Foreword: This is the continuation of our response to Macbeth of Generalao regarding her anxieties on aneurysm because her sister has just been diagnosed of this life-threatening disease.
rDEAR Macbeth of Generalao,
We are finally on the final stretch.
Now, what happens if ever the aneurysm ruptures? What’s next? I know that you have been reading these days what happened to Isabel Granada in Qatar. She had aneurysm and it ruptured and that brought her to coma. I think that she has still not awakened as of this writing; though, she is already stable. But, what really happened to her is really frightening and it may happen to anyone who had the same problem. I just hope and pray that she will get through all of what she had undergone.
After a rupture, it is most likely that you will be in the hospital for two weeks. Some people will only have mild issues after a coma but others may not even have any at all. But, the problem is, if there are bleeding and issues like vasospasms which can cause brain damage. In Isabel’s case, she has bleeding problems in her brain and that makes her condition not really good to see. The problem with brain damage is it is something that is beyond repair. What may help at this point is physical, occupational, and speech therapy.
Now, when you get out from your bed, you have to do these lifestyle changes to prevent another round of aneurysm:
1. Avoid prohibited drugs, like shabu and cocaine.
2. Ease up on caffeinated drinks. This means you have to cut down on coffee and softdrinks with cola.
3. Be sure to choose healthy, low-fat, low-salt diet with lots of organic based fruits and veggies.
4. Sweat out often to lower your blood pressure and protect your blood vessels. And if you are hypertensive, don’t forget to take your anti-hypertensive medications always.
5. Drink alcohol moderately. For those over 65 years old, they have to stick to one drink a day only. But, to men who are below 65, they can go for two drinks, while women can go have one drink a day.
6. Be sure to stay fit and healthy always.
7. STOP smoking.
8. Stay away from stress. Keep cool even when things get rough.
Good luck!
*****
Dr. Fritz
Dr. Fritz Legarde Espedilla is an aesthetic dermatologist and surgeon and a clinical sexologist. She is also trained in hypnotherapy and Medical Acupuncture. She has been in the broadcast media for more than a decade and has written a book based on her 15 year stint with her radio program, “Healthy is Sexy Secrets ni Dr. Fritz.” She is also a faculty in a College of Pharmacy. For your questions, you may send them to Dear Dr. Fritz, c/o SunStar-Davao Publishing Inc., Ebro-Pelayo Building, Jacinto St., Davao City, (former Department of Foreign Affairs office), across Ateneo de Davao University and beside Holy Child School of Davao, or you e-mail them to dokfritz@yahoo.com. If you don’t wish your letter to be published, we regret that we cannot answer them. Thank you for your understanding.