3 months in US at Stanford for medical.

After my previous trip to the US for Radio frequency ablationon on my Lumbar I returned to the Philippines only for my pain to return as they missed the nerves on the right side. I spent most of 3 months in bed or in a recliner in pain before I returned to the US for more treatment in March. Unfortunately after a few days in the US I got Covid and then had to postpone my treatment and reschedule which pushed back my treatment another month making my two months stay a 3 month stay. During my evaluations at Stanford it was decided I needed 8 procedures over 4 weeks. First I had to do a month of physical therapy and walking a few miles a day to build the muscle I had lost while in bed for three months. This required me to take pain medication to cope. Something unavailable in the Philippines. This really helped but I can not take this regularly as it's addictive and not good for my liver. 

Next I did the phollowing procedures. 

1. Remove Stem Router from Rt Shoulder. It was no longer needed after 5 years and causing me discomfort. 

2. 1st of three trigger point injections procedures from my neck to my lumbar. 

3. 1dt of 2 Radio Frequency Ablationon on my Lumbar. 

4. 2nd Trigger Point Injection procedure.  

5. 2nd Radio Frequency Ablationon on my Lumbar. 

6. Extract wisdom tooth and a bone graph. 

7. 3rd Trigger Point Injection procedure.

8. The grand finale was 6 days in Stanford for Ketamine infusion therapy. This was uncomfortable but I had incredible nurses. One I nicknamed Ninja Nurse. 

My trip was definitely challenging due to securing housing as my stay was extended over a month. But I located a Airbnb that was a care home previously and had rooms and a bathroom available for disabled. The owner was also very helpful as she was a professional Caregiver and she often gave me rides to and from the hospital. I definitely was surrounded by Angels.  

On May 5th I arrived back in the Philippines and on the 8th I resumed my daily walks. 2.1 miles and I get a mile more in by the end of the day. My goal now is to lose much weight to reduce the pressure on my back. I lost 20 lbs walking my 2nd month in the US. The 3rd month I maintained the weigh loss as I was resting from my procedures throughout the month and only walking a mile plus a day when I walked. 

So now I'm Pain free and yesterday I got my oral surgery stitches out. So things are looking good moving forward. 

My entire time back in the US was a little stressful. The politics, crime, homeless issues and mentally ill issues was very common to see. I noticed people were not as friendly also. So I can't tell you how relieved I was when I landed back in Davao. All the stress and anxiety of what I had to deal with in the US was gone and I found myself very happy. I'm not sure how much longer I'll stay here in the Philippines this time but if I had to decide today I'd say hopefully for years. 

Back in US in February 2023

My time back in the US after the Covid lockdowns and flight restrictions. I was finally able to get some medical done back in July and August and return to the Philippines.

I returned to the US in February in much pain. I had plans to take care of some more pressing health issues in February but I got Covid within a few days of my arrival to Palo Alto Calif. I had just completed all my evaluations and got my clearances to get things taken care of. But with my health issue everything got pushed out several weeks longer than what was planned. So I got a strong pain relief rx to hold me over that I could not get back in the Philippines when I was there. That was a life saver. But now I'm in a holding pattern until March 31st. At that time I’ll start 4 weeks of procedures to resolve my issues at hand. 

I decided to use this time to exercise more and focus more on a healthy diet. Even with the rain I find a way to endure it and get out and exercise when it's not so heavy. I've basically gone on a total improve my health venture. I lost 12 lbs the first month. im shooting for another 12 this month. I hope to keep that trend going. 

Thankfully after all these years I have a few friends to offer support that are still in California. Im down to just a single family member. The few others are on their own trip and that's ok. Everyone has their own shit to deal with I guess. 

I'm now at the age where it's most important to make sure I have people I can trust and depend on should I ever need assistance as I am disabled. I have a Home and a Partner who is very kind. She’s amazing. My insurances are in place and solid. I'll need to get a long term health policy when I return to the Philippines. I honestly dont know if I should make the Philippines a long term plan or shoot back to the US full time in the near future? My concern about life in the US full time is the cost of living. Aside from that it does offer the healthcare I need. Life is good but it's definitely challenging at times.  Each day is a Gift. Eat taco's.