Miriam goes on leave for eating disorder

Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago was hospitalized yesterday after she was diagnosed to be suffering from anorexia, an eating disorder, after arriving from a nine-day, five-nation trip with President Arroyo.

Santiago is currently confined at the Philippine Heart Center in Quezon City after she complained of weakness and dizziness. She said her ailment has resulted in her loss of 20 pounds over the last two months.

In a letter sent to Senate President Manuel Villar Jr., Santiago requested for an indefinite leave of absence from the Senate.

"Of course, I shall return to my duties as soon as I am physically able to do so. In the meantime, I request that in the Senate Journal, I shall be indicated as on sick leave for anorexia," Santiago said.

A statement released by the senator’s office said Santiago was "wheeled out of the plane looking very pale."

Santiago said she was placed on intravenous feeding and was subjected to a series of tests including ECG, X-ray, ultrasound and 2D Echo. She is also scheduled to undergo endoscopy and CT scan at the Philippine General Hospital in Manila.

This was the third time that the senator has gone on sick leave.

Santiago suffered a mild stroke in April last year and she was absent from the Senate for a few days.

Last May, Santiago went on leave after being diagnosed with arrhythmia or irregular heartbeat, a potentially fatal heart condition that had already claimed the lives of her two younger brothers.

At that time, Santiago had just accompanied the President on a state visit to Saudi Arabia.

Santiago had to stay in her hotel room during the last day of their stay in Saudi Arabia because of heart palpitation and hypertension.

Her doctors have advised the outspoken senator to watch her temper because stress could trigger another stroke in the future.

Santiago said she expects to be back at the Senate on Sept. 25. - Marvin Sy