I need to get this off my chest. Several weeks ago, my mom started complaining about numbness and pain on her side of the stomach, but she refused to get it checked out. Every time she came home from work, she complained, and I suggested she see a doctor, but she insisted it would go away on its own. It's frustrating to talk to someone who has made up their mind not to seek medical help. I even scolded her a little, saying "Are you just going to let it be? Will you only get a check-up if it gets worse?" But she brushed it off.
Days later, blisters started to grow. She said that it was painful and itchy at the same time. I got worried because when I get blisters, they're usually small and itchy, but not painful and goes away on its own.
In her case, the blisters were large and had spread to her back. She woke me up in the morning and said that her friends were saying it's "ugahip" (in Bisaya). I wasn't aware of the illness, so I searched about it and found out it's shingles.
I told my mom that it's a reactivation of the chickenpox virus due to a weakened immune system. It mostly affects older people, and since my mom is already 60 years old, it makes sense. She needs to avoid getting stressed and needs to rest. I noticed that my mom doesn't sleep when she arrives home; instead, she always plays chess on her phone. my turn to say "kakaselpon mo yan" 😆
I researched nonstop for days, watching TikTok videos and reading comments from people with similar experiences. Most of them recommended seeing a doctor as soon as possible to prevent it. They suggested taking antiviral medicine but emphasized the importance of getting an official prescription from a doctor.
I told my mom to have it checked again for the nth time, but she refused again and listened to other people's suggestions instead. They recommended traditional home remedies and herbal treatments to avoid high expenses.
So, as a good daughter, I just nodded and agreed to these people.
As it got worse and worse these past few days because it started to grow in other areas, I got worried and sarcastically asked her when she will have it checked. Will she wait until it gets worse? Until the expenses go over 30k and above?
This morning, she woke me up again and said that she couldn't handle the pain anymore. She mentioned that a friend suggested she see a doctor to get antiviral medicine to alleviate the pain, and she listened to that person. I felt frustrated that she listened to her friend but not to me *sigh *
So, I searched on Google to find out which doctor we should see about shingles, and it always says dermatologist. I asked my nurse friend which hospital in our area has a dermatologist, and we only have one, which was a relief because it would be a hassle if it's in another city.
when we finally had a check up this afternoon, the doctor just repeated what I said to my mom, and one thing she said that I regret not pushing my mom to do was her saying that she could have prevented these things if she only had a check-up 2-3 days after it showed on her stomach. man, i fucking read that in the comments and in google.. so it was really true..
The doctor also said if she doesn't rest, it may get worse, and complications may follow, such as not being able to walk, i saw my mom having a worried face after hearing it.
I kept asking the doctor about everything, like every detail on what to do and what not to do, till she commented that I really love my mom so much.
Heck yeah, I do. I can't even imagine living life without my mom. Small efforts like these are nothing.
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One of the things that frustrated me the most about my brother and father was when they went to the albolaryo (herbalist, It was an impromptu plan from a friend who suggested they visit the herbalist right away, so they were in a hurry. However, my mom, who wasn't ready yet and needed to get dressed, took her time. Suddenly, I heard a frustrating honk from the car, telling her to hurry up.
LIKE THE FUCK? MOM IS A PATIENT, SHE'S SICK AND SHE MOVES SLOW COZ SHE'S IN PAIN AND YET YOU HAVE THE AUDACTIY TO HONK AT HER LIKE THAT? bastos...
I consulted my mom about that this morning, and she just agreed; and I even said to her that the only person who cares about her every time she is sick is me.. but my brother? nah, my father? nah, Idiots is what i can say to them both, fucking idiots...
not to mention my father only gave 300 pesos for the medicine that its worth 6k today ~
scoffs*
everyday my hatred to my father just adds up ... when he is sick , my mom would go all out to take care of him, but when ma is sick HE DOESN'T CARE as much,
In sickness and in health my ass...