Even with PKD, Life Goes On

New home soon for the elderly in Missionaries of the Poor Pasil

2012-01-20T22:29:00.000-08:00

Last December, me and my wife together with other members of the Cebu Bloggers Society visited the Missionaries of the Poor (MOP) in Sawang Calero, Pasil, Cebu City where children with special needs and some elderly where housed. The MOP Center dubbed as the Little Lamb Center originally was for the said kids but with many homeless elderly also coming in, the MOP also started to accommodate them in a make-shift home.

Well, good news.

Soon, these elderly people will have their permanent home in MOP with the help of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. (RAFI) to be known as "the House of the Lord". This shelter will rise in Poblacion, Talisay City and will be built across the MOP Monastery to shelter 100 elders and persons with disabilities.

RAFI and MOP broke ground the land for the new home last November 21, 2011. The land measures 4,500 square meters and its purchase was made possible through a fund donated by the late Jose Miguel Aboitiz.

MOP is a religious order established in Jamaica dedicated to the Joyful Service with Christ to the service of the poor. Its founder and superior general is Fr. Richard Ho Lung.

MOP is one of the beneficiaries of RAFI's Grants programs. For more information about Grants please contact 418-7234 local 205 and look for Jan Montilla.

Skechers Go Run Running Shoe introduced to Cebu

2012-01-07T19:46:00.000-08:00

Skechers Philippines is currently one of the sponsors of the Cebu City Marathon. In connection to this, they recently introduce to Cebu their latest fitness shoe product for running, the GoRun Minimalist Running shoe. Check the slideshow below for the trendy look.

I got to try the shoes for myself and they were really light weight, with enough space for toes to be able to move with running. It looks durable and you won't really feel like your wearing a shoe at all. The design of the shoe makes the wearer run properly in a mid-foot strike. It is said to be perfect for long runs and is used by Meb Keflezighi, Elite Marathon Runner, known as the fastest American in the NYC Marathon.

Check their website for more details.

Libre, Clothing for Dialysis Patients

2011-12-13T16:36:00.000-08:00

Seeing patients undergoing hemodialysis in air-conditioned dialysis centers, I can imagine how they must be feeling in the cold environment of the room. I thought there must be a clothing line that can address this problem. I just found in the internet that there is indeed a clothing line that makes comfortable functional clothing which can keep dialysis patients warm without resorting to wearing sweatshirts with ugly holes deliberately made for treatment access.

It is called Libre which refers to the openings in the clothing for arm access, leg access or even chest access. They are equipped with strategically-placed zippers which allows the patient to wear the clothing outside as well as inside during dialysis or chemotherapy treatment as access can be obtained. You can see how these zippers work here.

You can also view the video below made by Libre Clothing to have an idea what the clothing line is.

I believe this clothing line will be helpful also for polycystic kidney patients who will undergo dialysis. For more details regarding this clothing line including orders, you may visit the Libre Clothing website.

Harolds Hotel Supported Visayas Blogging Summit 2011

2011-12-11T04:03:00.001-08:00

As one of the organizers, I still cannot get over the joy of being a witness to the success of the Visayas Blogging Summit last November 26, 2011 and one group to thank for making this particular event a success is Harolds Hotel.

Mr. Francis Dexter Bandala, Director for Business Development of Harolds Hotel (center, left) with some of the members of the Board of Trustees of the Cebu Bloggers Society

Mr. Francis Dexter Bandala of Harolds (left, seated) signing the MOU with Visayas Blogging Summit (VBS) 2011 Chairman Ruben Licera Jr. with VBS Vice Chairman Bjorn Bernales (standing, right) looking on.

Harolds Hotel is a A 12-storey Hotel with world-class services aimed to match international hotel standards.

Harolds is a 90-guestroom Hotel carefully designed to best meet any guest’s personal style whether his stay is for business or for leisure. The hotel has 36 Superior rooms, 45 Deluxe rooms and 9 Deluxe suites, all of which are have room sizes far bigger that everyone else. Much attention has been given to each room to ensure that it is at par with an international hotel.

With the Sinulog festivities approaching in January, you may want to consider them as a destination. It is located in Gorordo Ave., corner Rosal St., Lahug, Cebu City, not far from the center of the city.

Once again, thank you Harolds Hotel.

Realizations during the Visayas Blogging Summit 2011 in Cebu

2011-11-28T04:41:00.001-08:00

Blogging has helped me a lot in dealing with my PKD. I cannot really explain the fact that when I became active with blogging, I did not experience depression anymore because of my PKD.

Unlike before, i don't feel sick and blogging has gave me a positive outlook in life. And so it is but appropriate that I gave back to blogging by contributing all I can in my own little way to ensure the Visayas Blogging Summit (VBS) 2011 was a success.

With the help of the entire Cebu Bloggers Society with VBS Chairman Ruben Licera Jr. at the helm of the event, thank God it became a success.

