A Fight for Our Papa

Virgilio T. Tingal, or "Papa Dong" as most people call him, is a simple and kind husband, father, and grandfather. His generosity extends even to other people in the neighborhood, especially to children who he is often seen sharing food and candies with. His warm and affable demeanor truly makes him approachable and loved by many.

However, despite extra precautions, he too fell victim to COVID-19. It was August 1 when he first experienced on and off fever which prompted us to isolate him at home. As an 80-year-old with history of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Diabetes Mellitus (DM), he experienced easy fatigability and difficulty of breathing. By August 4, we consulted a pulmonary doctor, did some laboratory tests together with a COVID-19 RT-PCR Test. The following day, we found out he tested positive... and it felt like time stopped for us.

We did not know what to do nor where to start. With the continuous rise of cases here in our country, most hospitals are in full capacity. We called the One Hospital System to ask for help and we were directed to Annex 3 Antipolo Hospital System. Accompanied by an LGU ambulance, we reached the hospital where the staff placed Papa in a tent near the main road. They gave him a high flow nasal cannula since his oxygen levels ranged 74-80s. They asked me to sign a DNR and DNI waiver due to the super limited service personnel and supplies they have which was a very difficult and stressful thing to do as a daughter. The time his oxygen decreased to 60s, I felt helpless.

We were hesitant to bring him to a private hospital at first because of the financial burden but seeing him in that kind of situation was much more disheartening. By August 8, we were finally transferred to The Medical City ER where we were advised that Papa was for possible admission to the ICU. However, since there were no vacancies that time yet, we were placed at the COVID floor. He was put on a BiPAP machine because high flow was not yet available that time, and was given an NGT and numerous medications. By August 12, he was given a new set of medicine. Everything seemed perfect at first; his vitals were stable and his oxygen reached 99%. However, right after the last drop, he experienced chills. His blood pressure dropped and suddenly came the Code Team. He was intubated right away. I was giving all the consent to the Code Team to do whatever they think is best for Papa just so he could survive.

Today, he is still in the ICU, still fighting for his life. We are asking your good heart to pray for our Papa's speedy recovery and if you at least have some extra, please do help us with our rising hospital bill. If you can also help us pass this along to your friends, family, and colleagues, our family will forever be grateful.

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