LIFE UPDATES: Yes, I'm back!
Hola, my dear readers! I know—it's been MONTHS since my last
post. So much has happened between then and now that I don't even know where to
begin.
Well, let's start with...
—My MBA Journey Updates—
My second term was INTENSE, primarily because of two highly-advanced Math courses: Statistics, and Finance and Accounting. As someone whose last exposure to Math was back in 2010 (before I shifted my degree to Communication and Media Studies), I had to put in a hundred times more effort than my classmates, or else I was cooked! Not only that, we had other courses that were both case-study and groupwork-oriented. And believe me when I say that I had never encountered such freeloaders during my time in university until I met some of my groupmates in this program.Thankfully, I was still able to pass with flying colors! The
next term, I filed for a Leave of Absence (LOA) because the tuition, plus the
money I spent on medicines and vitamins, financially drained me. The medicines
and vitamins were necessary because I had been frequently feeling under the
weather.
—My Health Updates—
Disclaimer: This section covers physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Don't be surprised.*STRESS: the root cause of it all*
I was 99.9% sure that I had not been feeling well more often because of STRESS.MBA, work, finances, career crisis, and just life in
general—it was as if both my mind and body spiraled as all of this was
happening at once. As a result, I felt too lethargic to do activities I used to
love, and I was constipated most of the time.
*When things got bloody*
Warning: The next part contains some sensitive scenarios
involving blood and stool.
I guess the last straw—the moment my body was screaming for
help and a reset—was a month ago. After all the stress and painful
constipation, my stool had blood streaks in it.
This wasn't new for me; I've experienced it with
constipation before (going all the way back to 2019). This time, however, it
lasted for two weeks, and it had gotten to a point where the entire toilet bowl
was bloody-red.
I was so alarmed and knew something was not right. I
scheduled an appointment with a gastroenterologist. As I suspected, I was
advised to be admitted for a colonoscopy procedure ASAP.
*Unhelpful HMO Provider*
Unfortunately, my stingy HMO provider wouldn't cover an admission, insisting the procedure be done as an outpatient. This delayed everything by a week.I got a second opinion from another gastro doctor and
finally agreed to have the colonoscopy done as an outpatient. However, I was
also informed that I needed a companion, or he would not proceed.
Since I was desperate to find out the cause of the bleeding
ASAP, and as a self-proclaimed "strong, independent woman," it wasn't
easy for me to ask anyone to accompany me. Thankfully, a colleague (who I also
consider a good friend) agreed to come with me. Later, other friends also
offered—I love you all!
*Thankfully, It Was Just an "Almost"*
The procedure went smoothly, and I was asleep under anesthesia. Fortunately, I didn't pay a cent, as it was covered by both my HMO and PhilHealth—to be fair, PhilHealth covered the larger chunk.While waiting for the doctor to discuss the results, I
opened the report and saw that a polyp had been removed. I didn't really know
what that meant and thought an internal hemorrhoid had been taken out. The
doctor mentioned the polyp was sent for a biopsy to check if it was benign, and
we would have the results in three days.
For those three days, I questioned everything about my life,
my choices, my existence. I felt immensely anxious and lost. I cried and cried
for days; that was when I really needed an actual hug.
When I thought I had no one to turn to, I just randomly
watched The Chosen on Netflix. In three days, I finished the
ENTIRE 4 seasons.
The Chosen is a series about Jesus's journey in
the New Testament of the Bible, from how He chose His disciples to His entry
into Jerusalem on Passover.
All the questions I had about what was happening to me were
answered by that series and quotes from the Bible. In a way, I felt comforted
about what was to come with the biopsy results.
Come Thursday, I was back at the doctor's. I truly believe,
with ALL the blessings from the Lord God, that I was "one of the few lucky
patients," as my doctor said, to have the polyp removed very early before
it became cancerous.
He mentioned that if I had neglected it longer, it could
have evolved into the "C" word, and we don't want that. He was glad
to deliver the good news and give me peace of mind.
God is indeed merciful! Truly, He is! I cried out of
gratefulness, went to church, lit candles, prayed, had a mass intention of
thanksgiving, and attended mass.
*Body and Spirit Restored*
It truly felt like both my body and spirit were restored—now reset and refreshed. I cannot thank the Lord enough for helping me surpass that challenging part of my life. He, in His unique ways, comforted me when I needed it the most.I'm never doubting Him again. I trust that there's a reason
for everything in this world. His wonders go beyond.
—My Start of Mindful Eating—
Because I was given a chance to re-evaluate my life's choices, I started by eating mindfully.As per the doctor, I should focus on three major things: (1)
More Fiber Intake, (2) Stay Hydrated, and (3) Movement. I have started to
really adhere to this.
I am more careful now with what I consume. I'm back to
cooking, and this time, my meals are mostly high in fiber. I take the time to
cook my own meals despite a busy work schedule.
Work will always be there, but there's only one me. I have
to take care of myself to prevent bad things from happening again.
I'm also starting to incorporate short but frequent
exercises throughout the day and, of course, keeping myself well-hydrated.
As the famous Filipino saying goes, "Nasa Diyos ang awa, nasa tao ang gawa" (God helps those who help themselves).
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