From start to finish, the participants stayed.
Many big sponsors helped making it possible.
Idol Darren Rowse tweeted wishing he was in VBS that day.
Miss Earth beauties dropped by. (making a lot forget Mayor Mike Rama was also in the house).
The hashtag #vbs2011 was one of the top trends that day
Chris Ducker was in his element.
The rest of the speakers are also.
Mainstream and new media mixing with one another.
Even Ms. Gina Lopez dropped by and inspired the audience.
The giveaways, gifts and prizes were overflowing and cool! Roundtrip plane tickets, Hotel stays, VIP Passes and an awesome Android phone!
Krispy Kreme! Krispy Kreme! Krispy Kreme!
Geiser Maclang need I say more!

It was really a wonderful day for bloggers. Much more for me.

I realized that day, that if bloggers unite and do their part, we could accomplish things that seem impossible to do and achieve.

Imagine what bloggers can bring not just for businesses.

Bloggers are becoming an influence in other areas. Imagine what bloggers also can do for certain advocacies like fighting HIV in Cebu through social media campaigns. Spreading awareness on Polycystic kidney disease. Promote tourism. Promote groups like Cebu Chamber Singers in events like VBS making them trend in twitter (in the same way as what happened to the hashtag #vbs2011) or make participants talk about them and upload their videos at the same time in youtube after listening to them sing in VBS.

Actually it was not just the talks and the topics that highlighted the VBS theme "Blogging and Beyond". The participant turnout, the overwhelming support of sponsors (thank you) and the hardwork put on by Cebu Bloggers Society members/VBS organizers showed that VBS indeed is not just anymore about blogging.

It can even go beyond. May VBS be the start of greater things to come for the Visayas Blogging community.

Things I Look for in a Cebu Beach Resort Hotel

2011-11-08T07:53:00.000-08:00

The beach is one of the most relaxing places to be in. I seem to forget all my problems as I breathe the fresh air. I cannot recall the last time I went to a beach resort in Cebu that I like. Last September though, I got the chance to experience a glimpse of what it is like to stay not just in a beach resort in Cebu but a wonderful beach resort hotel.

So what do I look for in a beach resort hotel?

Of course, a relaxing atmosphere with a nice view of the beach.

Above 2 photos by Narciso Tapia

2. Spacious accommodation with own mini-pool, comfortable beds and a relaxing hot bath, perfect for couples

3. A wide range of delicious food choices

4. An exercise area complete with gym equipment and other sports facilities. (Indoor badminton and outdoor volleyball court not shown in photo)

5. Entertainment and music area to unwind, sing and hangout with friends,

6. An opportunity to be pampered with a relaxing massage.

7. Friendly, warm, smiling, hospitable and accommodating staff

Crimson Beach Resort Hotel and Spa in Mactan is a relatively new Cebu beach resort hotel that seems to meet my requirements during my short stop there. But that visit was even only for a few hours and was in the evening. I wish I could experience all of these in an entire day of stay with my wife. Looking forward to go back to this hotel.

All Souls' Day Reflections

2011-10-26T18:06:00.000-07:00

by Henry L. Yu, M.D.

As we observe All Souls' Day and remember our dearly departed who have gone ahead of us to the Great Beyond, let us remind ourselves of our own mortality - of the fact that whether we like it or not, we will all be saying goodbye to this earthly life someday.

Yes, this earthly life is just loaned to us by the One above. We are all but passing visitors on a limited visa.

Amidst fame and fortune and all these material things, let us not be proud and arrogant for having them, acting like we are immortal, as if there's no end to living la vida loca.

As much as possible, let us refrain from hurting people. Let us make it a point to bring sunshine into their lives by saying and doing good things while there's still time. Let us not wait till tomorrow what we can do today for tomorrow might not come. We might not have the chance to do things for them, to show how much we care.

In this busy world where we are preoccupied with so much work to do, catching up with time, leading a fast-paced lifestyle, we tend to forget one important aspect of life - and that is, to give ourselves time to reflect on the real meaning and purpose of life and living, our ways, our relationships, etc.

Once in a while, let us give ourselves some moments of silence to reflect on the purpose of life, of who we really are, on what we have done or have not done, especially to those people who have played a great significance in our lives once upon a time when we were down and out and we needed a helping hand.

Let us remember that life is too short with so many things to do in a lifetime. So let us not make it shorter by bearing grudges or hatred towards people, or saying negative things about them. Instead, let us spend the remaining days of our lifetime loving them and caring for them.

As one author would put it "We only live once, so whatever good I can do to a person, let me do it now for I may not pass this way again."

Why we should thank our teachers

2011-10-04T09:30:00.000-07:00

There are many reasons to thank our teachers for. Among them:

Teachers especially in the Philippines relatively do not have big salaries and yet a lot bring their work even at home. Teaching is their passion and they show genuine concern for their students.
Teachers are one of the most patient persons in the world.
Teachers act as our second parents.
Teachers help us prepare to face life.

