What is Adenomyosis?

In order to fully understand the term Adenomyosis, let's take my case for example. Eight years ago, I was diagnosed with this condition. This is the result of my ultrasound dated June 28, 2014. Since it was an illness I had, long time before my menopause finally hit me, it's better to share the experience with women like me, married or single.

 

MYE DOMAIN ENTRY

July 6, 2014

If I remember it right, I've never had abnormal menstrual flow. My monthly period comes on a regular basis but last month, I experienced prolonged menstrual bleeding. I felt so apprehensive that's why, on the eve of my birthday, I have to see an OB-Gyne for consultation.
 
Since my former OB is now in Canada, my records are being turned over to Dra. Joanne V. Legaspi. She's also affiliated with The Medical City and Ardi Health Care Center. Dra. Legaspi advised me to undergo TVS (Transvaginal Ultrasound) for an accurate diagnosis of my condition.

I took the ultrasound immediately. Thanks to my hubby who's always willing to accompany me in times like this.


DIAGNOSIS:

• NORMAL SIZED RETROVERTED UTERUS MILD ADENOMYOSIS
• THIN ENDOMETRIUM
• NORMAL RIGHT OVARY
• CYSTIC FOLLICLE, LEFT
• NO FLUID IN THE CUL DE SAC

I've been diagnosed with mild Adenomyosis. I had it long before my second childbirth but, I didn't feel any discomfort until I had this symptom of prolonged menstrual flow.

Opening Prayer On Lizette's Debut 2013

MYE DOMAIN ENTRY

December 4, 2013

Every milestone in life is a remarkable event... an occasion to celebrate and be grateful for. Nothing is worthier than appreciating God's blessings and praising Him everyday. Either in joy or sorrow, we close our eyes... kneel down to ask for guidance, and utter our intentions.

The most anticipated day has come. November 16, 2013, marked the 18th birthday of my daughter.

As we shared a momentous night in her life, we offered a prayer to ask for the Holy Spirit to come upon us and bowed our heads in God's divine presence.

Claire Dave Ellis

The opening prayer was delivered by:

Claire Dave Ellis Magos, a younger cousin of our debutante, currently in 7^th Grade at La Immaculada Concepcion School. Their closeness goes beyond being cousins because Lizette treats her like a baby sister.

THE OPENING PRAYER

"GOD of all creation, worthy of our praise, we are grateful for Your presence in this evening’s celebration of life. We thank You for this opportunity in bringing us together and share a glorious event that marks the 18^th birthday of LIZETTE.

Oh Heavenly Father, You are the source of all our strength. May you bestow upon us Your Divine Grace. May You bring forth success in this night’s activities and guide us as we partake in this festive occasion.

All of us here tonight share the same prayer for LIZETTE, that she may achieve her dreams and aspirations in life. That God will grant her the realization of her heart’s desires and blessed her with abundance... may it be financial or spiritual.

May our Loving and Generous God, offer her the virtue of kindness, patience, honesty, understanding, perseverance and all the goodness that may be pleasing to others and most especially, to Your holiness.

We thank You for giving her 18 years of blissful yet challenging years. As she enters another fruitful phase in life, guide her way leading to the righteous path and protect her against imperfections that may hinder success and true happiness.

We praise You, Lord for surrounding her with love from family, relatives, and friends. Their presence in her life makes the person she is now. They are the wind beneath her wings. They will always be there to support and direct her journey through life. 

Tonight, we ask for Your ever-gracious hand to bless every gift to be offered and sanctify every wish to be uttered.

Almighty God, fill our hearts with Your love, faithfulness, and mercy as we gather in Your Name and bless the meal that we will share in this joyful evening.

We entrust all our prayers unto You in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ, AMEN."

Kiko's First Visit to the Dentist

MYE DOMAIN

July 29, 2014

I guess, everyone had experienced a disturbing toothache. This condition is so annoying that we can hardly endure the terrible pain it caused. How much more if a 5-year old kid suffers from this unbearable soreness?

