From training for a 10K race to this:
April 27:
I was getting ready for my Sunday run with my husband when my left knee started buckling. My body kept pulling toward the left side. Something in me immediately thought stroke. So, I searched online what the symptoms were. It said to check the mirror for facial drooping. Mine wasn’t obviously drooping, but it lookd off.
Then my husband said he couldn't understand what I was saying That was it. I told him we had to go NOW. We rushed to the nearest private hospital in Talisay.
I got immediate assistance, and after a CT scan, I was admitted.
The symptoms progressed fast.
April 28 (Monday): My left leg felt heavier.
April 29 (Tuesday): I couldn’t control my fingers.
I cried every night for the first three nights, too much binhod in my arms and legs. It was the worst.
My husband was with me the whole time, my rock Truly, a blessing.
That Tuesday night, we decided to transfer to a better hospital in Cebu City.
April 30 (Wednesday):
We made the move.
A super, super HUGE THANK YOU to the Red Cross volunteers who helped me during the transfer from Naga City to Cebu. The doctor on board was so inspiring. We had a great conversation throughout the trip. Actually, all of them were inspiring.
I’ll never see the Red Cross the same way again. I now have the utmost respect for what they do. I’ll never forget it.
At the new hospital, I was immediately seen by multiple doctors in the ER. They asked tons of questions; what happened, what I was feeling.
One of them asked, “Who’s the President of the Philippines? I totally blanked. Guess that says something! (Definitely nothing to do with my illness though haha!)
BUT, I aced the Math questions, thank you very much!
I went through another set of tests. The MRI was the worst.
I’ll write down all the tests I went through when I can.
Fast forward to today, May 2, 9:44 AM.
I still don’t have control of my fingers. Lifting my arms feels like lifting something super heavy.
BUT, my facial imbalance is getting better. And just now, on my way to and from the CR, my left leg didn’t buckle as much. I could actually stand longer. That’s progress.
Most importantly, inside, I feel strong. I feel inspired. And I feel overwhelmed with love and support from my family and friends.
I received this from my boss. Thhe hospital didn't allow the vase. I cried. ❤️
May 4, 2025 - 5:53 pm
They removed my IV today, finally! That means during tomorrow’s PT, we can start focusing on my left hand and fingers. I could barely control them, but earlier, with every ounce of strength I had, I managed to form a fist and move my fingers just a liiiiiittle. My husband and I had a small but sweet celebration over that tiny victory. It meant everything.
I can now also raise my left arm straight! It's HEAVY!!!!
I also had my first walk outside my room today. Yes, friends, I literally had to learn how to walk again.
But hey, if I pulled it off as a baby, how much more now, right?
Today is a great day. A hopeful one.
May 7, 2025 - 2:55 pm
I’M GOING HOME TODAY!!!
We’re just waiting for the final bill, and then we’re outta here! I’ve been counting down to this day since last week, and now it’s finally happening!
Quick health update:
My left leg is stronger.
I can control my left arm better (I can now reach my right ear. Progress!).
Blood sugar and BP are stable.
My face is almost back to normal.
On the flip side, my fingers are still on their own little journey (minimal control so far), and yes, the meds just keep coming (hello, insulin). But in short: ALL IS WELL.
I’ve still got a long road ahead, but I’m fighting, and def not stopping.
I’m beyond grateful for the overwhelming love from my family and friends.
And a huge shoutout to the incredible doctors, nurses, PTs, food staff, and cleaning crew at Chong Hua. They’ve all been so kind and trust me, when you’re sick, kindness is everything. Also, not a tightass in sight. I SWEAR! That alone deserves a standing ovation. 🫶
I can’t wait to breathe fresh air again. Let’s gooooo!!!
May 12, 2025 - 5:43 pm
After 2 weeks, I can finally slightly open my fingers! It took all my strength (and some very deep breaths), but we’re moving, baby! It might not seem like much, but this is a big deal for me. Progress is progress, and I’m sooo happy! Slowly but surely, we’re getting there!
May 20, 2025 - 7:17 pm
Walked slow and hit 1km! Balance is still off, and I’m working on it. Making sure every step is perfect is tiring, it took a bit of effort. I was sweating, but I felt so good after. I stretched my legs a little bit afterward. To be honest, I felt like I could do more, but the goal this week is just 20 minutes, and I decided to stick to it. I think I did really well!
May 22, 2025 - 7:53 pn
I just joined a stroke survivor support group today and I cried.
Because it’s true, only stroke survivors really know the strugle. The horror of being fully aware, but feeling helpless. Knowing your body isn’t doing what you’re telling it to do. Watching parts of yourself stop working just like that.
Who am I kidding? I’m crying as I write this.
Yes, I’m doing well and I’m healing. I’m out of the woods. But every single day of recovry takes so much strength. So much willpower. And the fear that my life might never be the same again? That’s something I still carry with me. It’s terrifying.
But today, reading the stories in that group, seeing people share their recovery, their grit, their wins, I felt something else too. I felt hope. Because I know how hard it is. I know that pain. I know that fight. And seeing how they pushed through it? That gives me courage.
So to all of them, to all of us, hats off. We’re surviving something that tried to break us. And we’re still here, we're still alive!!! 🫡