Personally, my teachers have a great influence on me. Even from way back in the elementary school.

I remember one of my elementary teachers encouraging me to join the Arts Club and until now I love drawing and making sketches. My religion teachers were a great help in the formation of the right values. My class advisers then helped developed my confidence. The encouragements to recite, to sing in front, and the "very good" remarks for a good job done from them actually have a positive impact.

I can never forget my science teacher who accompany me in several science quiz balls. We won a Presidential medal from then Pres. Marcos in one of these contests.

I won't forget most especially Sr. Elisa who made me love music. I learned to play guitar and I learned to blend my voice with other vocals. Until now I love to sing and I love caroling for they remind me of my days in the choir.

I continue to communicate with some of my past teachers through Facebook and through text. And this World Teacher's Day, I would like to say THANK YOU to them (my grade school and high school teachers) wherever they are.

Of course, in the occasion of World Teacher's Day, I would also like to thank my teachers in college, medical school and graduate school. There are so many things I learned from them and yet I continue to learn from them until now outside the classroom for I work with some of them. Again, THANK YOU SO MUCH.

How about you? Have you expressed your gratitude and appreciation to your teachers? Now is the best time.

An Opportunity to Learn Other Passive Income Sources in Money Summit, Cebu

2011-09-25T23:06:00.000-07:00

Being a patient with chronic kidney disease, I have to think of other sources of income while I am not yet in dialysis. Current income obtained from my teaching profession is barely enough to shoulder the cost of various medications for my condition and the cost is expected to rise as the years come by.

And so the upcoming Money Summit and Wealth Expo to be held at the Waterfront Cebu Hotel (Philippines) on the 30th of September till the 1st of October comes as great news. It provides me and others with an opportunity to learn from the success stories of experts (not just motivational speakers) who will share their strategies to help participants add at least one more source of income -- passive income to supplement their earnings. Passive income is money one continuously earns without having to work more for it. One earns passive income even on his sleep

The event will be from 830AM to 530PM.

The line-up of speakers includes:

Tomasito Academia, PAREB Chairman
Noli Alleje, The Property Forum Founder
Jake Bare, The Business Incubators
Juanis Barredo, CitisecOnline VP for Sales & Marketing
Bryant Cuison, Avida Land Head of Corporate Sales
Ian del Carmen, Fireball Group of Companies Founder
Eireen Diokno-Bernardo, E-Commerce Specialist
Hanz Florentino, The Business Incubators
Jan Mckingley Hilado, The Business Incubators
Jerome San, Laurus Enterprises Founder
Mark So, Forex Club Asia Founder
Maria Rhoda Villaseñor, BPI-Philam Head of Training
JP Villegas, Nu Skin Diamond Executive

Rates are as follows:

Standard Pass:
- seat only
- no lunch, no workbook, no access to Money Summit Manila videos
Early bird rate (Sept. 1-23): P3,995

VIP Access:
- with lunch for 2 days
- with workbook
- access to Money Summit Manila videos
- plus 1 FREE Standard Pass (upgradable to VIP Access -- just add P500)
Early bird rate (Sept. 1-23): P5,495
Regular rate (Sept. 24-30): P7,995

I am planning of attending this to supplement passive income earned from Google Adsense in my blogs. It is a good thing that my organization, the Cebu Bloggers Society is a supporting organization of this money summit.

You can visit the Money Summit website for more details if you plan also to attend.

Global Velezian Medtech Reunion USA Main Event in Las Vegas on October 21

2011-09-20T08:01:00.000-07:00

Velez College Medtech Alumni out there in the United States! The long-awaited USA Reunion Event will push through and your fellow alumni are excited to see you there.

It will start on the 21st of October, 2011 at the Gold Coast Hotel and Casino, Saloon C, 4000 West Flamingo Road, Las Vegas Nevada.

The activities are posted in the Velez College BSMT grads Facebook group page. Aside from the Main Dinner Event, there will be a sight-seeing tour to the Grand Canyon, Breakfast-Brunch at the WYNNS Hotel.

Invitation to the Reunion is still OPEN. Please come. Contact Mr. Deogracias Delfin or Ms. Hydee Almendras or Ms. Flor Manalili Black. Invite friends.

An Old Man's Wish to the Blessed Virgin Mary

2011-09-08T04:12:00.000-07:00

In the occasion of the Blessed Virgin Mary's birthday, I would like to feature a poem written by my 69-year old father pertaining to our Mother Mary. I actually encourage my father to keep on writing to keep his mind sharp and this is one of his recent poems. This poem is in Tagalog.

Wish Ko Lang Kay Maria

Sa aking paglalakbay sa dagat ng mundo

Malapit na akong gulang magpitumpo,

Tila isang pangarap, subalit totoo.