Kiko's First Visit to the Dentist

Kiko has been complaining about a recurring pain in his decayed right molar. Brushing his teeth and taking paracetamol somehow gave him temporary relief. The pain persisted and kept him up for two consecutive nights. My husband and I encouraged him to visit the dentist to check on his aching tooth and he agreed.

July 27, Sunday morning was Kiko's first visit to the dentist. I knew he was a little apprehensive but Doc Ric's warm and friendly approach made Kiko very comfortable.

I thought he's not yet ready to sit on a dental chair but I underestimated the braveness of this young kiddo. He's cooperative that's why Doc Ric was able to perform two temporary fillings successfully with less effort than usual for a toddler his age.

No tooth extraction was advised because it's too pre-mature for the removal of a baby tooth that will guide the permanent to come out in due time.

My Daily Routine

MYE DOMAIN

February 25,  2013 

Waking up with a list of tasks to undertake

has become a daily routine.

These must be performed

otherwise... everything will pile up

and if chores accumulate...

the BIG "S" (stress) will take over my system

and my asthma attacks will follow.

This is a chain reaction and I have no

other better alternative but

to get things done and over with.

My workplace starts in the bedroom,

then in the kitchen, dining, living, bathroom

practically.. all around the house
or even out like in the bank, supermarket, and drugstore.
I still have online activities
that need my attention as well.

FIRST things first... prioritize...

Be organized

PATIENCE 

overcome hassles

ignore tiredness

and before I know it...

MISSION accomplished !!!

TOMORROW

is another tiring but rewarding day.

I can hardly wait for
WEEKENDS
to come.
Oh! It may be time to have a break
but laundry is waiting for me.

Being a mom 24/7 is not only tiring but stressful. Getting the house chores done is no joke but at the end of the day, this demanding role will give you a sense of fulfillment. It's challenging yet rewarding at the same time.

GOD Almighty

 

We have our mind to acquire 

and share knowledge

We can only discover, invent, innovate

We can only utilize the resources available... 

tangible or not

We can only do our best...

our abilities have limitations

We can survive if we have the determination

We can fail if we 

don't believe in our own strength

We can make something 

out of nothing

But we can never 

SURPASS 

the

 POWER

of the 

ONLY SUPREME BEING... 

our 

GOD ALMIGHTY.

Kiko's Abstract Creations

MYE DOMAIN

December 7, 2014

These are some of Kiko's abstract creations. His love for drawing using crayons is just fascinating. Almost everyday, he would get his sketch pad and starts to do random designs. He draws outline of any shape then fills them up with various colors.

His love for art mainly focuses on colors. he even asked me to give him a present this coming Christmas. He wishes to have 96-colored Crayola crayons. He wants different shades. More crayons mean more colorful art pieces like these.

Heart Hearty Heart

Monster L

Candy House

He even provides titles for his artworks so, I have to document this little milestone of this little artist of mine. Maybe, 10 years from now, he will be interested in reading my blog posts about him and take him to a nostalgic recollection of his childhood.

"Song Cover: Walang Hanggang Paalam By DANLOURD"

"WALANG HANGGANG PAALAM"

A Joey Ayala Original

Song Cover By Danlourd De Asis

Di ba tayo'y narito

Upang maging malaya

At upang palayain ang iba

Ako'y walang hinihiling

Ika'y tila ganoon din

Sadya'y palayain ang isa't-isa

Ang pagibig natin ay

Walang hanggang paalam

At habang magkalayo

Papalapit pa rin ang puso

Kahit na magkahiwalay

Tayo'y magkasama

Sa magkabilang dulo ng mundo

Ang bawat simula ay

Siya ring katapusan

May patutunguhan ba

Ang ating pagsinta

Sa biglang tingin

Kita'y walang kinabukasan

Subalit di-malupig ang pag-asa

Ang pagibig natin ay

Walang hanggang paalam

At habang magkalayo

Papalapit pa rin ang puso

Kahit na magkahiwalay

Tayo'y magkasama

Sa magkabilang dulo ng mundo

Ang pagibig natin ay

Walang hanggang paalam

At habang magkalayo

Papalapit pa rin ang puso

Kahit na magkahiwalay

Tayo'y magkasama

Sa magkabilang dulo ng mundo

Sa magkabilang dulo ng mundo oh

KIKO, At Five Years Old

MYE DOMAIN

June 19, 2014

Five years back, I glanced at this cute chubby face for the very first time. From day one up to this writing, he never fails to amuse me... the way he thinks and speaks out his thoughts, the way he moves and reacts to situations. He has this prominent character that makes our lives more interesting and tiresome at the same time.

