Ika 18 ng Hunyo 2009: Constipation and Consternation

(Blogger Warning: This post is not for the faint-hearted, squeamish, OC, and those having their meals.)

I was expecting a rather usual day today.... even hoping I would be able to go to work early because there is work to do. I went down for breakfast. I was slowly eating my oatmeal which I had to force myself to eat.... Initially, oatmeal was a delight. Over time, it became such a drag to take. But since it is good for the heart, I force myself to take it everyday. I take it first before anything else so that I am filled up when I take the rest of our breakfast. Halfway through my oatmeal, our helper went inside to tell me that Missy, our shih tzu, gave birth holding the lone puppy that was delivered probably this dawn. I was not really surprised because I thought she was impregnated as we allowed her to be mated by Toby, one of our male tzus. Compared to her last pregnancy, her tummy was way too small and there would be doubts if the pregnancy took off at some points. Household members would have opposing views on Missy's pregnancy as she manifested some pregnancy symptoms. Some mated dogs, however, would also have those symptoms and it would turn out to be pseudo-pregnancy.

With this good news, I hurriedly ate my breakfast and went out. I directed our boy helper to arrange a more comfortable whelping area. When this was done, mom and pup were more relaxed. The lighted bulb in Quita's whelping area was transferred to Missy's area. I went back to the house to prepare for work.

I thought about my schedule. I have a report to prepare for which I set a noon deadline for the staff to send their inputs. That means, I could afford to be a little late this morning. It also dawned on me that I need to complete my physical examination at Intellicare. It is also the right time for the TVU that the Ob-gyne recommended that I should undergo. I figured that today may be a good day as I think that tomorrow and next week would be busier with the work given to me.

So I decided to pass by the Intellicare clinic in Alabang. One thing I had to complete is the submission of my specimen for fecalysis. I wasn't able to give it the first time we went to their clinic. Moving is problematic for constipation sufferers like me. I can't simply move under a lot of stress particularly during hurried mornings. That time, we had to be in their clinic a certain time because blood will be extracted from the kids and me. The blood tests had to be done only before 10:00am because I had fasted for a complete blood chemistry. I learned that there is such a thing as over-fasting. Collecting my specimen is not a very pleasant experience. This morning, I knew I can do it with a little prodding. It took some ritual before I could do it but I was right.... I did it. I hurriedly prepare to leave as again the sample I collected is good only for two hours.

When I was ready, I fixed my stuff. I was wondering where I could put the specimen. I didn't want it inside my bag mixed with my stuff even if I sealed the container first in a paper enveloped and then in a transparent plastic bag secured with a tape before concealing it in several plastic bags. I held the plastic bag like a bag of sandwich as I walked to get a ride. I was near the gate of the village when I noticed that the bag containing my sample is gone. I panicked and checked my immediate surrounding and it's nowhere in sight. With the difficulty of obtaining this sample, I was bent on getting my sample back at whatever cost. I retraced my steps and turned around the bend.... Still nothing. I continued walking hoping the dogs didn't beat me to it..... I turned one more time and followed the curve of the road...... After some more distance, I saw the plastic bag lying in the middle of the road. I quickly walked and picked up the sample upon reaching it...... Thank goodness, the dogs did not feast on it..... or they are going to have one hell of a s__t. I am just thankful I didn't have to extract a sample another time...... because I couldn't do a double take.......

I went my merry way even sharing a ride with a neighbor unaware that between us is the stinky product of my bodily function. I rode a jeepney more careful this time about losing my precious specimen. I arrived at the Intellicare clinic, promptly deposited my sample at the lab, and completed the other requirements. Unfortunately, the TVU could not be done as I missed the schedule of doctor who will do it. It's a male doctor though and I could not have gone through with it even if I made it on time. I tried seeking another schedule with a female doctor..... no match. I asked if i could have it in their Makati clinic. The nurse receptionist was so helpful and made arrangement immediately. The timing is important because the procedure has to be done during a particular period in a woman's monthly cycle. Finally, my procedure is set next week.

Riding the bus going to my office, I hope and pray that I still get a clean bill.......

Related Post:

Taking A Stool Sample in Japan
Stool Sample Collection

PS: Isang Jayross Lucky Seven bus na naman ang nasakyan ko kanina. Siyempre me pelikula na nman silang pinalalabas. Hindi ako mahilig manood ng mga pelikulang asiano. Pero lagi napupukaw ang atensiyon ko sa pelikulang pinalalabas nila na karaniwang mga pelikulang intsik o asiano. Yun kanina ay parang nanagyari sa Vietnam. Tungkol sa isang babae at isang lalake na nasa magkabilang panig ng naglalabang pwersa na sa tingin ko ay magmamahalan pag tagal ng pelikula. Binihag at pinahirapan ang babae ng mga kasamahan ng lalake. Pero yun lalake rin ang tumulong sa babae na tumakas. Dahil dito, kasama na rin tinugis ang lalake. Kailangan puntahan ng babae ang kanyang ama para magbabala dito sa pagtratraidor ng isang kasama. Napasama sa isang kampo ng mga alipin ang dalawang bida nung pababa na ako ng bus.... Naku, kelan ko kaya matatapos to? Wala pa akong natapos na pelikula sa pagsakay sa bus na ito. Iniisip ko talaga na minsan hindi ako bababa para makatapos ng isang pelikula.