Arroyo not in critical condition, says VMMC doctor

Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

MANILA, Philippines—The pain that former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has been feeling from her cervical spine is normal, the Director of the Veterans Memorial Medical Center told Radyo Inquirer 990AM.

Former First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo on Thursday said his wife is in critical condition again due to the pain from her cervical spine.

But VMMC Director Nona Legazpi the pain is normal especially at her age. She said, based on examinations conducted, it is not a complication from her previous surgeries.

Arroyo, 64, currently detained at VMMC, had her first surgery in July 2011 to stabilize her deteriorating cervical spine with titanium implants. But days later, doctors discovered that the implants were dislodged, necessitating  another surgery.

However, the second surgery was aborted after finding an infection in her spine. A third operation was conducted and added more implants and bone grafts taken from her hipbone. Tetch Torres, INQUIRER.net