Newly born KIKO

I was bound to be a mother for the last time with him and I will surely miss being pregnant and feel the first trimester hang-ups. Having three wonderful kids is a treasure itself. Being a mother is priceless.

Looking for a nanny is no longer relevant. I can't imagine anybody taking care of him other than myself. It's not that he's so dependent on me as normal kids do with their moms but, I guess I'm the one who is dependent on him.

A few weeks ago, he thought of sleeping with his Kuya KD. For the first time, he's out of our bed. My husband and I were unable to sleep soundly. Maybe, we are not used to be separated from Kiko at night. It seems that I am not ready for it, yet. I need more time to prepare myself for that kind of adjustment.

The 2-night trial ended when Kiko suddenly felt an ache in his mouth and he had to wake up in the middle of the night, knocked at our room's door just to tell me that he's not feeling well. That's when he got back to our bed and slept with us again. He needed me... he still longs for a mother's touch, my TLC.

Tomorrow is Kiko's 5th birthday. I'm still his 24/7 hands-on mom attending to his daily needs. I'm his fetcher to and from school. He's the very reason why I preferred to stay home and never worked corporately again. I want to witness every step he makes and always be there to guide his path. Actually, I'm enjoying my role as a full-time mother to my other two kids. Raising two teenagers of this generation is quite challenging as well.

 Browsing through old files, I stumbled upon this video:

1-year old Kiko learning to say grace before meal

Kiko with Olaf sitting cushion
(advance birthday gift from Ate Aya)

Effects of Chronic Parental Conflict

Marriage is a lifelong commitment of two individuals who are joined by a matrimonial ceremony. It is the process by which a couple makes their relationship public, official, and permanent. It's a legalized union of two people who vowed to live life together, forever. A contract that establishes the rights and obligations of both parties involved. But living together without marriage is definitely a different story.

My husband and I are not a perfect couple. We have had countless arguments but as much as possible, we refrain from doing it in front of our kids. Disagreements and misunderstandings are natural occurrences in any healthy relationship. However, frequent quarrels and fights can resort to saying hurtful comments and behaviors.

I guess, my husband and I fall under the common or normal parents with diversified opinions and ideas but with a respectful form of communication in dealing with conflicts and resolving issues.

I remember we had a neighbor couple who's living together with two toddler kids. This family seemed to have been suffering from Chronic Parental Conflict. They always fight about the same issues over and over leading to screaming, shouting, and hurting physically. Because of these constant squabbles, everyone in the neighborhood was being distracted. Unpleasant words were thrown and absorbed by the kids' young subconscious minds. Their confrontations are so disturbing.. so alarming that I even tried to address the matter to our barangay officials but unfortunately, they seem to have no power of intervention to such kind of domestic issue. The couple eventually got separated and the mother took the children's custody.

EFFECTS OF CHRONIC PARENTAL CONFLICT ON CHILDREN

1. Children Feel Insecure:  Because of the never-ending fights between parents, children are traumatized and frightened. They don't feel safe being at home experiencing such a difficult situation with threatened violence.
2. Children's Mental Health Is At Risk:  There is a great possibility that the children may suffer an emotional breakdown. Unresolved conflicts bring fear, anxiety, and depression to children that can severely damage their mental health.
3. Children May Lose Trust And Respect:  If the parents communicate without respect, the children are most likely to adopt a hostile environment where there is no trust, love, and understanding. They may perceive a relationship as something that is not worthy of sacrifice and kindness.
4. Children May Be Confused:  When parents fight, children are the shock absorbers. They are caught in the middle of two people who supposed to be their role models but actually, displaying unethical behaviors. Who is right? To whom they should take side? Do they have to choose who's the lesser wicked?
5. Gap Between Parents And Children:  A home should be a place of comfort and peace. If there is always domestic chaos, family members are disorganized, misled, and dysfunctional. The gap between family members may get wider when unresolved conflicts get worse. 
6. Children Having Weak Foundation:  Being exposed to long-lasting parental arguments creates an unhealthy atmosphere inside the house. Children are more susceptible to making mistakes thus contributing to a weak foundation of character. They tend to be self-centered, judgmental, and narrow-minded.

