Author Archives: mitch.e

My Endometriosis Story: Post Op

Posted in health, health & fitness, women’s health by

God decided to do certain things in a certain way,

and why He did this is a secret known only to Him.

– Paulo Coelho

Pre – operation, I would have diarrhea and extreme lower back pain every menstrual period. The reason for this was explained later on by the laparoscopy procedure done to me. They found out that my posterior uterus adhered to the intestines already. And you could imagine the monthly agony I went through, I felt like dying every time. Area/s affected by endometriosis will most likely manifest symptoms of pain & discomfort yet some cases I read are asymptomatic (oh lucky them!)

To simplify its definition – Our womb (uterus) is where a baby grows when pregnant. Endometriosis is a disease in which the kind of tissue that grows inside the uterus grows outside the uterus.

Our womb (uterus) is where a baby grows when pregnant.

Endometriosis is a disease in which the kind of tissue that grows inside the uterus grows outside the uterus.

The procedure provided a great relief but it was short-lived. For new findings of cysts, adenomyosis and enlargement of uterus were seen recently as bleeding becomes heavy again. I regret relying on the temporary relief of surgery. I thought that was it and oblivious of what could have been a chance for me to be healthy-er.

Many studies showed that unhealthy diet, chemicals and environmental pollution, lifestyle and mostly stress, compounded over time are the culprits behind our afflictions. Though there is no clear explanation for the cause of this illness, I believe that I’m guilty on the “work-related” stress, environmental factors and unhealthy eating which brought me to this present state of health.

it’s not too late…

There’s hope.

About a month ago, I become a member of Endometriosis Philippines Group, and it’s heartwarming to belong to a group that knows exactly what you’re going through, to have an advocacy and bring awareness to this disease.

Next post I will share the medicines, supplements, homeopathic medicines and vitamins I took or currently taking, which provided relief or just a waste of money. Of course, my body’s reaction can be entirely different from yours.

Still hoping to help other Endo-sufferers.

Thanks for your time.

mitch.e

 

Learn more:

My Endometriosis Story: Journey through Pain 

What is Endometriosis, signs and symptoms (UCLA-ObGyn)

Endometriosis- Symptoms and Causes by Mayo Clinic

16 Endometriosis Symptoms www.medicinenet.com

Our group – Endometriosis Philippines Discussion Group

Advertisements

Prayer for Protection against Evil

Posted in faith, prayer by

Need Protection? This is what you need. Because evil is everywhere, comes in all forms, working on your downfall, conniving for your defeat.

 

Prayer For Protection Against Evil

Heavenly Father You have promised that when we dwell in the secret place of the most High and shelter under the shadow of Your wings you will guard and guide us, protect us and keep us – for You are our refuge and our fortress and You alone are the one in Whom we place our trust.

Thank You Lord that no matter where I go Your hand leads me, and Your right arm upholds me.. for You are before me and behind me, You are above me and below me You are at my right hand and also at my left. And You are within me.. indwelling in my heart by the power of Your Holy Spirit, Who is my ever present Help in time of trouble.

Father I pray that You would protect me and my family from all the evils that are lurking nearby and from those that would seek to harm us. Uphold us and keep us safe from all the evils that encircle our lives. Put Your hedge of protection and safety around us we pray, and place a guard at our doors and protects us from all that pass by our gate. And Father, keep our hearts from fear but rather fill us to overflowing with Your perfect peace that passes all understanding. Thank You that You are indeed our refuge and strength. You are that ever present Help in time of trouble – therefore in Your strength we will not fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the middle of the sea. – for You are with us wherever we go. Thank You in Jesus name,

Amen.

1A89DF03-BA4E-44CD-99E9-72C9C1B007F0.jpeg

 

mitch.e

My Endometriosis Story: Journey through Pain

Posted in health, health & fitness, women’s health by

Today, I’m sharing something more personal or perhaps painful. My life with Endometriosis.  I’ve been afflicted with Endometriosis before I was even diagnosed many years ago. Symptoms like painful periods (dysmenorrhea) and excessive bleeding (menorraghia) disrupted and sometimes crippled my normal daily living.

