hermoso and Jun Rey Beduya.

Now that's what you call SUCCESS!

Cheers to the Startup Weekend Cebu organizers!

Celebrating World Bloggers' Day: Why it's more fun in blogging and social media

2012-04-30T16:48:00.001-07:00

It's true. It's more fun in blogging and social media.

When I just learned about my polycystic kidney disease (PKD) -- when I was just newly-diagnosed, I was often depressed. But blogging and social media changed that.

When I joined blogging, I met new friends outside my usual circle. They were not medically-oriented people. They were mostly younger than me. And they turned out to be friends worth keeping. It's ironic that an online activity such as blogging has led me to having more friends offline. Money opportunities came. Learning opportunities as well.

I learned more of social media thru blogging. I was able to use Facebook and Twitter for my advocacies. Socil media has helped manage my class. With blogging and social media, I was able to attend events I was not able to attend when I was not yet a blogger.

I became more familiar with the places to go, the nice food to eat, the hotels to stay on, the nice cell phones. The experience was indeed fun yet educational. Heck I was forgetting already that I have this PKD.

Together with maintenance medications and lifestyle modifications, my venture into blogging and social media coincided with the period that I have relative lesser complaints regarding my PKD.

So, yes it's more fun in blogging and social media.

And even if blogging and social media can be made into an alternative source of income, I make it a point to remember not to lose the fun part of blogging and social media.

As the world celebrates World Bloggers' Day 2012, let's have fun. Let us celebrate being a blogger. For once, let us forget the serious stuff even for a day and enjoy the moment.

We at Cebu Bloggers Society will be celebrating this day culminated by a General Assembly on May 5 at the a Cebu business hotel where we will rekindle friendship and camaraderie with other members and meet new ones. This will be followed by an afterparty at the Amnezia Super Club for a night of dancing and singing.

Join us online on May 2. Share, tweet, pin and show the world why there's more fun in blogging and social media. Drop by and say hi in the World Bloggers Day Official Fan Page, tweet at the Cebu Bloggers Society Twitter Page and make your online presence felt.

And to show your appreciation to your favorite blogs, nominate your favorite blogs NOW at Tatt Awards!

Happy World Bloggers' Day!

Thank you, Mom by Procter and Gamble

2012-04-23T22:23:00.001-07:00

In a previous article, I gave a tribute to my mom. Incidentally, my brother was also involved in a nice project which also gave tribute to moms. It is in the form of a touching tribute to moms of Olympic athletes. As many of us know, the Olympics is near. These Olympic athletes have their moms to thank for.

Below is the said video. If you like it, kindly share the video or send a message of thanks to http://www.facebook.com/thankyoumom.