Then as we are supposed to do is go to the dentist every 6 months for checkups and teeth cleaning. At the dentist he might recommend treatments with a hygienist for scaling and gum treatments.

Here in the Philippines I have noticed there is no thought for preventative medicine.
For medical a yearly checkup with blood tests, x-rays, and general diagnostic examinations many problems can be contained, cured and or controlled with early diagnoses.

High blood pressure is a big problem. No wonder with all the fried foods, high salt intake and a diet of rice and fish, meat or poultry with low or no vegetables.  Filipinos have a need for salt, Soy sauce, MSG and even salt on fruits.

With teeth, they let the teeth go until they are so bad, the only thing the dentists will do is extract it. If they can afford it, they will get a partial bridge. This is a shame because so many Filipinos have beautiful smiles and many carry a toothbrush and tooth paste and brush their teeth after every meal.

Unfortunately many do not follow this regiment and let their teeth go. It might be cleaning and or diet but you see many children and adults with decayed teeth or missing teeth. It is a shame when you see a cute child or a nice looking adult until they smile or open their mouth and you see decaying or missing teeth.

I realize the ones with the missing or decayed teeth are because of poverty, but the others with the false teeth have the means to have saved their teeth. All it takes is bi-yearly visits, x-rays and preventative care and treatment.

In my research I tried to find if there is any free medical or dental available in Davao. Unfortunately I could not find any except one. The one found is Family Circus Children’s Ministries. This organization is a gives vitamins for pregnant women and free dental care for children over the age of 5. Visit there site for more information.

Many working Filipinos receive PhilHealth medical insurance or they can purchase coverage themselves. This insurance mainly covers hospital inpatient and outpatient services. But for regular checkups I do not think there is coverage.

With all my Filipino readers I am hoping there will be more information and corrections to my information.

Because of the location it was decided Elena would need a hysterectomy. She was admitted last Thursday evening into San Pedro Hospital.

Now I do not know about all hospitals in the Philippines but I have heard from other circumstances a lot of hospitals work this way. They figure out the cost of the room stay and the operation costs and that must be paid before checking in.

Elena also had to go to the Red Cross office and purchase 2 units of blood and bring them to the hospital when admitted.

During the stay, if there are any medications needed, the patient gets the prescription and someone staying with her has to go to the hospital pharmacy and pay for the medication.

There is also a tradition in the Philippines of having 24 hour a day family or friend coverage in the room with the patient. They are called “Watchers”. Watchers stay in the room, run to pharmacy, help the patient, call for a nurse if needed and keep the patient company. As shits change they also bring food from home to feed the watchers, visitors and even the patient.

The first night, the evening before the operation, Elena was in a ward. There are about 6 beds in the room with curtains to give privacy. When I saw the beds, I was reminded of old World War II movies where you see the hospitals. It was the type where the 2 ends have hooks and the spring platform attaches to the ends. Some wards have Air conditioners and some do not. Prices vary do to this choice.

The next day, after the operation, Elena was moved to a private room. This room was better. There was a wall air conditioner, a small TV on the wall. The bed was bigger and the head could be raised. Not remotely but with a crank at the foot of the bed. The bathroom was nice and clean. I had looked at meals. They are probably fine for the Filipino palate but it looked unappetizing to me.

The nursing staff was plentiful since it is a teaching hospital. They would come in and take vitals often and were available if needed.

There is very little parking near the hospital but there is a mall across the street with a multi-level parking so I would park at the mall. I had to remember to move my car before the mall closed with is 8PM Sunday -Thursday and 9PM on Saturday and Sunday.

Elena was supposed to be released on Sunday but her doctor never came to visit and sign the discharge forms so Elena had to stay until Monday.
Elena is doing well and not in much discomfort. At times she gets dizzy so it is good we still have the walker from her mother. Elena uses the walker as a safety as she moves around the house.

I am so thankful for our nieces for staying round the clock at the hospital and one would come home with me to open the gate to park the car at home. This is because we are on a main thoroughfare with no shoulder. With all the traffic I need someone to open the gates and stop traffic. Most main roads do not have shoulders to park on.

Also I am thankful for my new bosses. They let me leave when necessary and not have to work a full day on Saturday.

Elena’s cell phone has also been busy throughout this ordeal and still with text messages from friends seeing how Elena is doing.

Elena has the sweet personality to make friends with most people she meets and most are so caring too.

Now we are just watching the recovery times and I know soon Elena will be back to her same self.