Hullo, all. I just got back from a five day holiday at the hospital. I was complaining of severe pains under my right lung, and a very persistent cough. It was difficult to breathe, and my chest was starting to hurt.

I had my second chest surgery last 13 February, and I was expected to fully recover by the end of February. However, March had already begun, and I still could not get out of bed without the aid of bed straps. Sitting down was a chore, and standing up was almost unthinkable. It was very painful to move around, and every step that I took gave me a stabbing pain down my chest.

I was admitted again at Medical City last Thursday for pneumonia and an inflamed heart. The doctors found some fluid in my lungs, and my left lung still had not started to expand to its expected size. My diaphragm was also swollen due to irritation from the tubes inserted through me in my last surgery. Also, the wound I sustained from the surgery still had not healed after three weeks. Apparently, my body could not heal my wound because my immune system was not fully functioning for some reason.

I was introduced to a new doctor, this time specializing in Infectious Diseases. Seeing the symptoms I reported, my doctors said I suffered from mediastinitis (infection in the chest cavity), and that the case was rather alarming. I was bombarded with antibiotics to arrest the infection, and they kept me for a few days just to monitor my recovery.

I had been crying for a few days just because I felt so tired of feeling sick. My emotional strength had steadily failed over the last few days, as my condition seemingly worsened after surgery. I had been crying to my Mum and Jair, and, as much as I did not want to burden them with worries about me, I just needed people to cry to. They both prayed hard for me, and did their part in propping me back up emotionally.

After only one day of medication, I was already up on my feet walking. I was still panting and sometimes gasping for air, but I was generally better. They did an ultrasound and an xray some days later, and the tests showed that the lung fluid has decreased. My diaphragm did not hurt anymore, and the doctors said the inflammation probably subsided as well. With my very good doctors and efficient nurses, we conquered my first post-op infection.

I was released from the hospital today, and am now in my bed, ready to sleep the sleep of the just and the beautiful. My deepest thanks to those who attacked the heavens with prayers for me.