Help Us Save Our Papa

Help Us Save Our Papa

Papa Arnel to our family, Tito Arnel to many, and Bro. Arnel to his church mates…that’s how we call him.

Though soft spoken and a man of few words, he sometimes let out his funny side with his family, friends, and the people he’s comfortable with…that’s how we know him.

Please read our story and help us save our papa.

It all started with a deep cat bite on his lower right leg last September 8, 2021. Being a diabetic for 19 years, we know for a fact that for him to have a wound as deep and bloody as that is a scary thing. First aid was done and in the following days my mama brought him to the hospital to get the needed shots (tetanus toxoid, anti rabies, etc). But that's when his leg started to swell and made him unable to walk. High fever was also present and it went on for two weeks.

His doctors were consulted online to get some prescriptions on what medicine he should take for a possible infection since he has CKD(Chronic Kidney Disease) Stage 4 and has undergone two surgery for his both eyes due to diabetes complication.

But even with prescribed antibiotics, his condition was not getting any better. His wound was drying up yet changes in appetite, mood, breathing, and responses were noticeable. His blood sugar levels were also going unusually high and low day by day.

His doctors then, ordered us to bring him to the hospital for admission. Considering the pandemic we are in, we need to follow the protocols and submit all the requirements before we can secure a room.

On September 26 upon admission in UST hospital (University of Sto. Thomas), laboratory tests were done. It was found out that his sodium level was critically low, about 100 mEq/L (normal=135-145 mEq/L) and he needed immediate blood transfusion for his very low hemoglobin.

For 5 days, he was closely monitored -- series of lab tests here and there, IV fluids to correct his electrolytes, antibiotics thru IV for his wound to completely heal, and additional oral medications on top of his maintenance for his diabetes and kidney disease.

Finally on the 6th day, we received a good news. His levels were getting back to normal and he's feeling so much better. That night, we laughed, watched TV, talked about some chismis (gossip), he even brushed his teeth (mouthwash only for 5 days) for the first time since we got there because his right hand was free from IV line at last.

But something happened at midnight, October 2, that turned our world upside down...

Our papa had a heart attack.

A heart attack that was initially thought as an acid reflux only because symptoms were just continuously burping. But, hours went by and he slowly finding it hard to breathe. Doctors rushed into our room only to figure out that his oxygen level was quickly getting low within minutes.

Everything happened really fast before my eyes. It feels like a dream to me when I heard the doctor ask for consent for papa to be intubated...papa agreed and said, "I don't have any choice, come what may".

Struggling anxiously, he yelped...then shortly after, ventilator sound filled the cold room.

His chest got congested, lungs filled with fluid and hemoglobin dropped low thus needing another blood transfusion. He was critically ill as described by his doctors and we know that it's now God's will if he'll survive or not given his other complications.

Fluid in his lungs was drained after 3 days by giving him medications to urinate but it would cause harm to his damaged kidneys and a possible dialysis is needed. Then he was slowly weaned from sedatives to attempt getting him out of the ventilator. He was very responsive eventhough he couldn't talk. As I'm the only person allowed to be his companion, our family communicate thru video calling to make him feel loved, cared, and prayed for.

When the doctor tried to let him breathe by himself...he suffered another chest congestion and fluid build up, making him struggle to breathe again. I've witnessed how his oxygen level went down very fast from 95% - 30%...he's barely breathing.

That was the scariest thing I've seen and felt. We honestly thought, that was the end. Then I remembered asking God for a miracle, and that I won't ask for anything for myself anymore...

Our papa kept on breathing. I know God helped him because he's scared but his faith never failed him.

His oxygen was going up really slow but 1% higher is a real blessing we were very thankful for at that moment.

Papa was transferred to the ICU on October 5 to give him more sufficient care and ample medical needs for his condition. He's stable but still in a critical state.

As of October 6, 2021, running hospital bill for 10.5 days is half a million pesos already (see pictures for preference) aside from outside expenses like supplies/pandemic protocol requirements and ICU charges, doctor's fee, and more lab tests will surely pile up as our papa recover.

These trying times has taken its toll on our family emotionally, mentally and physically as well as financially, but if our papa is braving the storms to continue living and God is pushing us to have the strongest faith, then who are we to surrender.

We are humbly asking for your help to save our papa who's fighting for his life right now. Any amount is very much appreciated and we'll pray that God will give it back to you tenfold. Your generous hearts gives fruit of hope and light to everyone in need.

We can't thank everyone enough -- all the people who cared, relatives, friends, and YOU who's gonna read our story for giving us attention and help may it be financial or emotional support. Thank you to all our prayer warriors...indeed, prayer can move mountains. Whatever happens, we'll keep our faith.

Please say a little prayer for our papa and share this post, it would be a big help.