<b>Beyond Pink Stripes</b>

Random musings, stories, snapshots, and reviews from the "little" girl with several abandoned blogs who suddenly finds herself inspired to scribble once again after coming into her senses and realizing that there's more to LIFE than PINK STRIPES.☺

Friday, June 28, 2013

Jiggly Bit Me! (On Getting Anti-Rabies Shots)

I just had my first vaccine as a grown-up - "anti-rabies" that is. Well, not that I was really anticipating it.T_T



Rabies is a viral disease that causes acute encephalitis in warm-blooded animals. The disease is zoonotic, meaning it can be transmitted from one species to another, such as from dogs to humans, commonly by a bite from an infected animal. 
For a human, rabies is almost invariably fatal if post-exposure prophylaxis is not administered prior to the onset of severe symptoms. The rabies virus infects the central nervous system, ultimately causing disease in the brain and death. The rabies virus travels to the brain by following the peripheral nerves. The incubation period of the disease is usually a few months in humans, depending on the distance the virus must travel to reach the central nervous system. Once the rabies virus reaches the central nervous system and symptoms begin to show, the infection is virtually untreatable and usually fatal within days.    - Wikipedia


No thanks to our little furball JIGGLY who's currently at a stage where he playfully bites and nips everything he encounters in his way. His favorite perhaps is human leg.@_@ 

Jiggly takes a break from leg nipping for a photo opp. ^^

Last Sunday, Jiggly happily nipped my leg but got a little too rough that I ended up having shallow skin scratches. There wasn’t any bleeding though but the epidermis was somehow broken. Unfortunately, our pup hasn't received anti-rabies shots yet due to his young age which is just a little over 2 months. 

Though convinced that Jiggly's "clean" plus my pocket's not too happy to shell out moolah haha, I  decided to have myself vaccinated with anti-rabies just to be sure.

It took me 5 days before I was able to go to an animal bite clinic (Heaven Animal Bite Clinic located in San Mateo, Rizal). To my surprise, there were lots of patients even though it was already evening. I didn't realize until then how animal bite could be very widespread. 


To be honest, I'm scared of injections haha. 

The doctor let the anti-rabies vaccine flow just right under my skin by means of a small needle. With my eyes closed, I stopped breathing for a few seconds. After "recovering" from the ordeal (LOL!), I was advised to be back after 3 and 7 days to get more shots.

Since the "bite" took place on the 23rd of June, I was given until the 8th of July to monitor Jiggly. If he dies (oh no!), then that's a definite sign of rabies so I need to complete 5 rounds of anti-rabies shot. If he remains healthy, which I fervently pray, then I could relax and stop at the 3rd round of vaccine.

UPDATE (July 8, 2013) JIGGLY IS VERY MUCH ALIVE AND KICKIN'!:D Guess I'm spared from the wrath of rabies. Thank you Lord!:D

At the clinic, I was handed a sheet of paper with some guidelines which I would like to share to everyone:


WHAT TO DO DURING THE VACCINATION PERIOD: 
A. The Animal 
1. Monitor the animal for 14 days from the day of the bite. 
2. DON’T KILL THE ANIMAL IF IT IS STILL HEALTHY. 
3. Behaviors to observe which often indicate the presence of rabies in the animal: 
 * Suddenly become restless and agitated  *  Suddenly becomes aggressive; bites on anything (In my case, this isn't valid because Jiggly has been like that ever since haha)  *  Runs around without direction; excessive drooling and foaming in the mouth  *  Has difficulty in eating and drinking water
4. If the animal dies during the observation period, bring its head immediately to any   laboratory for rabies test.

= RITM Animal Laboratory [Filinvest, Alabang, Muntinlupa City; Telephone No. (02) 807 -2628]
= Bureau of Animal Industry [Visayas Avenue, Diliman, Q.C.; Telephone No. (02) 926-8071]                                                                       
= San Lazaro Hospital Rabies Unit [Quiricada St. Sta. Cruz, Manila; Telephone No. (02) 732-3776]                                                            
5. If the animal gets sick during the observation period, bring it immediately to the  nearest veterinary clinic. 

