Half numb

Good news and bad news, which one do you want to know first?

Anyway, I'll be sharing the good news first and that is my name's inclusion in the Philippine Daily Inquirer editorial last Monday. It was a short sentence that had my name on it and it actually made my day. :) It wasn't something grand but it was something I could be proud of as a journalist, right? Lawyer Romel Bagares and my boss JV Rufino informed me about it.

"It is perhaps not coincidental that the details of Laigo’s decision remain a mystery to most of the complainants. As one of them, columnist and blogger Ellen Tordesillas, pointed out yesterday, they have not yet received a copy of the June 20 decision. Neither have their lawyers. If Inquirer.net reporter Thea Alberto had not broken the story last week, would we even be talking about this ruling now? Considering the original circumstances behind the filing of the complaint, and in fact alleged in it, the curious circumstances behind the release of the decision make it immediately suspect."

See the full editorial here: A crime to cover

Now the bad news.

I've been diagnosed (on second thought, diagnosed seems too serious a term). I have Bell's palsy, a paralysis of the facial nerve resulting in inability to control facial muscles on the affected side. Half of my face is not moving, and I look like I suffered a mild stroke. I can't smile, and I can't even fully close my right eye. And it's irritating. You can slap my right cheek and I won't feel a thing.

I just finished a series of check-up at Medical City yesterday and it really took my energy. From seeing a physician (good thing Nixlove was there to hold my hand), I was then referred to a neurologist, then to a physical therapist. They all believe I have 80-90 percent chances of recovery, which is VERY GOOD!
I have to undergo at least six PT sessions (including one where they have to electrocute the right side of my face) and I am now taking several types of medicine, including an eyedrop to prevent my eyes from getting dry (my right eye can't fully close, so I look scary when I'm sleeping, haha)

I can't even eat right because my mouth keep twitching to the unaffected side and I can't drink well because the water keeps coming out :(

I hope to get better really soon. Our fourth anniversary is three weeks away and I have to attend my sister-in-law's (tee hee) wedding this August.

Anyway, I had to blog to keep family and friends updated. Thanks a lot for the prayers and messages. They really mean a lot. :)

You guys better take vitamins! Especially vitamin B! :)