Langit ay abot-tanaw, pagkat kasama ko

Birheng Mahal na Ina ko, Ina ni Kristo.

Maalon man, mararating din sa tanglaw mo,

Mayayakap ko rin ang Sanggol na kalong mo!

Sa aking katandaan, dami naranasan,

Nakilala ko aking mga kahinaan.

Sa ina ko natutuhan, paano magdasal.

Mi pagsamba, pagpupuri, pasasalamat,

Loob ng Diyos Ama, laging nais matupad.

Patawad sa mga sala’y hiling igawad,

Samo ring matanggap mga kailangang hanap!

Wish ko lang Maria, sana Diyos ay magbigay,

Pitong kaloob ng Espiritu’y lumakas,

Sa akin at mga kapwa ko ay pumukaw.

Dunong, unawa, paghatol at kaalaman,

Tapang, lapit-loob at takot sa Maykapal,

Hatid nito ay biyayang bunga sa buhay,

Pagtitiis, pag-ibig at kapayapaan!

Happy Birthday to our Dear Mother!

Tubo Cane Juice in Cebu, refreshingly healthy

2011-08-21T04:46:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I had the chance to taste Tubo Cane Juice in a stall in Parkmall, Cebu. The variant I tasted was the one mixed with calamansi, which according to the lady in the counter, is the best seller.

Fresh sugarcane is fed into an extractor machine which squeezes out the raw natural sugarcane juice.

One could have his Tubo Juice with calamansi, pineapple among other variants. Tubo Juice can also be taken pure.

Tubo Juice is sugarcane juice which is completely different from your refined sugar. Raw sugarcane juice did not undergo refinement thus it is not stripped of its natural nutrients and minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium and potassium .Unnatural chemicals are absent in raw sugarcane juice. It has a low glycemic index thus release glucose to the bloodstream more gradually. This is good news for those who are mindful of their calories. Articles in the internet has mentioned it as a good substitute for refined sugar as a sweetener.

After drinking Tubo Juice, I feel so refreshed as if it had a cooling effect on the body.

Instead of taking in soda drinks, why not try Tubo Juice?

Event Alert: For the first time ever, Disney show in Cebu

2011-07-01T08:46:00.000-07:00

When I was a kid, I used to watch regularly the TV show "The Wonderful World of Disney" which features Disney cartoons and movie classics. I sat in front of the TV set and wait for Tinkerbell to cast her magic on the Disney Castle to signal the start of the TV show. There was Pinocchio, Jiminy Cricket, Pluto, Goofy, Donald Duck, Minnie and of course, Mickey Mouse. I love them that I would imitate their sounds or voices even before and until now.

As years passed, the Little Mermaid, Alladin and the Toy Story characters were brought to life and they also became hits for me and for many others. Each time I watch a Disney film, the kid in me comes back to life.

Now your favorite and my fave Disney characters are coming to Cebu...LIVE and for the FIRST TIME EVER!

From the Producers of Disney on Ice comes Disney LIVE! Mickey's Music Festival. Featuring a line-up of more than 25 Disney characters bringing to you the biggest concert experience to hit live family entertainment.

Hear once again and re-live the greatest hits from the blockbuster movies of Alladin, the Little Mermaid and Disney/Pixar's Toy Story remixed to rock, reggae, pop, hiphop, jazz and country among others. Everyone knows watching Disney films that their music is superb and worth listening to again and again. Expect also dizzying acrobatics, flying carpets, magical transformations and wonderful set designs. Expect only the best from the award-winning team of choreographers, performers, designers and of course the trademark wonderful Disney music.

Disney Live! Mickey's Music Festival is presented in the Philippines by Vivre Fort Entertainment, Inc. and is set to be staged in the Philippines including Cebu from September 23-25, 2011 at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel. In Metro Manila, it will be at the Araneta Coliseum from October 5-9.

Tickets for the Cebu show are available at SM Tickets (032 231-3876) located at SM Cinemas, Waterfront Cebu City Hotel (032 232-6888), Ayala Center Cebu and also at Ticketnet. Tickets for the Manila show are exclusively available at Ticketnet and the Araneta Coliseum.

Visit www.disneylive.com.ph or call Vivre Fort Entertainment at (02) 470-6956 for more details.

Disney Live! Mickey's Music Festival is brought to you by Araneta Coliseum, Waterfront Cebu City Hotel, Araneta Center, Gateway Cineplex 10, Alimall Cineplex 4, SM Cinemas, Discovery Suites, Businessworld, Sunstar, Cebu Daily News, Crossover 105.1, Power FM Cebu and Love Radio 97.9.

The Time to Act is Now: June 19-25 is PKD Awareness Week

2011-06-17T16:17:00.000-07:00

US Senate Resolution 205 championed by Senators Herb Kohl and Orinn Hatch designated the week of June 19 to 25 as PKD Awareness Week to increase awareness of PKD especially among Congress and to spread the message that there is urgent need for treatments and a cure.