Every family has a fair share of unresolved issues and domestic problems. What's important is, there's open communication among the members, the reassurance of love for one another, respect for one's opinions, the courage to accept mistakes, the ability to listen to understand, and the willingness to take part in finding the solution.

What Your Heart May Say

 As humans who are rational in nature, we have the ability to comprehend and understand the definition of LOVE. We cannot describe it in only one word because of its complexity but we can express it in countless ways. Our mind can control our emotions but our heart may say otherwise.

Can you find your heart here?


GRATEFUL heart may say...
"My life has never been this amazing since you came into my world. You've accepted me for what I am and love me for who I am. Despite the past, you're here to stay."


GENEROUS heart may say:
"I love you more than myself. If you're happy with someone else, I'm willing to give up the fight and if ever you failed to seek the love I gave you... never think twice, I'm always waiting for your return."


REGRETFUL heart may say...
"I've been searching your love yet nowhere to find it. The treasure in your heart had beaten my pride. Now only memories are left to live with."


JEALOUS heart may say...
"It drives me crazy when you gaze upon someone with a sparkle in your eyes. I can hardly imagine how painful it is to see you giving special attention to anybody else other than me."


SELFISH heart may say...
"You're only mine and nobody can take your love away from me. I'm the only one perfect for you. I'm the only one who can provide you everything you need and everything you want. Nobody, nobody but me."


FAITHFUL heart may say...
"My eyes will never take a glance at any other charming face. My ears will never hear any whisper... It's only your lips will say I LOVE YOU to me. I will never savor any warm embrace other than your deep meaningful hug. Temptations are everywhere but my heart is locked and it's only you who hold the key."


CONTENTED heart may say...
"Let me keep you in my arms forever. Our love has survived the best and worst of the past and we're now living our present, enjoying every detail of it. I'm confident that we will share the rest of our lives together."


HOPEFUL heart may say...
"We had our own share of heartaches. Our past mistakes will serve as lessons that will guide us in our relationship now. Our love is a fresh beginning that will make memories not promises."


WISHFUL heart may say...
"I may not have that kind of love I ever desire but I know God will take me to the destiny I most deserve. My heart will continue beating until love will find its way."


If your heart says otherwise, what would it be?

What Is Subconjunctival Hemorrhage?

Subconjunctival Hemorrhage
 in my right eye

MYE DOMAIN ENTRY:

July 24, 2014

Being highly myopic and highly astigmatic, I'm compelled to wear toric contact lenses. Glasses are safer but lenses are more comfortable. I've been using them for decades and fortunately, I've encountered no serious complications for long-term use except last week when my right eye got red. 

Actually, it's my sister who first noticed redness in the right corner of my right eye. I did not feel any pain or itchiness. I was alarmed when I saw it totally red upon waking up the following morning. I didn't suspect it was a sore eye but I still went to the clinic and had it check.

It's my first time to be diagnosed with a so-called, subconjunctival hemorrhage. I was advised not to wear lenses for a week or two until the redness disappears completely.

What is Subconjunctival Hemorrhage?

It is similar to an ordinary bruise on the skin - it's like a bruise of the eye. It usually appears as a single, concentrated spot of red, or many scattered red splotches, on the white of the eye. The redness is blood under the conjunctiva, a clear membrane that covers the white of the eye (called the sclera) and the inner eyelids.

Seeing a subconjunctival hemorrhage on your eye can be alarming. Yet it is actually a common minor occurrence. It is almost always harmless and will heal on its own. It does not affect vision and generally does not cause pain. There are usually no sensations or symptoms, other than the appearance of the red spot. In fact, you may not even be aware that you have a subconjunctival hemorrhage until someone points it out or you look in the mirror. -Source

What are the causes?