B. The Person 
1. As much as possible, avoid alcoholic drinks, steroids and medicine for malaria. 
2. For those vaccinated with ERIG and ATS, avoid chicken, egg, crab, shrimp, shrimp    paste, fish sauce, fish and food with preservatives such as tocino, longganisa etc. 
3. The skin area where vaccine [Equine Rabies Immunoglobulin (ERIG)*/ Human Rabies Immunoglobulin (HRIG)*/ Anti Tetanus Serum (ATS)/ Tetanus Toxoid/ Purified Vero Rabies Vaccine(PVRV)*] was injected may appear red, swollen, and could be itchy right after vaccination. It could be covered with warm towel for the symptoms to subside.

*Types of Anti-Rabies Vaccine --- It's best to consult a doctor to gain further understanding on what each one is. It was made clear by my doctor though, the type of anti-rabies vaccine initially injected should also be the same as the succeeding shots during the vaccination period. No mixing.

4. If fever occurs after receiving the anti-rabies shot, paracetamol may be taken as medicine. 
5. Consult the doctor if after vaccination, any of the following condition is experienced: extreme itchiness, redness/rashes spreading from the vaccinated skin area to the whole body, difficulty in breathing and continuous fever. 
6. The schedule of vaccination must be strictly followed. In case of failure to do so, it is important to call or visit the clinic as soon as possible to know the next course of action to take. Always bring the Vaccination Schedule Card.




ALGORITHM FOR RABIES POST-EXPOSURE PROPHYLAXIS
Click link for larger image.





Going back to Jiggly, yes, he is currently under observation but I am very confident that he will make it through the 8th of July. And I won't have to worry about...err...dying LOL! Because as I look intently at our little furball now, he's still the same adorable, playful and "nippy" puppy that he is...well, so far.:DDD


Happy times...Jiggly and I.:D

70 comments:

  1. Thanks for the informative posts Ms.Golda. I hope ok na po kayo ni Jiggly. God bless!

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    Replies
    1. Yup ok naman, Jiggly's very much alive and well..."jiggly" haha.:)

      Anyway, I wish everyone stays bite-free :)

      Delete
  2. Kumusta Golda,

    Glad to hear you and Jiggly are both doing OK! What a cute photo! That's a very informative post, thanks for all of the public health information on rabies.

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    Replies
    1. My pleasure to share helpful information to all!:)

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  3. Ate Golda how much cost nung 3 sets na vaccine?

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    1. Haloo!:) P750 for the first shot and then P650 for the succeeding ones:)

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    2. Hi...
      Golda,ask ko LNG kng may binayaran ka na 2,600 ? Kc ung aso ko nakakagat sya...so first na punts nila nag bigay ko ng 1,500 tapos kinabukasn ask nya ko for injection na un daw ang important sa lahat...tapos sabi nya mayroon pa daw apart na injection n tig 750... Tama po ba...tnx
      God blessed to u and to you and jiggly...

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    3. Hi...
      Golda,ask ko LNG kng may binayaran ka na 2,600 ? Kc ung aso ko nakakagat sya...so first na punts nila nag bigay ko ng 1,500 tapos kinabukasn ask nya ko for injection na un daw ang important sa lahat...tapos sabi nya mayroon pa daw apart na injection n tig 750... Tama po ba...tnx
      God blessed to u and to you and jiggly...

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    4. Hi Ms. Vhe! If I remember it right, I only paid for each shot which is 750. Sorry po ha in case may lapse sa aking memory as it's been years ago na po. :(

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  4. Awareness is the key to safe owners and healthy pets. Kudos to you Golda! You sure did take time to let everyone know what actions to take when this kind of situation happens. By the way, Jiggly's cute. He looks like a Jack Russel Terrier.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for the heartwarming comment and most especially, for giving us an idea on Jiggly's possible breed.^^ All we know is that he's a "half-half", if I may call him that haha. I searched through the net information on JRTs and boy, Jiggly's personality is exactly as described in the articles. Galing! He could really be part Jack Russel Terrier.;DDD

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  5. Hi! where is Heaven Animal Bite specifically? do you have landmark?

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    1. Hi!:D Heaven Animal Bite Clinic is located in Banaba, San Mateo, right across PUREGOLD. It's also near the area where Batasan Road-San Mateo intersects with Gen. Antonio Luna Ave.