You could take action and play an active role by writing your Senators and Representatives if you are a US Citizen. You can compose your message with the help of the PKD Advocacy Network.

Priorities for this year as enumerated by the PKD Foundation include:

Funding for PKD research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Support for the Comprehensive Immunosuppressive Drug Coverage for Kidney Transplant Patients Act, which will extend coverage of vital immunosuppressive drugs to Medicare transplant patients beyond the 36 month limit.
Support for the MODDERN Cures Solutions Act that will seek to streamline the regulatory system in drug development process to help move potential treatments to PKD patients faster and more efficiently.

If you are a Non-US Citizen, then I am here to inform you that there is such a hereditary disease called polycystic kidney disease (PKD) and it may be under-reported in your country because of poor awareness. PKD may manifest as elevated blood pressure in the young, recurrent urinary tract infection, hematuria, kidney stones, flank pains just to name some manifestations.

PKD is a difficult disease to have but there is still life after PKD and there is hope if only we could help make other people aware so that there would be more researches toward a cure.

If you have PKD or have a relative with PKD then maybe we can have a network here and share experiences and learn from them. Let us support each other and our friends.

Webinar on Cardiovascular Issues and PKD on June 8

2011-05-30T02:08:00.000-07:00

Cardiovascular disease may be overlooked by some PKD patients. Ironically, some of them are discovered to have polycystic kidneys because of elevated blood pressure at a relatively early age. Some may not realize that part of taking care of one's kidneys is by taking care of one's cardiovascular health including maintaining the blood pressure.

It comes as good news that once again, PKD foundation is facilitating patient education through webinars such as the one coming on June 8 7PM CDT or June 9 8AM CST (Philippine Time). The webinar is entitled, "Cardiovascular Issues and PKD". The presenter is Robert Weis, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of Nephrology and Cancer, UC Davis- Davis CA; Chief of Nephrology Sacramento VAMC, Sacramento, CA.

To join the webinar, register here.

Generic drugs work as well as their branded counterparts

2011-05-15T01:38:00.000-07:00

Having kidney disease is very expensive. There are several medications to maintain. To name some, they may include anti-hypertensives, urine alkalinizers, allopurinol and occasionally antibiotics which can cost more than a hundred pesos (or more than 2 USD) per tablet especially for some brand name drugs.

Good thing there is a choice of using generic drugs.

There is a misconception in a lot of people including physicians regarding generic medications. Many of them would say that generic drugs are of lesser quality and therefore it is their belief that they do not work as effective as their branded counterparts. Therefore they are less prescribed by these doctors. But I tell you. Authentic generic drugs do work and I am a living testament to that.

I have been taking generic drugs for my maintenance medications and based on lab results, they work just fine. From abnormally high levels of uric acid, my uric acid levels decrease to normal levels significantly using generic allopurinol. The price is about three times lower than the brand name allopurinol.

Generic Ciprofloxacin is 3 to 5 times cheaper than the branded Ciprofloxacin but I take the generic one since it has already proven to me that it can really treat my urinary tract infection.

When I am prescribed with a medication like Ketoanalogues which are also very expensive, I choose the cheaper counterpart without fear of taking a drug of poor quality because I can see the effects in my lab results and I feel good.

In the process of taking generic prescription drugs, I save a lot of cash for my other medications and needs.

Imagine another kidney patient who has little resources. If he or she is forced to buy the branded drug, he or she may not be able to afford it and he or she may end up with no medication whatsoever. So why not prescribe a more affordable generic drug if the situation calls for it?

Actually what makes a branded drug expensive is because of the startup cost for the development of that drug as well as research and marketing costs. When the patent for that branded drug is already expired and multiple manufacturers sell the generic versions of that drug, the price is cheaper for the generic drug since the generic drug manufacturers can afford to do so as they were not the ones who initially spent a lot for the research, development and marketing of that same drug.

So really, it has nothing to do with the facilities or the quality of the generic drug manufacturers since the same standard is applied to all by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) be it generic or branded.

So the next time you buy a brand name medicine and it is too expensive for you, why not ask your pharmacist if there is an available generic drug equivalent that is most probably cheaper. It could also save you cash for future laboratory exams, checkups and other medications.

Remember, generic drugs are the same as their brand name counterparts.

A Potential Problem for PKD: Kidney Stones

2011-05-06T07:22:00.000-07:00

It is not surprising to have kidney stones for patients having polycystic kidneys. With the urine tending to be more acidic than normal, the stones which favor an acidic environment are expected, example of which are uric acid stones.

In my case, I have medications to keep my urine alkalinized (basic) like sodium bicarbonate and potassium citrate. These keep the uric acid crystals in solution with the added benefit of preventing metabolic acidosis. In addition, it prevents hypocitraturia which makes a patient prone to kidney stone formation. Of course, monitoring of potassium and sodium levels is needed and the dosage varies.

