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HAVE YOU GUYS EVER ENCOUNTERED..??

posted:22 06 2008 

Have you guys ever encountered numerous sleepless nights?  Well, I always have!  I have been so deprived of my night time sleep, not only because I have been taking care of our baby, but, I have so much thoughts in my head!  It is during the night that I mellow down, and reflect.  Different ideas keep pouring in.. I don’t know which thought to entertain.

 

When I am about to sleep, I find myself staring at my newborn, and also, at my first born… reminiscing how I gave birth, and everything I went through when I was in labor.  Then, I can’t help but be thankful, because we are very lucky.  I, in particular, am very lucky to have survived the emergency Cesarean section I underwent just to save my newborn, and of course, myself.  I can vividly remember each and every detail I have been through during those crucial moments.

 

My husband and I prepared very well for the coming of our second child, Isabelle.  We had the videocam ready, the digicam as well, and we prepared everything we needed for the hospital.  Since this is my second pregnancy, I knew what to do.  I was just waiting patiently, until I experience labor pains.

 

When I started having contractions, I wanted to confirm it was really labor I was experiencing.  I waited for 7 hours, waiting for a sign that it was labor indeed.  I was in pain, but, maybe, I said to myself, it’s a false alarm.  That was, until I experienced a “bloody show”, so I knew, it’s time!

 

It was 9am, and I told my husband, “Let’s go… this is it!”  I calmly rode in the car, together with my mom, and we were off to the hospital.  I kept my composure on my way to the Delivery room, but the pain was getting worse.  When I arrived, the Obstetrician on duty assisted me and confirmed, I was already 4cm, in labor.  So, I was admitted.  I underwent the necessary preparations, and I knew, it was a matter of time before I see my new baby girl.  I was scheduled for a normal delivery, and I opted for the usage of an Epidural Anesthesia.

 

The Epidural anesthesia is the most popular means for pain relief during labor. In fact, more women ask for an epidural by name than any other method of pain relief.  I know I did!  Epidural anesthesia is regional anesthesia that blocks pain in a particular region of the body. The goal of an epidural is to provide pain relief, rather than complete anesthesia, which is total lack of feeling. Epidurals block the nerve impulses from the lower spinal segments resulting in decreased sensation in the lower half of the body. Pain relief is achieved with minimal effects.

 

I saw my anesthesiologist, and he injected the needles.  I had a fear of needles!  Really!  Visualizing that big needle go through my spine almost freaked me out.  But I needed the anesthesia  badly! I had to bear the pain. And, I did.  I was still 5cm in labor, and so much in pain!  I called the anesthesiologist once more, and begged him to give me some more anesthesia.  And, he did. Everything went well at first.  The baby’s heartbeat and movements were okay.  It was progressing well so far.  Around 4pm, my water broke.  Thank God!  I knew I was almost there!  But, right after my water broke, the contractions came every minute!  When the pain became worse, my Obstetrician checked the progress of my labor, and I was already 7cm.  She told my husband to give the camera so that the nurses could take pictures.  Everything was set!  Then, in a few minutes, my doctor told me to push as hard as I could!! I started pushing, and pushing!  But no matter how hard I pushed, I guess it wasn’t enough.

 

I noticed the fetal monitor beside me.  The belt was wrapped on my abdomen.  While I was pushing, I noticed the sudden drop of my baby’s heartbeat.  But, the doctors didn’t tell me.  Not just yet.  I started asking them if everything was fine, they said I have nothing to worry about.  Maybe, they didn’t want to freak me out.  A few more minutes later, I felt the baby’s head, pushing down.  The pain was excruciating!  But, what  made it worse was that the resident OB-GYN did an IE (internal exam), I screamed, “The baby is coming!  Remove your finger this instant, because I can feel the head!”  But, the resident OB-GYN did just the opposite thing.  She left her finger, and called the other doctors to assist.  Finally, my OB told me that I have to be transferred to the operating room.  I would never forget the words that came out from her mouth.  “Diane, CS na kita.”  (Diane, I have to perform a Cesarean Section on you. )  I was devastated.  I wondered why.  Tears started flowing down my cheeks, as I tried my best to hold on with the pain.  I tried to be strong.  She told me, we have no more time. The baby’s heartbeat is dropping, instead of 120 bpm, it dropped to 60 bpm. It’s just a matter of minutes before things become terribly wrong, or worse, irreversible.  The baby encountered a prolapsed cord.  The worse thing is she got tangled in the cord, with her hands and neck wrapped around it.  She couldn’t move, nor take in enough oxygen.

