About two weeks ago, I was hospitalized for a stomach flu, or what is otherwise known as acute gastroenteritis. It came at a time when I had so many things to do, and in the middle of preparations for a tour that I am organizing for work. It also came in the middle of week, Wednesday. I was leisurely having lunch by myself in a local restaurant in town where I ordered their set meal.
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| The culprit. Two servings of porkchop, spoonfull of mashed potato, and buttered corn and carrots. The extra serving of rice isn't in the photo. ;P |
It was a fairly good meal, so good that I even ordered an extra serving of rice to go with it. The place was also to myself as there were only few customers at that time. So that made my lunch time even better.
With a big meal like that, I felt really full after. As I always do after a full meal, I try to walk or do other things, but not just sit around. I went through my usual work routine. However, after about 3 hours, my stomach felt really painful. I went immediately to our office clinic, was given medicine, and told to rest. The day was almost going to an end, so I thought of waiting then going home. Unfortunately, the pain was still persistent, and to make the long story short, I was admitted to the hospital.
The whole experience was really a wake-up call on my part. As I was lying on the emergency room and in the hospital bed, especially at times when I am just by myself, I thought about how important it is to take extra care of your health. The saying “health is wealth” is really true.
Being in the hospital by myself also made me realize how strong I could be, as well as opening myself to my own weaknesses. It kinda makes you strong and rely on yourself, which is one of the realities of adulthood.
And of course, the experience showed me how much love and care there is from the people around me. So, I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who have shown these two things to me:
First of all, to my family – mom, dad, ate letty and my sister Regine – They were present whenever they can be and showed me unconditional love and support. Thank you.
To my Rotary family – Ate Mela, Jamie, Tita Mayos, Tita Monette, Tito Greggy, Tita Renz/Momsy, Alquin and Z, thank you for visiting me in the hospital. I really appreciate the fact that you went to the hospital to visit me after the club meeting. To Ate Gigi, for texting me, thank you. To Dr. Alava/Tita Doray, for still giving advice even if you were also not feeling well yourself, thank you po. (Pasensya na rin po kung nakulitan kayo sa akin. Hehe).
And of course, to God almighty, for giving me healing and restoring my health, thank you, Lord. You are indeed the best healer.
So there, be safe everyone. Remember, prevention is still the best medicine for any illnesses. So let’s all take good care of our health.
