Stay Home. Stay Safe. Be Better!

I was busy sewing  the face masks, the original pattern from which given by my sister. I'm using a 100% cotton fabric and that was Monday morning but I started Sunday afternoon...then suddenly a sharp pain in the head bothered me and I stopped from what I'm doing. My husband who was seated on the other end of the table was worried that my BP is probably high. Truth is, it was very high.

228/89 is super high for my age. My husband called our family doctor. Then the doctor asked so many pertinent questions. To see is to believe, I have to see my doctor and he needs to check my BP at the clinic, they have medical equipment and maybe their blood pressure monitor is the state of the art and what else could be happening with me. I was nervous, going to a clinic or hospital in the time of pandemic is also worrisome for everyone. No doubt about it. You can ask every people you know and they will rather stay at home and not get out unless it's important or emergency.

However, my condition is for emergency and I need medical attention right away. I wont be able to cure myself with OTC or over the counter drugs, probably I need aspirin or any heart medication prescription (Rx). I don't feel any pain except the pain in my head which is throbbing per second, sometimes per minute as if I am being pricked or poked by a sharp pin or needle gradually, painfully on interval. In other words, "parang may kumukulam sa akin." But that's impossible in our time and generation that could be some kind of witchcraft. It's funny? No, it is not funny. I'm not dizzy nor feeling any nausea. I could walk and maybe I could run. Maybe the blood pressure monitor malfunctioned? So, the nurse at the clinic used their own medical equipment and the result is much higher. She tried again maybe the result would be lower but it was 228/115.  OMG! My doctor scheduled me for ECG to find out. I don't know how to read a cardiogram. I'm not a heart doctor.
Then they referred me to have my blood test at the ER. The Clinic once had the Laboratory department but it was closed down long time ago, had to go to the Hospital but their Lab testing department is closed at 2:30 pm because there's no patient and they are not busy unless I really have to go there at the Emergency Room and had the test done. They accepted me right away after some questions and the following procedures were done in my behalf: BP check, ECG, CTScan, Blood work, etc. The Hospital is brand new, the air conditioning unit works so well, fresh and clean, it's nice lying there on their ER bed relaxing. The nurse told me, "this is not a spa, Verna!" I laughed at what she said. Thank you ER Health Care Workers!! Thanks to my doctor, to the nurses at the Clinic: You all made me feel at HOME!

You know why I'm writing this story? Because, you should do your own monitoring or checking of your BP (Blood Pressure) and then if its really to the point that you need help, you must seek the attention of your doctor, even if at this time of the pandemic. I know it is scary but everything is for your own good. Call your doctor first. All calls are being screened at the clinics and hospitals to provide the health care workers the need to stay alert and be prepared at what they are in front of them. Of course they followed certain protocols, they wear face masks and safety gloves. I haven't seen any wearing face shields. So far, nobody has been tested with that "virus."  Thank God, the island is safe from such virus. We'll get through this and for me have to exercise, eat less fatty foods because my cholesterol is high. So sad!! I can't eat all the good stuff and I don't feel the need to cook anymore. I can't have my coffee not even a cup of tea. No caffeine. No dairy products. No banana. no spare ribs! OMG! What I'm gonna eat? I'm gonna go Vegan?! I'll think about it.