The doctors quickly transferred me to a stretcher, with the other resident OB-GYN sticking her finger in my pelvic area, not being able to remove it. She told me, “It’s not possible to take my finger off.  If I do so, we might lose the baby.”  I cried and I cried, aggravating the pain.  That was the scariest moment of my life.  I feared losing my baby.  I was brought to the Operating Room at 4:20pm.  I was not prepped for a Cesarean Section, so it was a risky thing.  I heard the other doctors shouting at the nurses, “Faster!  Prep her quickly!”  I felt the light on the operating table hurting my eyes, and I didn’t know what to think.  I just left it all to God.  While I was on that table, I just held on to my Lord of Pardon booklet.  I held on to it when I was in labor, and I still held on tighter when I was undergoing the operation.  I prayed to Him, “Save my baby.”

 

Here is a brief description of what I have encountered.

What is a  Prolapsed Umbilical Cord?

A prolapsed cord occurs when the baby’s umbilical cord falls into the birth canal ahead of the baby’s head or other parts of the baby’s body.

 A prolapsed cord is a serious emergency and can be very harmful to the baby. When the cord is compressed or squeezed, the baby’s supply of blood and oxygen is cut off. The lack of oxygen  can lead to severe damage or death if the problem is not taken care of within minutes.

A cord prolapse is not a common occurrence, but it occurs when the bag of water breaks spontaneously or when the doctor ruptures the membranes during a vaginal exam before the fetus descends into the pelvis. The mother cannot feel if the baby’s cord is prolapsed. The problem becomes apparent when the fetal heart monitor , which is usually attached to the mother’s abdomen, shows that the baby’s heart rate has decreased. Then the doctor or nurse feel in the vagina for the cord.

If the cord is still pulsating (beating) and can be seen or felt in the vagina, the doctor or nurse will hold up the part of the baby that is coming out first. This takes pressure off the cord. Sometimes the mother will be asked to get up on her knees and bend over. To further help take the pressure off the cord, the nurse or doctor will keep a hand in the mother’s vagina until the baby is delivered the fastest way possible, usually by emergency caesarean section . The mother will be given oxygen to breathe.

 

The last thing I recalled was seeing my doctor, and looking at the mirror where I saw a scalpel that was about to cut my abdomen.  Then, a faint sound woke me up saying, “Mommy, mommy… you’re baby is fine.”  I woke up, I was still on the operating table.  They were sewing the incision they made.  It was all over.  But, I refused to believe that my baby is fine.  I sobbed even more.  My OB-GYN, who has never left my side, told me not to worry.  “She is safe now,” she said.  The time of birth of my baby was 4:40pm, 20 minutes after I was brought to the Operating Room.  Then, I was brought to the Recovery Room.  On the way out,  I saw my husband and my mother, patiently waiting.  Both of them had puffy red eyes.  I knew how they felt.  They were really worried, and I thanked them for their support and prayers.  My husband hugged me, and showed me the photo of our newborn in our digicam.  “Don’t worry Hon, she is fine.  Here she is.  She is so beautiful.”  I was speechless.  Tears flowed from my eyes.  Then, my mom whispered on my ear, ” I am so proud of you.”  I cried even more.  After I awoke, I was brought to our room, where my husband and my mom were waiting.  I still couldn’t say a thing.  I just sobbed.  I was overwhelmed with the events.  My mom cried, and so did my husband.  They both hugged me and assured that things will be alright.

