Mrs. Arroyo discharged from hospital after third surgery

Former President and incumbent Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was discharged from the hospital last night, more than a month after she was first brought there for a pinched nerve in her spine. Attending physicians at the St. Luke's Medical Center announced on Saturday morning that Arroyo was discharged from the hospital at 9:30 on Friday night. They stressed that the late announcement was due to the former president's late-night discharge from the hospital. According to Arroyo's physician Dr. Juliet Gopez-Cervantes, the discharge was scheduled for Saturday morning, but the former president insisted on going home last night so she could get more time to rest. Arroyo underwent a spine surgery on July 29, when four of her cervical bones were replaced with bone substitutes held in place by titanium implants, which were dislodged by her weak bones. Doctors then performed revision surgery on August 10, and part of the pelvic bone was implanted on the affected part of the spine. Also, doctors hope the third surgery performed on Wednesday is the last major surgery on the former president. John Consulta reported on Balitanghali that in general, Arroyo was in good condition, and was allowed to leave, as she did not get any infection or complications after her third surgery. Dr. Mario Ver also presented a drawing of the titanium mesh and titanium plates attached to Arroyo's cervical spine. Arroyo left the hospital still wearing a halo vest, which may be replaced with a neck brace next week. She is being given calcium supplements to strengthen her bones, as well as muscle relaxants for her neck spasms. Doctors will continue to coordinate with Arroyo's nurses in monitoring her condition. On September 6, doctors are set to pay Mrs. Arroyo a home visit. On September 14, she is expected to return to St. Luke's for a check-up and therapy, the report said. Meanwhile, Bombo Radyo reported that Cervantes said Arroyo is advised to rest and avoid receiving visitors for now. — Carmela Lapeña/ELR/LBG, GMA News