The conjunctiva contains nerves and many small blood vessels. These blood vessels are usually barely visible but become larger and more visible if the eye is inflamed. These blood vessels are somewhat fragile and their walls may break easily.

• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Straining/vomiting
• Increasing the pressure in the veins of the head, as in weight lifting
• Eye rubbing or inserting contact lenses
• Certain infections of the outside of the eye (conjunctivitis) where a virus or a bacteria weaken the walls of small blood vessels under the conjunctiva
• A medical disorder causing bleeding or inhibiting normal clotting.
• A sudden increase in blood pressure. -Source

I am hypertensive and I take my maintenance medication daily but the doctor told me that it may shoot up due to strenuous activities. I do household chores but that's a daily routine. The culprit may be my lenses that need replacement... or maybe, I lifted something heavy. Whatever the cause, I just have to be cautious from now on. 

My Journal 2: Dirty Ice Cream

MYE DOMAIN:

October 23, 2014

Why “dirty ice cream”? Is it because this favorite frozen delight a dirty food? Actually, even I don’t know why it’s called such. So, I made some research about its origin and the reason behind its name.

Here in the Philippines, eating "dirty ice cream" is not only a thing of the past but still a habit of the present. When we were kids, we used to wait for "Mamang Sorbetero" or the ice cream vendor to pass by our street and buy a cone of this cold treat. Dirty ice cream peddlers use colorful-painted carts that can accommodate three flavors.

"Ice cream was introduced in the Philippines during the American Occupation when refrigerators and other cooling devices were introduced. While the American ice cream was made with cow's milk, using the milk of the carabao, a kind of water buffalo, resulting in a cheaper product which became known as "sorbetes." 

Both kinds of milk are widely used today. Coconut milk and cassava flour are two other ingredients used that make sorbetes unique from ice cream made in other countries. Flavors also varied from the usual natural fruits such as mango, avocado, melon, jackfruit, coconut, and strawberry to flavors imitating commercial ice cream such as chocolate, cookies and cream, cheese, mocha, ube, etc.

The sorbetes industry competes with commercially available ice cream from giant companies operating in the Philippines such as Arce Dairy, Magnolia, Nestlé, and Selecta, which also started peddling their product in the streets in more sanitized carts." -Source

In my kid's generation, the ice cream can be placed in plastic cups like what these two schoolmates are holding, wafer or sugar cones or bread buns. They always enjoy eating dirty ice cream together after class.

The term is dirty ice cream because it's being sold in the streets peddled by hawkers who don’t wear any gloves to avoid germs getting into the food. Buyers are not sure if the vendors’ hands are clean and how these ice creams are being prepared. There is a health risk in buying this cold treat but children can hardly avoid the temptation.

My Journal: Cuteness Overload

The icing on his face

MYE DOMAIN: 

December 4, 2014

Do you think this photo is cute? Well, you're absolutely right. This is what I call, "cuteness overload".

If you are a parent with young kids around, I'm sure you have done some naughty things that made them chuckle and giggle like showing them your wackiest face, playing peekaboo, imitating animals' sounds, or any other silly demonstration that may tickle their little minds. 

There’s no better stress-buster than a baby laugh. It's music to our ears and the sound it makes drives us crazy. They are just adorable.

That's my youngest son in the picture when he's one year old. His Papa smeared some chocolate "icing on his face". The smile is so naive and innocent. He didn't even know that his Papa's making fun of him. 

This was taken during our summer outing in Laguna and happened to be his older brother's birthday.

Everything is open to serve you

This second photo is epic... That's Kiko again with his shirt on his head like wearing a bonnet. He looks like a scavenger kid in Smokey Mountain.

Obviously, "everything is open to serve you"... his eyes, nose, and mouth are in perfect coordination.

I love to take photos of my children. They are the most beautiful kids on earth. I love to see their smiles especially during infant and toddler years like these two pictures of my youngest, very candid and gullible.