 

That night, I asked my OB-GYN the need for all the IV Antibiotics that was given to me.  My OB said, it was a precautionary measure, since I was not properly prepped for a Cesarean Section, hair follicles or bacteria may enter the incision, which can lead to an infection or convulsions.  So, I had to be aware, and careful.  My OB told me, “You are lucky.  You didn’t bleed much.  If we had trouble controlling the bleeding, we would have lost the baby, and also, possibly, you.”  After hearing those words, I couldn’t explain how thankful I was.  Until this day, I thank God, for allowing my baby to enter this world.  Her pediatrician told me it was a dangerous situation, since the lack of oxygen can cause brain damage as well.  That experience made me and my husband even stronger.  It made me appreciate life more.  It made me look forward to happier days, this time, with our two kids.

 

Life is precious.  We should not waste it.  We should treasure each and every day we spend with our family.  I consider myself lucky, because after everything I have encountered, my family has been there for me, and I know, they will always be.  I am most thankful for that.

 

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POSTED: 25.06. 2008

SOURCE: MY FRIENDSTER BLOG

TOP  5 HABITS TO INCREASE LONGEVITY

Hi Guys,

I found this article when I was surfing and it really inspired me.  Hope you guys find a few tips from this article below.

*It takes 14 to 21 days of repetitive behavior to form a new pattern in your brain. Once the pattern is formed, it becomes an automatic behavioral response.

As you develop new healthy habits, they will begin to replace bad habits. These healthy lifelong habits are adapted straight from the time-tested traditions practiced by centenarians all around the world, and I can say with certainty that they will transform and rejuvenate you!

*Eat five small meals a day.
In the Western culture, meals are taken three times a day, but it is much better to eat five smaller meals. When you eat smaller portions five times a day, you deliver a steady stream of nutrients, blood sugar, and energy to your body throughout the day.

Additionally, eating this way is less taxing on the digestive and metabolic systems and also reduces your risk of heart disease.

*Climb the stairs instead of using elevators.
The health benefits of a daily exercise program cannot be stressed enough. Regular exercise can help promote physiological well-being, strengthen the immune system, maintain joint mobility, increase energy – and the list goes on.

Look for opportunities all through your day to work in physical activity. Power-walk, run, or ride your bike instead of driving. Begin a daily tai chi practice. Join a gym and actually go! Practice safely and watch your health results pile up.

*Laugh it up!
We know from research that laughter and joy boost immune functions, especially the production of the natural killer cells that help protect the body from illness and cancer. Laughter also increases the release of endorphins, compounds that give you a sense of well-being, in your brain. Without a doubt, joyful people live longer and healthier lives.

*Drink 8 glasses of water every day.
Water is essential for all healthy body functions. Centenarians from around the globe cite their native water as the source of their health and longevity – and the scientists agree with them. What they all have in common is pure water sources located far from any city, free from chemicals and toxins.

Choose filtered water; the best filtration processes are the ones that use activated charcoal, which removes the impurities but leaves the water-soluble minerals. Also, do not store water in plastic containers because the polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) can leach into the water.

*Unwind with meditation.
Stress is the root cause of most of the diseases that shorten our life span. In our modern society stress will continue to increase – unless you find techniques to manage it. Meditation is the best way to release tension and revitalize your being. It teaches you to breath properly, which is critical for eliminating up to 70% of your body’s toxins and wastes. It also quiets your mind, lowers your stress hormones, and teaches self-discipline, which is a necessary attribute to achieving your health and longevity goals.

Try this beginning meditation:
Sit comfortably on a chair or the floor. Breathe naturally and close your eyes. Each time a thought appears, put it inside a balloon and let it fly up into the sky and disappear. Do this until the thoughts are exhausted. After a bit, your body will feel very light, and your mind will become still. The first few times it may take a while, but it will get easier and faster with practice.

Enjoy a stress free life!! Live happy and stay healthy!

According to Healthwise.org, stress is what you feel when you have to handle more than you are used to. When you are stressed, your body responds as though you are in danger. It makes hormones that speed up your heart, make you breathe faster, and give you a burst of energy. This is called the fight-or-flight stress response.

