Unbelievable, I thought it could never happen to me

Ninja

At the age of 21, I feel like I’ve been through many obstacles I myself can never imagine.

The latest one was, how should I put it, the most challenging I guess. Last month, on the 5th of October, I had my very first encounter with an anesthesiologist, surgeons, and an operating table.

My parents and I couldn’t believe that only an operation can save my face from becoming paralyzed, my left ear from becoming deaf, and my brain becoming infected.

Thanks to my doctor and everything’s kinda okay right now. I still have my weekly check ups though. I also gave up working and just hangout here at home.

Even until now, I have this feeling that everything was like in movies. The moment they prepared me for my operation, I was somehow shocked that you have to be naked under that green hospital gown.
The moment I entered the operating room, I was really anxious because they were too many people. I didn’t even see my doctor before and after the procedure. All I know was, they injected something that made me drowzy, so I didn’t realize that the tube that served and cotntrolled my anesthesia was stuck into my throat.

I was inside the OR for five hours I guess. I was dreaming the whole time. I woke up crying because in my mind, my boss was scolding me for something I did. That’s when I heard a nurse telling me that it was over.

I was so thankful because I managed to wake up and I didn’t have that near death dream where I have to climb a stair with dead people calling me.

To make sure that my fcial nerves were not affceted, they tried to make me smile.

My mom told me later that the infection was worse than expected. If we had waited for another month, I could have suffered from brain absces and meningitis.

My doctor told me to stay in the hospital for 14 days, so I have to quit working sonce I still can’t file for a sick leave.

I feel sorry that my parents spent the money for our kitchen renovation just to save me from becoming a vegetable.I am hoping to recover so that I can work and earn again. I owe them big time.

On the brighter side, I thank God for giving me another chance. I learned that no matter how cautious and careful you are, you’ll never escape what He has prepared for you. I know this setback was a challenge for me. He knew I’ve been making plans ahead and I just realized that I can never tell what the future brings.

Funny thing was, I’ve been counting my 100 working days before quitting. Quite surprisingly, I only worked 52 days I guess. Maybe He has a batter plan. I will surely trust Him this time.

Thought Paper on Female Genital Mutilation

 

Every person has the right to say NO, and everyone is entitled to choose what he thinks is good and beneficial for himself. However regardless of these rights, one’s free will is sometimes caged by the society he is in. Following what he wants may show signs of deviation and therefore he is often times treated with prejudice.

 

 

In a country where people strictly adhere to their beliefs and traditions, culture often gets into the way of experiencing the totality of one’s freedom. The Female Genital Mutilation or FGM is a perfect example of rituals being performed without proper procedure and scientific basis. Although this practice has been present for more than decades, as a woman and a person who values individual rights, I am supporting Waris Dirle’s advocacy against FGM.

 

Why am I against FGM? First, it can kill innocent females as young as five years old. Let us face it, the procedure of the surgery in unhygienic and is practiced by people who are not even experts on medical field. The surgery itself may not cause the death, but they may most likely die of infection since the instruments used may not even qualify as standard tools for operating humans. Second, it robs the opportunity of women to experience pleasure during sex. It is not women should be very particular of it, but it is part of adulthood. Why prohibit women or why only women? Are they not entitled of anything, from opportunities in the society, power-relations, and now even simply experiencing pleasure? Lastly, it brings a lifetime nightmare, a traumatic past no girls would ever forget. A person who experienced FGM carries the burden physically, emotionally and psychologically until the she dies. At an early age, one should be enjoying her childhood rather than enduring the pains given for free by mandated traditions that only few bothered to question.

 

I am not disrespecting anyone’s culture. I myself is a slave to society’s traditions but the only difference is, I know when to stop being one especially if it means endangering myself and putting my fellowmen into life-threatening situations.

 

Moms don’t Always Know What is Best

Maternal or Women’s Care is the 5^th Milennium Development Goals of the United Nations. It aims to lower mortality rate and unwanted preganancies.

According to United nations Develoment Programme, in the Philippines induce abortion is the foruth leading cause of maternal death. Also, out of 3 million pregnancies over half of births occurred at home and one-third of them were assisted by traditional birth attendants (TBAs).

In Barangay Lumangan, survey shows that majority of the respondents in Lumanggan are practicing modern maternal care methods but rarely participate in seminars and forums regarding family planning. On the other hand, there are still few who adhere to the traditional means like “hilot”. Age could be considered as an intervening factor since those who prefer “hilot” are the ones who conceived at the year 1970’s.

During the pregnancy stage, 6 out of 9 respondents had their regular check-up at their health center and nearest hospital while the remaining 3 still believe in “hilot”. This could also be attributed to lack of financial resources and the presence of “hilot” and midwives at their barangay.

The survey also shows that majority of the respondenst which is 6 out of 9 gave birth to their children in their home with the aid of “hilot” and midwives. The remaining 3 gave birth in the hospital.

When it comes to family planning, there have been no case of abortion occurred during their pregnancy and the use of contraceptive is not prevalent. This is due to the fact that 5 out of 9 did not participate in any type of forums or seminars conducted by the government or any volunteer group. The remaining 4 attended the seminar about family planning conducted by volunteer groups of UPV and other institutions.

Women in Lumanggan should participate in the activities by the government intended to widen their knowledge about modern maternal care. This will be beneficial on their part since they will learn new ideas and practices given the right methods and proper supervision. They should not rely solely on traditional birth attendants since there are risks involved before and after pregnancy.