A medication which helps lower serum uric acid concentration is allopurinol and this also helps lower urine uric acid levels.

Calcium supplements also help. Calcium supplementation is done but with caution. Calcium binds oxalates in the bowel to prevent excess urinary oxalate excretion which may also lead to calcium oxalate stone formation.

Proper diet along with proper hydration also plays a role in preventing renal stone formation. Lower protein than the average intake of a healthy person is recommended to reduce purines that break down into uric acid. Meat is restricted due to breakdown products that eventually produces uric acid.

Now you can imagine the discipline needed and the compliance to medications required from patients like me.

So tell me your experience if you have PKD. Did you also have kidney stones? Then share your experience and lessons. Have a good day.

Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection, a Difficult Problem to Address

2011-04-23T00:33:00.000-07:00

Urinary Tract Infection or UTI for patients with Polycystic Kidneys like me is not a simple problem. It is considered a complicated case of UTI when UTI happens to males, what more when that male person has Polycystic Kidneys. And it is recurring from time to time. And also, the culprit organism is difficult to recover from urine culture even when taken during a prolonged antibiotic-free state.

What makes UTI difficult to treat for patients like me is because the culprit organisms are not easily accessed by antibiotics. They may hide in the numerous cysts. And only few antibiotics are said to penetrate the cysts. Quinolones, a class of antibiotics which includes Ciprofloxacin and Norfloxacin is a good antibiotic for UTI in this case. But instead of the usual 1 week duration of treatment, what is recommended for my case is at least 14 days or longer. After which a prophylactic dose is given once a day at night to prevent the UTI from recurring for quite some time. All of these is done with a nephrologist's supervision of course. During the treatment course, I take a probiotic drink to supply my gastrointestinal tract with good bacteria that may have been killed also by the antibiotic.

However, the threat of superbugs or antibiotic-resistant bacteria is very real and that is the disadvantage of prolonged antibiotic treatment.

And that is the dilemma here.

If I don't take antibiotics for a long time, I end up with UTI which sometimes result to hematuria with numerous pus cells also.

If I take it really for a long time also, I risk making the bacteria resistant to what I am taking.

I hope studies regarding the use of antibiotics in UTI of patients with ADPKD or ARPKD will be conducted also.

For now, the right balance of taking antibiotics for a long period of time and having an antibiotic holiday should be determined with this in mind.

In relation to the Holy Week, it really feels like a cross that I always carry with me knowing I have this UTI. But with the cross comes salvation, and I know these will all come to pass. I offer everything to Him.

Kuya J Restaurant, another nice restaurant in Orchid St., Cebu

2011-04-09T16:26:00.000-07:00

This blog is Even with PKD Life Goes On isn't it? So that means we are not going to talk just plainly about kidney disease matters because it could be depressing sometimes but we will also talk about other things in life like enjoying it. Such as in this instance, I am going to review another restaurant in Orchid St., Cebu City which is a originally a residential area now becoming known to be one of the dining destinations in Cebu.

Kuya J is found just across Sutukil ni Bay. From the entrance alone, one would notice the nice lighting and elegance of the place considering that like other restaurants in the area, it was also a house converted into a restaurant..

The ambiance is perfect for a family or group dinner although the place is not that big.

There is a mini function room to cater to those who would like to have meetings and at the same time bond and enjoy good food.

And now....the delicious part......the food.

I got to try their seafood and you judge yourself from the pictures...

The shrimp sinigang was good although for some who liked their sinigang really sour, Kuya J's version is not that sour but nevertheless, it is good.

The tuna that you see on these pictures have a buttered and a spicy garlic variant which I particularly like best. From the taste, it was obviously a nice mix of freshness, taste, flavorful ingredients and spices.

They also have other items in the menu like crispy pata, humba and other native foods but I didn't try them because remember, I am limiting my protein and fat intake.

They offer also dessert like gellato, mango pandan and many more.

For drinks, they have fruit shakes, sodas and the healthy alternative fresh, cold buko water inside a buko (coconut water in a young coconut) and the coconut never seemed to run out of coconut water. Ah!! It was really refreshing!

All of these, come at an affordable price each.

So what are you waiting for? Visit Kuya J and try the food for yourself.

Support Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) Research

2011-03-24T19:28:00.000-07:00

Research is important in the search for a cure for PKD as well as supportive management for symtoms associated with PKD. Thanks to PKD Foundation, I am updated to what's happening regarding these efforts.

There are several ongoing clinical trials supported by the PKD Foundation and some of them are in the process of recruiting volunteer participants.
Among them are trials studying the efficacy and safety of second-line treatment for hypertension with PKD. Others touch on Statin therapy and its effect on PKD disease progression. There is also a study on RNA as Biomarker for Autosomal Dominant PKD (ADPKD).

On the treatment side, there is the study of Bosutinib for ADPKD.