I’ve been afflicted with Endometriosis before I was even diagnosed many years ago.

Whenever people asked me about my condition, most of them have no idea about it. They’re far more clueless here in the Philippines, where more “popular” diseases are given focus. And I’m hoping that sharing my story will help others and bring awareness to this incurable condition.

Endometriosis affects one of ten women in the reproductive age or roughly 176 women million are affected around the world.

It is considered incurable since there’s no specific cure available and it takes an average of 7 years to diagnose this condition accurately. The options available to manage discomfort is either to take hormonal therapy which I’m now having or surgically removed it (hysterectomy).

Sometime ago, I underwent surgery and laparoscopy to removed some cysts and adhesions in my body. Biopsy revealed the cysts to be non-malignant and everything seemed to be a temporary ease. For about a year I was relieved of discomfort. But even before I thought I’m “Endometriosis-free” my menstrual pains hit again. This time coupled with headache, dizziness and weakness (malaise).

I went to see a new Ob-Gyne here in Cebu because we reside here already. She reminded me that this condition is lifetime unless I’ll have hysterectomy or early menopause. I was given two choices – oral hormonal therapy or via injections. I opted for the least intimidating one – oral therapy. This, according to my Ob-Gyne will control my hormones in revolt. The recent ultrasound displayed new cysts on both ovaries, Fallopian tubes adhering to the ovary/uterus, and uterus grew slightly bigger.  It sounded familiar to me, or maybe I’m already immune with medical revelations as such. What my doctor did to me after this disclosure was heart-warming, she gave me a hug that comforted me up to this very day. I wish all doctors are like her…

Months of therapy, so far, pains feel bearable. Occasional headaches but I guess that’s due to my allergic rhinitis. I’m gaining weight, oh no! But I prefer this than excruciating pain, for sufferers like me this is much better.

– for sufferers like me this is much better.

Story continues on next post…

Thanks for your time,

mitch.e

References:
http://endometriosis.org/resources/articles/facts-about-endometriosis/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/endometriosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354656

Read next:

My Endometriosis Story: Post Op

Miracles do exist

Posted in family, prayer by

After my father passed away, challenging and heavy events unfurled one after another. My in-laws took turns in hospitalization. And it all began when my mom-in-law was prescribed with a sulfa-base medicine that caused her a severe allergic reaction and life-threatening Steven Johnson Syndrome. This doctor who heedlessly gave her the wrong medicine is from a premier hospital here in Cebu, (& to avoid any legal issues) I rather not mention.

Mortality rate is high for this medicine-induced illness especially for patients above 80. 

After a week of inadequate care & nightmare in that hospital, we transferred her to Chong Hua. Praying so hard for me to find great doctors for mom, gracefully I was heard. A few weeks after she was discharged.

My father-in-law was also admitted last month. His ailment worsen by various complications. We started with 2 doctors until they reached 10-11 specialists, including surgeons who did the central line (intra-jugular line) and pulmonary support system.

I promised my husband Erik, that I would not stop until his dad gets out of critical condition. And to do everything I could to save his life, see him get well. Because these are the things I was unable to do with my dad. Things happened so quickly that when my dad entered ER his heart was beating faintly. I wasn’t given a chance to say goodbye nor to do anything and that devastated me. His death changed me. Remembering so clearly the pain of losing a father, that even up to this day I have not fully recovered.

So with Erik’s Dad (my in-law) it was exasperating and emotionally draining, praying fervently with every procedure, every transfer from ICCU to ICU. Dealt each struggle from carbon dioxide psychosis to finding blood for his transfusion.

Like mom, we could have lost him… But God with His divine healing powers intervened.

Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. – James 5: 14-15

“Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road. – Mark 10:52

Paying tribute to the following heroes who saved my in laws and whom God used to manifest His glory and healing grace (in no particular order);

Thank you to all nurses and aids in the 10th floor and ICU. And for all those I may have missed posting, may God bless you in return for your kindness and help.

“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, I am in their midst.” – Matthew 18:20

Many thanks to all who have prayed & offered masses for my in-laws. The private nurses and caregivers I hired and God used as well to save their lives.

