GMA suffering from kidney, bladder problems

MANILA, Philippines - Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s health is deteriorating as she continues to feel the effects of previous surgeries and now suffers from kidney and bladder problems, a doctor from a government hospital said yesterday.

Martha Nucum, head of the medical team examining Arroyo at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC), said the former president continues to be sick despite three surgeries done on her cervical spine more than two years ago.

Arroyo, detained at VMMC on hospital arrest, is facing several cases before the Sandiganbayan.

“Congresswoman Arroyo has not been cured of her illness... Until now she continues to complain of moderate to severe pain in the lumbosacral area, calf area and nuchal area which is relieved temporarily by NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs),” Nucum said.

Nucum attended yesterday’s hearing on Arroyo’s motion for bail at the Sandiganbayan First Division. She testified on Arroyo’s current health condition but was not allowed to take the stand since she had previously testified.

Nucum told reporters that not only did Arroyo’s health deteriorate but she has also developed a kidney problem.

Nucum said Arroyo complained of frequent and painful urination last March and results of a CT stonogram on her kidneys showed “tiny nephrolithiasis left kidney, bilateral milk pelvocaliectasia and hepatic cysts at the right lobe” and despite medication, her condition has not improved.

Another test at the St. Luke’s Medical Center showed Arroyo suffered hypersensitive small capacity bladder which is the reason why she is given bladder training exercises and is closely monitored for repeat episode of extreme urinary frequency.

Modesto Ticman, Arroyo’s lead defense counsel in the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) plunder case filed against the former president, said the findings of Nucum jibed with the findings of clinical psychologist Arnulfo Lopez who concluded that her restricted mobility has worsened her health condition.

The latest medical finding prompted Ticman to file a motion for bail before the Sandiganbayan, arguing Arroyo’s “continued confinement at the VMMC has not contributed to the improvement of her medical condition but has in fact exacerbated the same.”

Citing the medical report released by Lopez, Ticman said “it is clinically inferred from the above professional opinions that medical treatment alone cannot effectively treat the ailment of Mrs. Arroyo and that they recommend holistic approach, family support, emotional stability and spiritual upliftment, which she cannot attain while being confined in a hospital.”

Ticman said the Supreme Court in several cases had granted bail to accused irrespective of the nature and merits of the charge if it can be shown that continued confinement will endanger the life of the accused or result in permanent impairment of health.

He added such ruling should be made to apply to Arroyo since it has been certified by many medical experts that her hospital incarceration continues to take a toll on her health.

After the hearing, the Sandiganbayan said it would resolve the motion for bail after the prosecution files its written comment or opposition to the same and the defense submits a reply.

Meanwhile, ombudsman prosecutors also opposed Arroyo’s request to attend the 50th wedding anniversary of El Shaddai leader Mike Velarde to act as wedding sponsor.