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    2. I can't remember though if the clinic has an outdoor signage but what I'm so sure of is that it's in the same building as KUMON, 2nd floor.:)

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    3. Just to correct myself, Batasan Road-San Mateo and Gen. Antonio Luna Ave are connecting roads, but not intersecting.:D Sorry for the confusion.:D

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  6. hi! did you have fever or like trangkaso after having your first shots of anti rabies and anti tetanus?

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  7. hi! thanks for this very informative post. I was also bitten by my dog last night. But since he's already had his rabies shots just recently, I'm pondering on whether I should get the vaccine or not? The bite did pierce my skin (hand area) and it bled..so maybe I should get the vaccine just to be on the safe side. Btw, do you have a contact # for the Heaven Animal Bite clinic?

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    Replies
    1. Hi! I believe if there's bleeding involved, vaccination is necessary to be on the safe side BUT it's still best to consult the doctor. You may communicate directly with the clinic's doctor, Dra. Garcia through her mobile number --- 09055576354. She has insomnia though (according to her) so she usually replies at night.:)

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  8. Thanks for this post Maam! Just the info I need!

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  9. ATS +Syringe P50 tapos Anti-Rabies free nung unang shot saken,pero nung sumunod na balik ko wow ERIG 12.6ml at PCEC sa SLH, natepok kase yung pusa,tapos sa Dec 23 babalik last shot ko na sana..

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    Replies
    1. As I was advised, dapat daw same yung type ng vaccine from the first to the succeeding shots. But anyway, let's hope for the best. Sana nga last shot na! Good luck ha!:)

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    2. Hi!1st n 2nd shot PVRV tapos po nung lumipat ako sa SLH Erig at PCEC na pinapa inject, at nainject narin,yung dami ng erig depende sa weight nun tuturukan kaya kung mabigat mas malaki ang babayaran hehe. . tapos nung Dec 23 PCEC po ulit huli na po,graduate na!Hehe. .Salamat sa diyos at nakahinga na ako ulit ng maayos nawala na ang aking pag-aalala at eto buhay pa.LoL!Erwin

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  10. ATS +Syringe P50 tapos Anti-Rabies free nung unang shot saken,pero nung sumunod na balik ko wow ERIG 12.6ml at PCEC sa SLH, natepok kase yung pusa,tapos sa Dec 23 babalik last shot ko na sana..

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  11. Up ko lang,buhay pa ako!haha. . .Erwin

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  12. thanks for the information Miss. :))

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  13. My 3 yr old kid was bitten (though minor, no scratch no blood) by a dog yesterday. He had his first shot yesterday. We're looking for cheaper sana for his succeeding shots and nearer yung hospital. Where is this heaven animal bite clinic located and contact number please. Thanks :-)

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  14. My 3 year old kid was bitten by a dog (though minor lang, no scratch, no blood) yesterday. He had his first shot yesterday. Now we're looking for cheaper and nearer sana na clinic for his succeeding shots pa. May I know the exact location of Heaven Animal Bite clinic in san mateo and contact number sana. Thanks a lot :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Good day! Heaven Animal Bite Clinic is in Banaba, San Mateo...near the area where Batasan Road-San Mateo connects with Gen. Antonio Luna Ave. Its building (same as Kumon's) is located right across PUREGOLD.

      As for the contact number, I only have the mobile number of the clinic's doctor, Dra. Garcia --- 09055576354. As I've mentioned in my previous reply, she has insomnia (according to her) so she usually replies at night.

      Hope all is well with your kid. Thanks!

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  15. HI. I got bitten by my own pet dog last Feb 4. I was just hugging him which i normally do kaso bigla sya nagalit and bit me on my upper lip. It bled a little pero as advised, hinugasan ko, put pressure on it and applied ointment. Di ako mapakali, I went to three private hospitals to seek for advice, ang sabi San Lazaro daw. So I went there the next day/ I was done with my 2nd shot yesterday (Feb 8) and will have my 3rd shot on Feb 12. When I asked doctor if I need to take ERIG sabi nya..to be safe lang daw. What if on the 10th day eh mamatay ung aso, it might be too late na. But while I was taking my shot of vaccines, ang sabi kapag ka ika-3rd shot mo na at buhay naman ang aso, its ok not to take the ERIG anymore. Now I'm confused and undecided. Ok naman ung aso, kumakain, healthy, kaya lang di na sya lumalapit sa kin para maglambing although he would wag his tail everytime I would call his name. Lalapit sya pero takot na ko sa kanya. What do you think? Should I take the ERIG or not? Medyo me side effects pa ang vaccine sa akin, feeling drowsy, nanunuyo na labi, and parang me lump sa throat ko. Or am I just being paranoid? Pls. help!!!