Of course these trials are done with the cooperation of PKD volunteer participants. For those who want to participate in these clinical trials, just click PKD Clinical Trials.

There are other groups that also support PKD research. Also the National Institutes of Health supported PKD research last year as they funded $41 in PKD research. The PKD Foundation is fighting to preserve this important research funds.

There is a petition that seeks to demonstrate support for preventing cuts to NIH funding, and it will be sent to Capitol Hill in early April which I recently signed online. It is the "Congress: Don't Cut Life-saving Funding for the National Institutes of Health" petition found at http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/preservenihfunding/ .

I really think this is an important cause, and I'd like to encourage you to add your signature, too. It's free and takes just a few seconds of your time.

Thanks.

Some Kidney Nutrition Tips for the PKD Patient

2011-03-10T01:37:00.000-08:00

I would like to share some reminders given during a recent PKD nutrition webinar given by renal dietitian Kelly Welsh. I will summarized some of the important points below:

Whole grain or wheat is a better source of carbohydrates. Use them whenever possible.
Omega 3s (from salmon for example) may be beneficial.
Avoid coffee.
Avoid energy drinks and sodas. They give you caffeine, lots of calories, and extra phosphorus. These may either speed up cyst growth or are just dump us with substances which are harmful in excess.
Eat colorful vegetables and fruits.
Under doctor's advice, calcium binders like TUMS may be useful to bind excess phosphates (phosphorus).
For fever, take only paracetamol.
Do not take any herbal supplement without doctor's approval For example, do not take noni juice, ginseng-containing supplements.
If potassium is normal and with the doctor's supervision, studies seem to show that loading up with potassium (for example from bananas, tomatos,etc.) may be beneficial in slowing the decline in kidney function.
Soya products taken in moderation may also be beneficial due to its anti-oxidant effect (but those with polycystic liver should exercise caution).
Limit the use of artificial sweeteners.

Those are just some important reminders from the PKD webinar.

These webinars are really informative. You can access the other webinars at the PKD Webinars site of the PKD Fooundation.

You may also want kidney-friendly recipes courtesy of Kelly Walsh.

Weakness can be hypokalemia in PKD

2011-02-28T06:38:00.000-08:00

Last week I received a text from my cousin who also has PKD. She complained to feel weak and easily fatigued. She was tired physically and emotionally because of what she is feeling. I advised her to have a blood workup to include serum potassium.

Her serum creatinine was not that high and everything seem normal except for her serum potassium which was quite low along with her hemoglobin.

Weakness and fatigue are the most common symptoms of hypokalemia or low potassium but many PKD patients are unaware they may have these as manifestations of hypokalemia. Palpitations can accompany these symptoms (palpitations happened to me before when i had hypokalemia).

Well, PKD patients, in case you didn't know hypokalemia can be manifested as weakness, I am telling you now it can especially that the kidneys play a role in its excretion and acid-base balance is an important regulator. The key is to do regular monitoring of blood exam results including your potassium levels.

My cousin was already OK when I saw her this morning. She had been on oral potassium the past days and was smiling already. She also ate potassium-rich foods like banana. She is due for another doctor visit.

Time for Reminiscing Our LMI Days

2011-02-11T07:18:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow all roads lead to my alma mater, LMI or Lady Mediatrix Institute, Candelaria, Quezon for the annual reunion of its graduates hosted by high school batch '61 and '86.

Activities will start in the morning with a motorcade and picture taking. Of course the highlight is the evening festivities with fellowship during dinner time and the traditional entertaining program.

It was just 21 years ago when our batch had its high school commencement exercises and it was 27 or 28 years ago when I first stepped into its walls arriving from Cebu.

I was not fluent in tagalog then and my classmates would pinch me to listen to me shout "aguy" or "agay". My teachers not knowing at that time that I came from Cebu (although I was born in Manila), were thinking I was disrespectful to them for I did not use "po" and "opo".

I will never forget LMI.

I credit LMI for "raising me" along with my family as a good Catholic. I will never forget my years as a Knight of the Altar, an altar boy waking up early in the morning to assist in the Holy Mass and play the guitar during weekday or Sunday masses. I will never forget being excused from class to practice with the choir and travel to various places. I will never forget my music mentor Sr. Elisa. She is indeed a great influence and she remains to be a "prayer warrior" of mine along with Sr. Rose and Sr.Celerina.

I will never forget my teachers-- some of them are my facebook friends even praying for me. (Ma'am Annabelle?)

I will never forget Maam Tessie Suayan and her support when we have this Science quiz bowls. (Hi Ma'am. We kicked some butts out there.) I was in good company with the likes of Nieva and Jean Macasaet, Eva Beredo (those are their maiden names), Roy Gerona, and the late Ranel Tibillo. In one of these quiz balls, I even went up against my future highschool classmate. Remember that Jen?

