Man worries about paying for wife’s emergency surgery
MANILA, Philippines — Five years ago, Alberto Lopena Jr. noticed that his 44-year-old wife, Arlene, always complained of pain when she had her period.
But her condition always improved afterward so the couple who lives in Taguig City never gave serious thought to finding out why she suffered from painful menstruation.
It was only when the pain intensified in 2019 that Arlene finally consulted a doctor.
“The ultrasound showed that there was a big tumor in her uterus. We were supposed to go back to the doctor for a follow-up checkup last year but the pandemic happened,” Lopena told the Inquirer.
In March this year, the couple became alarmed when Arlene bled continuously for two straight weeks.
“The doctor gave her some medicine and told us that if her period didn’t stop within three days, we should go to the hospital,” Lopena said.
When her condition didn’t improve, Arlene went to Ace Medical Center in Pateros where another ultrasound showed not one but two tumors, each as big as a baby’s head.
She was immediately scheduled for surgery but during the procedure, the doctor found several complications.
“One of the tumors had stuck to her intestines while the other had attached itself to her appendix, which was very inflamed. There was also another tumor in her appendix,” Lopena said.
The doctor ended up removing Arlene’s uterus and appendix. She stayed in the hospital for 10 days, from April 13 to 22, and her medical bill came down to P181,697.95. After borrowing from friends, Lopena said he managed to raise P50,000 for a downpayment.
“We’re now deep in debt. I don’t know how we will be able to pay for the rest,” he added.
Lopena has been a newspaper dealer for almost 30 years. His wife helps by minding their small news stand. The couple has two children but neither can contribute to their family’s household budget.
“My wife is almost fully recovered from surgery. I just hope your readers can help us pay what we owe the hospital,” Lopena said.
He can be contacted at 0918-2562397. Donations can be deposited in his daughter’s BPI account (Abelyn U. Lopena, account no. 0049110117).