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    Replies
    1. I am really sorry for this delayed reply.:( I am assuming that by now, you have already gotten your 3rd shot. I hope everything is ok now. If you still have doubts, please consult your doctor...he/she would be the best person to advise you if you should take ERIG or not.

      As for your dog, maybe the reason why he isn't so "malambing" with you anymore, well for now, is that he "feels accountable" for what happened? I dunno...maybe...

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  16. U know ur right,,..pa guilty ang peg nya! Pero ok na sya, lumalambing na uli. Done with my series of shots. Sabi doctor normally daw sa Philippines kapag ok naman na ung aso after 7 days stop na sa 3rd shot. You are protected for 3 years. Pero advised nila to get the 4th shot after 28 days kasi ang protection nun eh hanggang five years. ERIG is different from HRIG. Sa ERIG virus galing sa horse ang gamit but with HRIG sa human...mas mahal pero alang side effects at no allergy. Thanks. I've a slight fever --- both my arms are extremely sore! :-)

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for the additional info.:) Good to know you and your pet dog are alright.:DDDD

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  17. Hello. I have a question, what if i already got my anti rabies vaccine completed last june 26 so it was already 10 days ago. Yesterday I accidentally inserted my pinky finger inside my nose without knowing if that finger has the saliva of the dog. Im not sure kasi kung may anti rabies na yung dog e. Di ko na rin matandaan kung nahawakan ko ba talaga yung sofa. Di ko rin sure kung nadilaan ba o inamoy lang ng dog yung part na yun ng sofaso ayun. Im beimg paranoid nanaman. Magkakarabies ba ako dun sa nagawa ko?

    Btw when i got my last vaccine the nurse said na pag nakagat o naexpose uli ako sa bite o saliva ng dog within 1 month specifically june 26 - july 26 di ko pa daw kailangan ng booster. I hope you can help me with my problem, napaparanoid nanaman kasi ako as in thankyou :)

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    Replies
    1. Hi Krysza!:) I think you can breathe a sigh of relief because of the assurance given by the nurse that you are still covered by your last vaccination. Then again, please do not rely solely on my advice. IT IS STILL BEST to consult a doctor regarding your concern. And oh, maybe you should have your dog vaccinated na din as soon as possible.:D

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    2. Hi, i also text the dra. Garcia, the one you mentioned here in your blog but she didnt replied :( my mom told me that i dont need to go back in the clinic because of what the nurse said, but still im afraid :(

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    3. Hi Krysza, I hope you're OK now.:) About Dra. Garcia, as far as I know, she usually replies late at night because she's asleep during daytime due to her insomnia.:)

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    4. Hi, I'm already okay in the past weeks but today i am again paranoid because I wasnt sure kung natalsikan ba ng water na ininuman ng dog yung wound ko, kasi naramdaman ko lang yung water sa right foot ko pero yung wound ko is in the left side. I tried to chat the facebook page of the clinic na pinagpainjectionan ko and they said safe pa daw yun :) and then a while ago lang, naapakan naman ako ng dog pero I looked closer sa right foot ko wala namang wound, so yun thats why Im still paranoid :(

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    5. This might help ease your worries.:)

      https://ph.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080703000733AAxhCl4

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    6. Oh, thank you so much :) medyo nag calm down naman na ako kahit papano when I read that :) thankyou so much po :).

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    7. Hello po uli, satingin mo po pag nagtouch ka po ng dog kahit sa head niya lang ano mas better po na gamitin pang clean ng hands, soap and water or alcohol po?