Some stress is normal and even useful. It can help if you need to work hard or react quickly. For example, it can help you win a race or finish an important job on time.
But if stress happens too often or lasts too long, it can have bad effects. It can be linked to headaches, an upset stomach, back pain, or trouble sleeping. It can weaken your immune system, making it harder to fight off disease. If you already have a health problem, stress may make it worse. It can make you moody, tense, or depressed. Your relationships may suffer, and you may not do well at work or school.

What can you do about stress?

The good news is that you can learn ways to manage stress. To get stress under control:

• Find out what is causing stress in your life.
• Look for ways to reduce the amount of stress in your life.
• Learn healthy ways to relieve stress.  

POSTED: 22.06. 2008

SOURCE: MY FRIENDSTER BLOG

6 TIPS TO LOSE WEIGHT

Have you gained some extra pounds this summer? Well, I know I have! But here are a few tips that I have learned to help you guys shed off the pounds according to Dr. Mao:

1. Lose weight with water.
Water is essential for everybody – it is also the key to losing weight. If you haven’t been drinking enough water, your body has developed a pattern of storing water. This water retention equals extra unwanted weight.

By drinking more water, you are not only flushing out toxins, you are also teaching your body that it no longer needs to store water. Drink at least 60 ounces of water (about 8 glasses) a day. Boil water and sliced lemons, and drink this throughout the day to help with fluid retention. If you are still not sold on the merits of water, think of this one: water is a natural appetite suppressant.

2. Soup up your weight loss program.
A simple dietary change will have you shedding pounds: eat a bowl of soup at least once a day. Nutritious, low-salt soups will nourish you as they flush waste from your body. People who eat a serving of soup daily lose more weight than those who eat the same amount of calories but don’t eat soup. Go for homemade soup whenever possible, as canned soups are loaded with salt and chemicals.

3. Eat early to keep weight off.
The human body follows a circadian rhythm, which means that the same foods eaten at breakfast and lunch are processed differently than when eaten at dinner. Studies show that when you eat your daily protein and fat at breakfast you tend to lose weight and have more energy; however, eating the same things at dinner tend to increase tendencies toward weight gain. I suggest that you eat your last meal of the day by 7 p.m.

4. Eat smaller meals, more frequently.
Follow an eating schedule with five little meals every day. Eating steadily through the day keeps you from becoming famished and overeating at your next meal. Make a low-fat trail mix from raw almonds, pumpkin seeds, dried plum, and apples and have it available at all times to avoid the tempting lure of high-calorie snacks.

5. Adopt a balanced approach to your diet.
Most of the fad diet programs out there nowadays are extreme in a few recommended foods, or else deprive the body of food altogether. This works in opposition to our metabolism and the results usually don’t last, producing a yoyo effect that depresses your metabolic function – not to mention your self-esteem. We are natural beings that need a balance of nutrition from all sources.

Your diet should consist of a balance of organic sources of lean protein, complex carbohydrates, whole grains, legumes, nuts, fruits, and vegetables. Instead of white rice and pasta, opt for brown rice, bulgur, millet, or buckwheat.

Eat more green, chlorophyll-rich foods such as broccoli, kale, spinach, and asparagus. Eliminate candy, sugar, soda, and all simple sugars from your diet. Excess sugar ends up being stored as fat in your body, which results in weight gain. Also, keep dairy to a minimum because most dairy products are high in saturated fat. Avoid fatty foods, processed or fried foods.

6. Walk off the weight.
The No. 1 cause of weight gain is inactivity. Physical activity is the key to speeding up your metabolism and burning excess calories. The best way to be physically active is to use your legs! Walk as often and as long as you can. Always take the stairs instead of the elevator.

Step outside during your break at work and take a walk around your building. Consider joining a local hiking club. Try taking a walk 30 minutes in the morning or 30 minutes in the early evening.

 We can actually do these things to maintain a healthy lifestlye.  No matter how busy we are, we could still squeeze in some brisk walking in our routine. Gulping a lot of water and eating slowly helps too.  Hope this article was of help!

