GMA under close medical watch

MANILA, Philippines - Former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is under close medical watch following a near-fatal choking incident last month, doctors at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) said yesterday.

Dr. Martha Nucum said the 67-year-old Arroyo is suffering from recurrent dysphagia or difficulty in swallowing solid food due to esophageal stenosis or a blockage in her esophagus caused by a degenerative spine disease.

Arroyo, who is under hospital arrest on plunder charges, has undergone three major cervical spine surgeries.

The lawmaker was rushed to the VMCC emergency room and placed under general anesthesia after she choked on a broccoli stem on Sept. 2.

Nucum said Arroyo continues to complain of moderate to severe pain in her lower back, shoulders and calves, which is relieved temporarily by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

“Her response has reached a plateau, with no actual significant clinical improvement. Continuous physical therapy at least two times a week is recommended and twice a day sun exposure should be continued,” the doctor said.

“Close monitoring and proper swallowing techniques should be observed to prevent future episodes of choking,” she said.

Dr. Roberto Anastacio, a cardiologist of the Makati Medical Center, had warned of a possible “sudden death” of Arroyo if her condition continues to worsen.

The Philippine National Police earlier imposed restrictions on Arroyo, including banning her from attending mass at the VMMC chapel, limiting her sun exposure to one hour a day and prohibiting conjugal visits and overnight stays of members of the family.