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    8. Hi Krysza! Hmmmm... I am not really an "expert" in sanitation but personally, I prefer soap and water over alcohol.:)

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  18. Hello miss kristy
    I'm brenard from zamboanga city philippines. Ask ko lng po as for experience. Pag ang puppy ba nakakagat ng tao but the puppy did not die after 14 days observation. Is the bitten person safe from rabies even without treatment. It happen one year ago but the puppy is already big and healthy now

    Thank you maam

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Brenard! If one year has passed, I believe the bitten person is already safe BUT, it is best if you consult a doctor regarding it. Then again, I am no expert in animal bites so I might be wrong. :(

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    2. Hello miss kristy
      Can I consult your doctor the one that gave you the vaccine?

      Do you think its ok to ask her opinion?

      Thank you maam

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    3. Hello miss kristy
      Thank you for you kind insigth and reply. You think ma'am I can consult your doctor that gave yo the vaccine.

      Thank you maaw

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    4. Hi Brenard, yes, you can try contacting Dra. Garcia. Her number is 09055576354. Or you can visit her at Heaven Animal Bite Clinic located in Banaba, San Mateo, right across PUREGOLD. If I remember it right, her clinic opens in the evening only.

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  19. Hello po, thanks sa info! Yung clinic po, are they open on sundays? Thanks

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    Replies
    1. Sorry for the late reply. :( I am not sure of the clinic's schedule. It's best that you contact the doctor through the numbers indicated above. Thanks and I hope everything's fine with you.:)

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  20. HELPED ME,

    after the vaccine at the night from went to hospital. take rest well.

    tomorrow, i saw to dog was died at the morning.

    i have take a medicine,

    how to solve it? help me?

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  21. Hello, help me

    after the vaccine from hospital at the night.

    i have a medicine

    tomorrow, i saw to dog was died in the morning

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Please inform your doctor IMMEDIATELY! He or she will know what to do!
      Oh my, I hope everything will be alright with you.

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  22. May I know if the clinic at Banaba is still open? Thank you.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Yo! As far as I know, the clinic is still open. Kindly note though that I haven't been back to the clinic for some years now so I cannot be 100% sure. :)

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  23. Hi mam. I was bitten/scratched by a stray cat last wednesday. I was advised to go to San Lazaro hospital to take the Erig Vaccine since I wasn't able to see the cat anymore and I have no idea if it died already or if it is still alive. The problem is that, I cannot afford the Erig vaccine for I am just a student. Luckily, health centers around my area gave me Tetanus Toxoid and the Anti-Rabies vaccine for free. How much did you get yours? I was told that it was 1200/vial.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi! If my memory serves me right, it's Php 750 per shot. But of course, that was in 2013 so I will not be surprised if the cost has already gone up by this time. :( By the way, kindly ask the doctor from the health center if you can have a series of anti-rabies vaccination just to be sure.

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  24. What will happen when you eat something and in the ingredients there's egg. And what will happen when I eat carbonara with century tuna?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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    2. Hi, Diel! Thank you for visiting my now dormant blog (unfortunately). I just read your comment so I hope that somebody else was able to address your inquiry because 3 months have already passed. :( Anyway, for matters like this, I would always suggest consulting a doctor because I, myself, am not very certain of the answer. I really wish that things turned out well for you.

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  25. Hi Ma'am sana mabasa niyo at mareply-an niyo pa din 'tong comment ko kahit sobrang tagal na ng post na ito. Ma'am ask ko lang kase naturukan din ako nang ERIG vaccine and katulad sainyo may mga pagkain din daw po ako'ng bawal kainin. Ask ko lang Ma'am kung gano katagal kang hindi kumain nang mga pagkain na yan? Or ilang weeks yung sinabi sayo nang doctor mo na bawal kang kumain nung mga ERIG Foods? Salamat.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi! I am really sorry but I cannot remember anymore. Ang tagal na rin kasi.:( Please, please, please, consult your doctor. He would know best. Meanwhile, I'll be praying for your well-being. God bless! :)

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  26. Hi ..Do you have the clinic number please??

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    Replies
    1. I am not really sure if this is still working but I was able to contact Dra. Garcia before via 09055576354. Thanks!

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  27. Hi. Finollow niyo ba yung food restrictions for two weeks? Thanks!

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    Replies
    1. Hi! I did not follow the food restrictions back then. However, it's best to consult with your doctor if there's anything that you need to avoid. Thanks!

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