Covid-19 Pandemic: Effects on Children

Image from the web

The Covid-19 pandemic immensely affects millions of people from around the globe. Its impact is massive especially on children who are the most vulnerable. 

During this time, schools are closed and children are out of the classroom. Any public activity is being discouraged to prevent the spread of the infection.  As a result, the education system dramatically changed with the rise of online classes. 

Distance learning means no physical interactions between students and teachers. This may contribute to the inability of the students to focus on the lessons.  They may lose motivation to attend their online classes because of the repetitive and seemingly dull virtual academic environment. There's also a greater possibility for students to be easily distracted by social media and other internet sites. This cycle may lead to more serious circumstances like failing grades and dropping out.

Children are confined to their homes. They have limited access to the outside world like they used to. They cannot even play or hang-out with their friends. The feeling of social isolation is stressful and may increase the risks of mental health issues. Parents should know how to deal with this problem and manage to control or set limitations in order to avoid conflicts. I know, it's a struggle to establish a constant and close connection with our children nowadays but we need to be cautious in guiding them every step of the way.

Most children are scared and worried so they should feel safe inside the house. The psychological, mental, social, and emotional effects of long-term confinement may generate discomfort on both old and young adults but having a loving family will definitely give them the strong support system they need.

"Ikaw, ano ang HUGOT mo?"

Kumusta naman ang puso mo? Ok ba ang mga kaganapan sa buhay-buhay? Sana, wala ka namang pinagdadaanan ngayon. Kung meron man.. "daanan mo lang at wag mong tambayan."

Image from the web

"It's easier said than done." Dahil para sa iba, hindi lang isang iyak ang problema. Balde-baldeng luha ang dadaloy sa mga mata bago maka-move on. Kahit nga tunggain pa ang lahat ng red horse sa mundo. Malalasing lang at makakalimot nang konti pero paggising... TULALEY pa rin ang peg ng lola mo (o lolo kung lalake. Hehehe!) 

Maraming nangyayari sa mundo na mahirap ipaliwanag at maintindihan pero wala naman tayong ibang pwedeng gawin kundi, ang tanggapin ang mga ito at ilagay sa isip na... "pagkatapos ng ulan ay sisikat muli ang Haring Araw para magbigay ng bagong pag-asa."

Meron naman akong kakilala, akala mo kung sinong makapanghusga ng kapwa nya.. Biruin mo ba naman, ang sabi sa kapit-bahay nya...

    "Hoy, bakit ka ba nakatalikod. Humarap ka! Kung anong pangit ng mukha mo, sya ring pangit ng ugali mo!"

Si ate girl naman.. kung makapanglait. Eh lahat naman tayo ngayon, mata na lng ang nakikita dahil sa naka-face mask na, naka-face shield pa. "Bawal ang judgemental noh..."

Image not mine

Ang hirap ma-please ang mga tao ngayon, lalo na ang mga millenials. Masyado silang mabilis mag-isip... padalus-dalos pero mainipin. Dahil na rin siguro sa technology. Eh biruin mo ba naman.. ang ligawan, virtual na ang approach. Iba pa rin yung may physical touch pero hindi yung iniisip nyo ha. Ang ibig kong sabihin.. yun bang nag-uusap ang mga mata hindi ang mga daliri sa kakatipak.

"Bakit ba masarap ang magmahal?" Eh kasi, sweet ang cupcake ko 👫

"Bakit masakit naman din ang magmahal?" ACHE kasi, he broke my heart 💔

Sa aking palagay, hindi malalim ang nagiging pundasyon ng mga relasyon ngayon dahil na rin sa digital world.

Image not mine

Napapansin ko ngayon, malaki ang epekto ng social media  sa mga tao lalo na emotionaly. Kung ano ang nararamdaman mo, negative man o positive.. naka-post agad sa Facebook. Hindi ko naman nilalahat pero karamihan. Yung iba sa Twitter dinadaan ang rants.. pwede pa nga mga bad words 👎 Kung sabagay, kanya-kanya tayo ng paniniwala. "Walang basagan ng trip."

Oh pano, hanggang dito na lang muna. Abangan nyo ang next post ko. Part 2 ng hugot lines.