DOCTOR WARNS ON GMA'S DISLOCATED TITANIUM PLATE:
CHOKING CAN CAUSE SUDDEN DEATH
[PHOTO -GLORIA
ARROYO'S X-RAY: The results of CT scans on the spine of former President Gloria
Macapagal-Arroyo are shown during a medical briefing in Makati City on Friday.
Arroyo's physician, Dr. Robert Anastacio, said the titanium plate implant in her
spine had moved towards her esophagus and airway, putting her life at risk.
–Photo by KJ Rosales, BULLETIN]
MANILA, AUGUST 18, 2012 (ABS-CBN) By Ivy Jean Vibar - One of Pampanga
Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's doctors has warned that the former president's
condition is not to be taken lightly, as the dislocated titanium plate along her
spine is "in a very dangerous area, if [doctors] are to touch it."
In a press conference Friday afternoon at the Makati Medical Center, Dr.
Robert Anastacio, a resident cardiologist at the hospital, said that many of
Arroyo's ails can be attributed to the surgery she underwent, as nerves in the
spine play a large role in control of the body.
Arroyo's problem with swallowing, which developed after her operation, is a
serious problem, the doctor said, as a choking sensation means that there is a
difficulty with the flow of air into the lungs.
Two weeks ago, Arroyo was reported to have choked on a melon, after which she
experienced pain and was advised to have complete bed rest.
Her chief of staff and spokesperson Elena Bautista Horn had said of Arroyo,
"Complete bed rest muna sya. Nasobrahan ata sa trabaho at na strain ang neck sa
effort to get out the melon that choked her."
According to Anastacio, her operation is to blame. "After that, she developed
immediately the difficulty of swallowing, with a choking sensation. There is now
a difficulty of flow of air into the lungs. It must be remembered that the lungs
and the heart cannot function without the other," he said.
"If we stop the airflow, there is a danger of the heart being affected and
going into cardiac arrest."
Earlier this week, a medical bulletin was released stating Arroyo now has a
blockage in her artery.
Arroyo can be treated in Philippines, PMA exec says by
Jojo Malig, ABS-CBNNews.com Posted at 08/17/2012 7:08 PM | Updated as of
08/17/2012 11:11 PM
MANILA, Philippines - Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
(photo) can be treated in the country for her illness and does not need to
travel overseas, a Philippine Medical Association (PMA) official said Friday.
PMA vice-president Dr. Leo Olarte told ANC Top Story that the Philippines has
medical specialists and modern facilities to treat the Pampanga lawmaker.
"The condition can be treated here in the Philippines, but of course, the PMA
respects the right of the patient to go to his or her doctor of trust and
confidence wherever the doctor is," he said. "But if they say it can only be
treated abroad, we object to that position."
An ally of Arroyo, Rep. Danilo Suarez, earlier said he will file a resolution
asking the judiciary and executive branches to allow the former President to
leave the country and seek medical treatment abroad.
Suarez said Arroyo is suffering from "moderate to severe attacks on the neck,
shoulder, ankle and back."
He also said Arroyo suffers from frequent episodes of choking.
He quoted Arroyo's cardiologist, Dr. Robert Anastacio, as having said that
that the former President is at risk of sudden death unless her condition is
properly treated.
Olarte, however, disputed the claims of Suarez.
"There is no guarantee. Doctors are not guarantors of care or good results,
even in the United States or anywhere in any country, complications may arise,"
he said.
"If they say the condition can only be treated abroad, that is totally
unfounded," he added.
Olarte explained that Arroyo's bone where a titanium implant was screwed on
is weak.
"We believe it is an osteoporotic bone. It will take time to heal," he said.
"Even if this is done in the United States, no doctor in his right mind wil
guarantee that there will be no complications."
He said that if Arroyo is suffering from choking while eating, she she should
be careful while eating.
"I am not sure if she has a heart disease that will require only treatment
abroad," he added.
Chief News Editor: Sol Jose Vanzi
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