Gloria Arroyo discharged from hospital; docs push treatment abroad

Former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was discharged from a Makati City hospital Friday, even as her doctor insisted that she seek medical treatment abroad due to the threat from a "progressive obstruction" by the titanium plate supporting her cervical spine.

 

Mrs. Arroyo was discharged from the Makati Medical Center Friday noon. Her release came about the same time that her spokesperson Elena Bautista-Horn called for a press conference about the former Philippine leader's medical condition, radio dzBB's Nimfa Ravelo reported.

 

Mrs. Arroyo was brought to the MMC earlier this week for a quantum CT scan on the recommendation of Dr. Roberto Anastacio, after an initial scan showed the titanium plate had been dislocated on parts of her cervical spine.

 

But the dzBB report noted Mrs. Arroyo's camp may have to deal with the Sandiganbayan, which issued a hold departure order against the former leader for a pending plunder case.

 

The plunder case involved alleged irregularities in the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

 

On the other hand, Anastacio warned the displacement of the titanium plate posed a threat to Mrs. Arroyo's swallowing and breathing.

 

"Makikita natin at mare-realize natin [na] may movement ang plate na nailagay sa pasyente. And this is a very dangerous area " he said at a press conference.

 

He added the "mechanical change" of the plate is "aggressive" and is "affecting a very dangerous area."

 

The dzBB report quoted him as saying that Arroyo thus needs to go abroad soonest, as the technology for the medical procedures to address the condition is not available in the Philippines.

 

He added the progressive dislocation of the upper and lower parts of the titanium plate on Mrs. Arroyo's cervical spine can make simple gestures like swallowing food lead to sudden death.

 

For now, he recommended that the former Philippine leader avoid stress, and be careful with her food, and keep wearing her neck brace. — RSJ, GMA News