The story of maria
My story. I had Anterior cervical dysectomy fusion C4-C5 with iliac crest bonegraft in November 7, 2013, I was again evicted from my relative house 7 days after, wearing my immobilization soft cervical collar travelled public transportation (bus, tricycle, jeepney) with two of my minor children from Dasmarinas, Cavite south to north Sta. Maria, Bulacan province to my 30 year family home. I was on sick leave working for a BPO nightshift callcenter as CSR international customer support. By January 24, 2014, I had right carpal tunnel decompression. On February 28, 2014 returned to work medical certificates for change of schedule from nightshift to morning shift, modification of assigned computer work were rejected. By May 2014, felt head pressure, without wearing soft cervical collar, after taking night calls of angry customers, take my breaks, lunch, stand walk upright I would tilt, pulled to another direction so then I had to move slower so began my workplace villification of my impairments that compelled me to seek medical attention, sick leaves. In July 5, 2014 By MRI Brain finding chronic migraine or mild microvascular ischemic changes, November 2014, CT Scan temporal bone showed, superior semicircular canal dehiscience, right ear. My NeuroOtologist said, brain is amazing it compensates for the loss, I dont look sick that it is acquired condition not work related. Maybe, because of my history of physical trauma, marital related so court granted actual care custody of my 6 children in 2009 but separted from exhusband sinced 2005.  On August 7, 2015, I was terminated from work because of my condition, SCCD, semicircular canal dehiscience. My spine surgery approved as work related. At home, spent time reviewing medical papers, trying to understand results, asking doctors even if dismissed, rejected, I would seek another opinion, on the internet, patient support groups on FB to educate inform myself. This year, I asked new neurologist review of MRI Brain, stated omitted, missed MRI Brain finding in 2014 partial empty sella syndrome. Another repeat MRI Brain angiogram showed, herniation of the subarachnoid CSF space with consequent partial empty sella syndrome. Again, doctors, neurologist find the description weird, dismissed, rejected me again saying… “what do you need new MRI Brain for?, You ask too many questions, respect others time…” It should be CSF leak not herniation….” so referrred to neurosurgeon stating, its congenital, do I leak my nose, ears….? You need MRI neck for spondylosis. Till one day, somebody listened to all my questions on FB messenger CSF Leak patient support groups, NORD, Intracranial hypertension research, thankful for answered prayers today, I am informed patient, hoping a new doctor will help me here in the Philippines. Maybe, government court, neighbors, people dont understand as a mother why I protected my 6 children from domestic abuse, so they would not end up like me. I often asked God, whats my next move, my next step, looking for answers and why I made difficult decisions, learning the answers like 5 years after, finding relief, knowing it was right, was left alone with responsibilities of soloparenthood, left alone fighting rare conditions. My mom died of cancer i was 16 years old in college, dad was separated from us, 3 siblings, I was three years old. by around 30 years old, my dad during his retirement from Philippine National Red Cross Blood Bank Chapter in the our home province travelled to my marital residence only to be evicted at that time by exhusband. Dad left me alone, went back home to our province, told me never to leave house whatever happens, that I never forget for 30 years now so no matter how some government officers, people, grownup children tells me to leave protected family home not for myself but for my six children. Someday, they will have this small home, a roof above their heads, for their own, God willing. So my dad died from stroke after 8 years alone, renting a small room by himself in our province. Their, I blame my exhusband, dad would not have died alone if he had companion, he would still be alive, my children enjoy grandparents like I did in my happy childhood past. So in 2008, I made a firm decision qualified for public charity legal assistance for antiviolence against women and children and permanent court protection order. Its been 8 years now, I was granted permanent court protection order but the violence against women and children is still set to hearing. I am neighbor to territorial husband, in laws, court reduced distance form 500 to 20meter protected distance all because, this is inlaw territory. My grownup children, stop college, left home for call center nightshift work like I did, they were my classmates during trainings, we work together in one company, I enjoyed that but it hurts to see them leave home at night for work not for school. This, I carry the burden in my heart forever, I failed to send them to good schools. Thank you for this opportunity, long story 30 years in this one page. Merry christmas and happy new year.                        Â