Doctors say FG Mike Arroyo faces 'really very critical' time

(Update) First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo is now undergoing dialysis even as his doctors at the St. Luke's Medical Center observe him during this "really very critical" time. Arroyo's attending physician Juliet Cervantes disclosed her patient's latest medical bulletin. She said the First Gentleman continues to undergo "hour to hour" observation. She said doctors are closely monitoring Arroyo's lungs and kidneys. "It's a special kind of dialysis, continuous dialysis. The kidneys are working. It's just that because of the long surgery and blood transfusion we have to [clean] the kidneys to mobilize the fluids as much as we can," Cervantes said. Arroyo is now confined at the cardio-vascular recovery room at the St. Luke's hospital, dzBB radio said. "He is continuously awake but we have to sedate him," Cervates said. The First Gentleman underwent a 10-hour "high risk" surgery at the St. Luke's Medical Center for aortic aneurysm. Doctors have recommended that he stay at the hospital for at least 10 days. Cervantes said that "Every time he wakes up he is asking for the President, especially his grandchildren ... We can grant that but [we have to limit visits] since he is in the recovery room." She said they have so far not been able to talk to Arroyo, though his body had been responding to treatment, and he managed to write notes. As this developed, Cervantes said a California-based heart surgeon who arrived at the hospital Wednesday was to give "moral support" to the First Gentleman. "He came here based on the recommendation of close friends of the family for moral support," she said. Meanwhile, a close ally of deposed President Joseph Estrada attempted to personally visit the First Gentleman at the hospital, but was not allowed to see the patient. Radio station dzBB said former Maguindanao Rep. Didagen Dilangalen, erstwhile spokesman for Estrada, decided to pay a visit since his daughter was also confined at St. Luke's. President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo instead met with Dilangalen, although the radio report did not disclose the details of their conversation. - GMANews.TV