I will never forget Mrs. Tan, Mrs. Caneo, Sir Pagdanganan, Mrs. Mercado, Ma'am Baluyot, and many more.

I will never forget Mr. Reynaldo Tan. Who would have thought that he had a crush on Amy Perez then.

I will never forget the love chain booth, the horror booth, the Tan Miguel shirts, the Netchargers, the volleyball practices, the Ogie Alcasid and Dingdong Avanzado songs, the pormahan, tuksuhan and torpehan, the Baguio and Villa Escudero trips, my pass to the opponent during a Basketball game costing us a win, the COLC, the Wednesday masses, Msgr. Melicia, the Basketball court we helped build, the canteen people, the flag ceremony, panatang makabayan, the daily rosary, the Bible contests, the chorale group contests by year level, the Menudo dance craze, the breakdance, the loveteam duets, the CAT training, my schoolmates and most of all my classmates, batchmates, lifelong friends and (not just "pang-facebook").

Batchmates, I may not be able to join you there in our reunion but my thoughts are with you guys. Inggit nga ako sa December reunion nyo e. Hope you enjoy tomorrow's affair just like old times. See you kahit sa facebook.

Support the Run for PKD and Help Fund PKD Research

2011-02-01T16:12:00.000-08:00

The running sport is enjoying its peak in popularity in the Philippines so that a Run for PKD like that in the US would have been nice to have here. Unfortunately, the PKD Foundation has no chapter in the Philippines yet. Awareness is really still poor unfortunately. I don't know of any online community of Filipinos with PKD and I would love to communicate also with Filipino PKD patients.

Consider yourselves lucky there in the United States. PKD groups are very active and fund-raising activities are done left and right. Therefore I am inviting other PKD patients and their friends and relatives to support the Run for PKD activities near you. 80% of every dollar raised goes to patient education and research.

To my friends and classmates in the Philippines who are now there in the United States, you may want to have a good exercise keeping up with your friends back home and help PKD patients like us.

For more information, go to the Run for PKD page.

2011 Baguio City Tour in One Day: Part 3

2011-01-24T08:44:00.000-08:00

This is a continuation of my blog post in Cebu MD: "2011 Baguio City Tour in One Day: Part 2" which chronicles our recent 1-day Baguio tour to serve as a reference for future Baguio backpackers.

It was lunch time and instead of having lunch within Camp John Hay, we decided to try the talked about "Good Taste" restaurant at the back of Magsaysay Road. Going there at noon on a Sunday was quite time-consuming because of the traffic jam. Parking was difficult since the place was full of customers and the location near the Dangwa Bus station did not help.

But it was worth the wait...

Good Taste is a Filipino-Chinese restaurant. Quite an old one by the looks of it but surprise! The waiters and waitresses have radio communications and what seem to be a Personal Digital Assistant handy device to aid in taking the orders.

We asked the waitress what were the bestsellers and she mentioned spicy butter chicken, mixed pulutan and chopsuey. Knowing beforehand that the servings are large, we ordered just half serving for the chicken but we got the surprise of our lives upon seeing the actual served food...It was indeed LARGE!!! It was just insane!

I liked the chicken and the chop suey. The vegetables in the chop suey were obviously fresh.

The mixed pulutan was gone by the end of mealtime but the chicken we had to take home because the serving was even more for the three of us. (That later served as our dinner.) The restaurant deserved its name Good Taste. And the price is very affordable. They also have set meals known better as rice toppings which actually can feed more than 1 person.

You can see from the background its many patrons. It is said to be open 24/7.

After the very sumptuous meal, we proceeded to the Philippine Military Academy (PMA). It was quite far from Good Taste. The area was big and one can see the trainees having their jogging or running exercises in color-coded attire.

If you are in PMA, do not forget to pose beside the tanks and old artillery weapons, plane and chopper. (Well I hope those are no the ones our military are still using).

Enough satisfying your violent side. On the romantic side, you may want to pose also with the nice flowers within PMA and pretend you're a Bench or Penshoppe clothing brand model.

The pictures were just to many, I cannot post all of them unless I want to risk lengthening the time for my blog to load.

We managed to go also to the Tam-awan village which showcase traditional Igorot dwellings and Baguio artists' works or paintings.

We also had a nice view of the Kennon road's breathtaking zigzag paths amidst large mountains...

And prayed in the Lourdes grotto with more than a hundred steps leading to the main grotto. (Of course I did not go through all the steps because of my condition..I may collapse if I proceed). It was already also becoming cold again (I have cold intolerance perhaps like many other PKD patients also).

So that's about it. The Baguio visit started and ended with prayers. I prayed for good health and I thanked God for still being able to enjoy His creation despite my condition...for giving me the opportunity to experience Baguio anew with my wife despite my anemia and cold intolerance, to forget work momentarily and to appreciate life.

Even with PKD, life goes on for God is always around and the Baguio experience made me feel God's presence. Enjoy too your Baguio trip in the future.