Is GMA’s condition life-threatening?

MANILA, Philippines – Is the condition of Pampanga Rep Gloria Macapagal Arroyo life-threatening?

Her spokesperon Elena Bautista-Horn answered: “If it’s life threating meaning, is she dying now? Is she gasping for air now? That is not the case. If it’s life-threatening meaning, she can choke anytime and her breathing can get affected? Then it is life-threatening,” she explained.

The June 2012 report of the Veteran’s Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) on Mrs Arroyo’s health cited her “difficulty in swallowing food, including Communion host and medicine.” It attached to its report the submission of Mrs Arroyo’s doctor at the Makati Medical Center describing her condition as “life-threatening.”

Horn said Mrs Arroyo has to tilt her face to a particular angle so she can swallow her food. “Basa lagi. Hindi pwedeng dry,” she added.

Horn also said Mrs Arroyo has lost about 20 pounds. She said the former president currently weighs less than 95 pounds.

Mrs Arroyo’s critics have always doubted her claim that her condition is life-threatening.

Alternative medicine

A day after her release from hospital arrest, Mrs Arroyo traveled to Tagaytay City on Thursday, July 26, to try alternative medicine in an undisclosed place recommended by her sister Cielo.

Horn simply described the healer to be a “naturalist.”

“She has undergone 3 surgeries, kaya open siya….para guminhawa ang kanyang pakiramdam,” she said.

Horn said Mrs Arroyo’s doctors at the VMMC did not oppose her plan to seek alternative medicine. Mrs Arroyo will continue her 4-times-a-week hourly physical therapy sessions.

Horn said Mrs Arroyo has limited options. She wanted to seek treatment abroad, but it was not granted.

“In the meantime that she has no other choice, she wants to try all available remedies,” Horn said. – Rappler.com

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