Mar 24, 2020 at 11:36 am

CAMPAIGN UPDATE - 3/24/2020

Update posted by Isaiah Cyrus Majam

Health update | for those who've been asking.

Although the amount of support from everyone has been overwhelming, and I'm truly greatful, we've raised 24% of the total cost needed for the heart operation.

Good friends, who I'm not sure would prefer to be mentioned or not, have helped me get in contact with Philippine Heart Center in Manila. PHC offers a lower price range for my heart operation. But this would also require me to fly to Manila, stay there for 1-2 months pre and post operation. Have two people with me, preferably familiar with the area. This would also mean additional expenses for me and my companions' accomodation, food, transpo, plane tickets, etc. We don't have family/friends there. Adding everything up, it would most likely be close to the full amount I'll have to pay for the operation here in Cebu. So, we decided not to proceed, which is also fortunate given Manila's situation right now.

Turns out Perpetual Succour, a hospital here in Cebu, has a charity program for patients to get discounted prices for certain operations. When my doctor told me about this, I immediately applied for it. I have spoken to the social workers and I'm currently waiting for the hospital's decision whether I qualify or not. This also makes it a better option because my doctor is a resident doctor of Perpetual. This means he can personally oversee how everything will go.

I was supposed to get an update about it last week. But with the pandemic, my doctor and all social workers are occupied, which is understandable because COVID patients require more urgent care. The closest estimate I can maybe get for an update is the week after next or maybe even later than that, depending on how the Coronavirus situation progresses.

To be frank, it's taken a pretty bad turn for me. My edema has invaded my entire lower body, which is why my legs are extremely swollen, and my abdomen is bloated to the point I could pass off as someone pregnant. It's difficult to walk, or even just switch from one sitting position to another. I can't lay down anymore. Difficulty breathing, as usual. Puking has become more frequent too. With everything, I've become weaker each day.

I've asked my doctor how to stop the edema, at least, since the meds given aren't working. He said that it won't fully go away unless I get the operation.

So friends, the situation right now is pretty black and white. If I get approved, then great. If I don't qualify, then I guess that's pretty much it. I'm unsure how long I can hold out before I'll know their decision. But still, thank you for the overwhelming support. And I still hope I get to thank everyone personally once I get a new heart.

Also check on your family. Check on your friends because you never know.

Wash your hands. Stay indoors. ❤️✌🏻


- Gwen

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