These miracles I proclaim today is for all to know God’s unfathomable love and mercy.

All glory to God Almighty!

 

with love,

mitch.e

 

Praise & Worship Songs with Lyrics

Posted in Art & Music, faith, prayer by

Sharing my favorite praise and worship songs which I choose to sing often in our weekly mass. 

THE POWER OF YOUR LOVE
Lord, I come to you
Let my heart be changed, renewed
Flowing from the grace
That i’ve found in you
Lord, I’ve come to know
The weaknesses I see in me
Will be stripped away
By the power of your love.

(Chorus) Hold me close
Let your love surround me
Bring me near
Draw me to your side
And as I wait
I’ll rise up like the eagle
And I will soar with you
Your spirit leads me on
In the power of your love.

Lord unveil my eyes
Let me see you face to face
The knowledge of your love
As you live in me
Lord, renew my mind
As your will unfolds in my life
Living everyday in the power of your love.
(chorus)

CHANGE MY HEART OH GOD
Change my heart oh God
Make it ever true
Change of my heart oh God
May I be like you.

Change my heart oh God
Make it ever true
Change of my heart oh God
May I be like you.

You are the potter
I am the clay
Mold me and make me
This is what I pray.

Change my heart oh God
Make it ever true
Change of my heart oh God
May I be like you.

I WILL SING FOREVER
I will sing forever of your love, O lord.
I will celebrate the wonder of your name
For the word that you speak is the song of forgiveness
And a song of gentle mercy and of peace.
Let us wake at the morning and be filled with your love
And sing songs of praise all our days
For your love is as high as the heavens above us
And your faithfulness as certain as the dawn.
I will sing forever of your love, O lord.
I will celebrate the wonder of your name
For the word that you speak is the song of forgiveness
And a song of gentle mercy and of peace.
I will sing forever of Your love, O lord
For you are my refuge and my strength
You fill the world with your life-giving spirit
That speaks your word
Your word of mercy and of peace.
And I will sing forever of your love, O Lord…

Take and Receive

Take and receive, O Lord, my liberty
Take all my will, my mind, and memory.
All things I hold and all I own are thine
Thine was the gift to thee I all resign.

To thou direct and govern all and sway
Do what Thou wilt, command, and I obey
Only Thy grace Thy love on me bestow
These make me rich, all else will I forego..

 

credits to the rightful owner.

with love;

mitch.e

My angel’s school play

Posted in life by

I have the most challenging day today. The whole world seemed to be going against me. It is much more difficult to manage people and to find loyalty these days is almost unattainable.
But each time I see my daughter, my world lights up. She is a beautiful reminder of how life can be a blessing, there’s hope in her eyes, love in her smile… and what’s sweetest is when she tells me I’m the best mom ever! This is the most fulfilling part of being a mom-treprenuer.

Sharing the video clip of their school play. I can watch this a million times and my day is complete. 

 

she is far more precious than jewels.

Proverbs 31:10

love,

mitch.e

A powerful Prayer to the Holy Spirit

Posted in novena, prayer by

God the Holy Spirit,

third person of the blessed Trinity.

Spirit of truth love and holiness,

proceeding from the Father

and the Son,

and equal to them in all things.

I adore You and love You with all my heart.

Teach me to know and to seek God,

by whom and for whom I was created.

Fill my heart with holy fear and love of God.

Grant me compunction and patience

and allow me not to fall into sin.

Give me an increase of faith, hope &

charity and bring forth in my soul

all the virtues proper to my state of life.

Give me Your four cardinal virtues,

Your seven gifts, and Your twelve fruits.

Make me a faithful follower of Jesus

and an obedient child of the church.

Give me the grace to keep the commandments

and to receive the sacraments worthily.

Raise me to perfection in the state of

life which You have called me.

And lead me to a happy death,

through Jesus Christ, O Lord.

Grant me also O Holy Spirit,

You who are the giver of all good gifts,

the special favor for which I ask…

(mention your request)

if it be for Your greater honor

and the good of my soul.

God bless,

 

mitch.e