LET GO OF YOUR ANGER TO LIVE A LONGER LIFE.

Are you one of those people guilty of always being angry, moody, stressed and ill-tempered?   A few weeks ago, I came across a priest, who taught me and my husband how to ‘let go’. I know each one of us has some kind of anger inside, maybe the one we had in the past with our relatives, or our parents, or our siblings.  Maybe you had a friend who betrayed you, or you had a parent who physically abused you.  Whatever situation you have encountered, sometimes you try to ‘forget’ but never forgive.  It may be difficult.  But, for all we know, holding back and not letting go could greatly affect our present lives.  We may sometimes try to cover up and convince ourselves we are ‘fine’, or that ‘things have never been better’, but the truth is, we are desperately trying to cover up our past.

I asked the priest, “How can I forgive people who don’t even ask forgiveness?”  He said, ”Simply let go.  Write all the things you want to tell that person on a piece of paper.  Then tear it, or burn it.  That way, you’ve let go of the hatred.” I figured, we should hate what the person did, not the person.  Do you agree?

Talking to the priest made me change my perspective in lots of things.  It made me feel better, made me experience less headaches, and it made me happier! Even expensive face creams or make up could not cover up the stress and unhappiness we sometimes feel when we carry so much weight in our hearts.  And so, true happiness and peace of mind should come from within.  No amount of lipstick could make our lips prettier than a genuine smile.

So, in a nutshell, life is short and precious.  Anger turns into hatred, which ends up making us stressed out without us knowing it.  Why waste your day feeling that way?  Or, why even take the time to recall bad experiences with someone, which in the end makes you hate the person even more?  Move on and enjoy life.  I know stress is inevitable, but how you handle it is more important.  Spend time with your family, and keep in touch with your loved ones. Take a break from work! Quality family time is the best stress reliever ever!   

Enjoy life!

How stressed are you?

Sometimes it is clear where stress is coming from. You can count on stress during a major life change such as the death of a loved one, getting married, or having a baby. But other times it may not be so clear why you feel stressed.

It may help to keep a stress journal. Get a notebook and write down when something makes you feel stressed. Then write how you reacted and what you did to deal with the stress. Keeping a stress journal can help you find out what is causing your stress and how much stress you feel. Then you can take steps to reduce the stress or handle it better.

To find out how stressed you are right now, use this STRESS CALCULATOR. How can you reduce your stress?

Stress is a fact of life for most people. You may not be able to get rid of stress, but you can look for ways to lower it.

Try some of these ideas:

• Learn better ways to manage your time. You may get more done with less stress if you make a schedule. Think about which things are most important, and do those first.
• Find better ways to cope. Look at how you have been dealing with stress. Be honest about what works and what does not. Think about other things that might work better.
• Take good care of yourself. Get plenty of rest. Eat well. Do not smoke. Limit how much alcohol you drink.
• Try out new ways of thinking. When you find yourself starting to worry, try to stop the thoughts. Work on letting go of things you cannot change. Learn to say “no.”
• Ask for help. People who have a strong network of family and friends manage stress better.

Sometimes stress is just too much to handle alone. It can help to talk to a friend or family member, but you may also want to see a counselor.

 

How can you relieve stress?

You will feel better if you can find ways to get stress out of your system. The best ways to relieve stress are different for each person. Try some of these ideas to see which ones work for you:

• Exercise. Regular exercise is one of the best ways to manage stress. Walking is a great way to get started.
• Write. It can help to write about the things that are bothering you.
• Let your feelings out. Talk, laugh, cry, and express anger when you need to.
• Do something you enjoy. A hobby can help you relax. Volunteer work or work that helps others can be a great stress reliever.
• Learn ways to relax your body. This can include breathing exercises, muscle relaxation exercises, massage, aromatherapy, yoga, or relaxing exercises like tai chi and qi gong.
• Focus on the present. Try meditation, imagery exercises, or self-hypnosis. Listen to relaxing music. Try to look for the humor in life. Laughter really can be the best medicine.