hypokalemia

After hearing mass last Sunday, my cellphone beeped. It was a message from my youngest sister that my father was brought to hospital due to potassium deficiency, or hypokalemia. I wasted no time and phoned momsy to know how popsy was. I really don’t have any idea of its cause and the effect of it to a diabetic person like him. I’ve search over the net and landed with this health article at wiseGeeK:

Potassium is a mineral necessary to good health. It maintains the water and acid balance in blood and tissue cells, assists in muscle building, and transmits electrical signals between cells and nerves. Early symptoms of hypokalemia, or potassium deficiency, include dry skin, muscle weakness, fatigue and slow reflexes. If the deficiency develops rapidly, heart problems may result. Left unchecked, a condition known as hypokalemic paralysis may develop, in which the entire body goes stiff. This is a very serious condition requiring immediate medical attention.
Known causes of potassium deficiency include excessive diarrhea and vomiting. The treatment in these cases should be for the diarrhea and vomiting, and ensuring there continues to be sufficient potassium in the diet. Mineral supplements may also be necessary. If the vomiting is self-induced, as in bulimia, psychiatric treatment may be indicated.

Hyperthyroidism, an illness of the thyroid, the main hormone producing gland, is also known to cause potassium deficiency. It, in turn, may be caused by an imbalance in other minerals similar to potassium such as magnesium, sodium and calcium. There are numerous treatments available for hyperthyroidism, all requiring some level of medical supervision.

Medications known to increase the likelihood of potassium deficiency include diuretics, cortisones and drugs for controlling high blood pressure. Alternate medications and/or treatments can be explored with a medical professional. If changing medications is not feasible, it may be necessary to supplement with potassium or mineral tablets.

To date , papa is still at the hospital receiving medical care in the hope of lowering his complication rates. I believe in the possible factor behind the benefits associated with prayers. So, to those who made their time scrolling down to read this post, I humbly ask for a simple prayer for healthy recovery of my deareast papa. I'l be more glad also if you can share your life encounter or any knowledge related with hypokalemia.

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Kickin' at 59

Kickin' at 59

As I’ve promised, here’s how we celebrated my Pop’s 59th Birthday.

My pop’s birthday actually falls on August 19 (Tuesday), since it was declared here that August 18 (Monday) was special holiday in lieu of August 21 (Ninoy Aquino Day), we and the rest of his immediate family opted to celebrate it on that day. Everyone was early up and got busy with the preparations. We wanted him to feel extra special to us. So Ate, I and my 2(two) nieces (both were 3y/0) went out to get our customized cake, party hats and 1 big balloon for our celebrator while the rest of my siblings together with my dear Momsy were tasked to prepare foods for our visitors. When all things were ready, everyone gathered together. Irene, my sister, escorted Papa to the crowd and assisted him to put on his birthday-party-hat. Papa was overwhelmed seeing himself surrounded by his loved ones while handling his big balloon. His (5) lil’ grandchildren led the singing of the birthday song and even helped Papa blew his five and nine candles. Once again, I have witnessed Papa’s hardly-ever-tears rolled down on his cheeks – no doubt, those were tears of happiness. Now that he’s a year older, I wished him long life of happiness, good health, and more blessings; may he always carry the joy and delight of having us – his family wherever his fate would lead him. Pops, I’ll always look up to you and will ever be proud to be your daughter. Love you dearly.

Catching up

Yea, I’m back again after a few days of nix-cyberworld-experience. I spent my time with my family back in the province. But before I headed back then, my sister-next-to-me and two nieces, both were 3 years of age, paid me a visit last Friday for the first time. I made them experience to ride a MRT, which these two kids in jest called it as big earthworm. It was also their first time to be at Megamall wherein they played at Timezone. They had so much fun collecting tickets being released by the game machine and exchange those with goodies. Afterwards, we went at my place to take a rest, let the kids sleep and drink their milk. I made a promise to bring them at Market, Market in Fort Bonifacio at night. It was 6pm when they woke up and kept on asking me if we’re still good to go. Though it was raining then, the kids insisted that we should go because they’ve got their jackets to wear on, so off we go, grab a taxi going to Market, Market. There, they rode on animal rides, enjoyed eating and played with other kids till 9PM. It was a treat they got from me. Saturday, we altogether traveled back to the province, and while inside the bus I could here them talking in their own understandable language what they’ve just experienced. Yea, I was several times like them when I was a kid.

Next stop, province. I was happy to see my family again. My parents with their smiles on, my brother and sisters with their kids, all of them were present when we arrived. I missed being with them in complete. Indeed, there’s no place like home. The following day was my Papa’s 59th birthday. I’ll share some of our preparations and happenings as well during his special day on my next post. I need to deal with office concern for now. :)

Long break

Hey guys, this is to inform all of you that I'll be off for a few days. It will be a long weekend plus 2 (two) days of scheduled mandatory leave, so that's a total of 5 (five) days. Wow! 5 days off! Wanna know where to spot me on those days? Well, I’ll be spending my hefty days with my family and friends back in the province. It’s a great time to catch up with everything and mull over on life’s purpose. So, happy long weekend everyone. :)