SUBSTANCE ABUSE

NOTES ABOUT SUBSTANCE ABUSE
(Excerpts from NURSE’S NOTES: Reviewer’s Edition)

Maritess Manalang-Quinto, RN, MAN(c)
Nurse Educator/Nurse Instructor/Resource Speaker
Reviewer V for Local and International Nurse Licensure Examinations
Certified Foreign Graduate Nurse
Registered Nurse, Vermont State, USA
Registered Nurse, Republic of the Philippines
1. ALCOHOL

ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE AND ABUSE
Etiology:
•Low self –esteem
•Guilt and anxiety
•Limited life goals, unreliable, impulsive and irresponsible
•Fixation
•Learned Behavior
•Inherited traits
•Mass media and sociologic cultural practices
•Poor parenting and poor role modeling

Phases of Alcohol Dependence and Abuse

1. Pre alcoholic:
2. Prodromal:
3. Crucial:
4. Chronic phase:

Common sequence of Alcohol Withdrawal
Tremulousness
Acute hallucinations
Alcohol withdrawal delirium

CAGE ASSESSMENT
•Have you ever felt the need to CUT DOWN alcohol?
•Has anybody ever been ANNOYED by your attitude when you are under the influence of alcohol?
•Have you ever felt GUILTY about your alcohol dependency?
•Is alcohol an EYE OPENER to you when you wake up in the morning?

COMPLICATIONS OF ALCOHOL DEPENDENCY AND ABUSE

1. DELIRIUM TREMENS
•Clinical Manifestations:
–severe memory disturbance
–agitation and hallucinations 1-5 days
–Diaphoresis
–Hypertension
–Tachycardia

2. WERNICKE’S ENCEPHALOPATHY
Clinical Manifestations:
•mental status changes
•ocular abnormalities:
•vestibular dysfunction
•confusion
•disorientation
•ataxia
•apathy

3. KORSAKOFF PSYCHOSIS
Clinical Manifestations:
•Amnesia
•Dementia
•Confabulation and Learning Problems
•Psychosis
•Loss of reality testing
•Loss of taste and smell

Nursing Interventions
•Supportive care
•Balanced diet
•Psychopharmacology
•Abstain from alcohol

2. OPIUM
•Desensitizes
•Euphoria and well being

Overdose of opiods
•Respiratory depression
•Suffocation
•Aspiration of inhaled compounds or vomitus
•Anoxia
•Vagal Stimulation
•Arrythmias
•Death Cardiac Arrest

Nursing Interventions

SAFETY
RESPIRATION
Monitor for signs and symptoms of withdrawal
Medications

3. VOLATILE INHALANTS

•Lack of Coordination
•Blurred Vision
•Dizziness
•Slurred Speech
•Unsteady gait
•Tremor
•Muscle Weakness
•Nystagmus
•Excitation followed by drowsiness, light headedness, loss of inhibition and agitation
•Aggression
•Apathy
•Enhancement of sexual pleasure
•Inability to function well
•Giggling and laughter
•Stupor
•Coma
*NO WITHDRAWAL EFFECTS
*Only supportive treatment is given.

4. CANNABIS
•Clinical Manifestations with the use of Cannabis:
–Lowered Inhibitions
–Relaxed state
–Euphoria
–Inappropriate laughter
–Increased Appetite
–Distortion of time and perception
–Dysphoria
–Impaired Judgment
–Short term memory
–Impaired motor coordination
–Social Withdrawal
–Dry mouth
–Hypotension
–Tachycardia
–Delirium
–“Blood shot eyes”
–“Devil’s Eyes”
*Overdosage does not occur
*No clinically significant withdrawal syndrome
*Some may experience muscle pains, sweating, anxiety and tremors as the withdrawal symptom.

•Nursing Interventions:
–Ensure comfort and safety.
–Orient to person, time and place.
–Ensure environmental safety especially during episodes of delirium.
–Instruct to abstain from using the substance

5. STIMULANTS
Amphetamines
-short term treatment for obesity, attention deficit and narcolepsy
-also speed or crank
-poor person’s cocaine
-psychosis
Withdrawal: cold turkey
craving
b. Cocaine
- rush
- euphoria
-increased mental awareness
-increased strength
-anorexia
-increased sexual stimulation
-bugs (formication)
-respiratory collapse

c. Hallucinogens
•LSD
•PCP
•Mescaline (Peyote)
•Psilocybin

Clinical Manifestations of LSD, Peyote, and Psilocybin during Overdose
•Psychosis
•Brain damage
•Death
•Clinical Manifestations of PCP during overdose:
–Hypertensive Crisis
–Hyperthermia
–Psychosis
–Seizures
–Respiratory Arrest

DEFENSE MECHANISMS
•Denial
•Rationalization
•Projection

NURSING INTERVENTIONS FOR SUBSTANCE ABUSE
–Identify the type of the substance used
–Observe for signs and symptoms of intoxication and overdose
–Observe for withdrawal symptoms
–Maintain a patent airway and regular respiration
–Treat symptoms of overdose if manifested
–Intravenous therapy should be initiated
–Lavage the client if necessary for overdose especially if the substance used is a sedative
–Request for dialysis as ordered if necessary if the substance used contains barbiturates
–Initiate seizure precautions
–Keep airway on hand: oxygenate as necessary
–Naloxone (Narcan)
–Methadone or Naltrexone
–Treat underlying emotional problems
–Behavior modification
–Detoxification
–Rehabilitation


FOR NURSING UPDATES, visit:
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http://www.tuesdayrn.blogspot.com/

**This article is protected by copyright law. Photocopying and/or reproducing any part without written permission from the author is punishable by law.

SEXUAL DISORDERS

NOTES ABOUT SEXUAL DISORDERS
(Excerpts from NURSE’S NOTES: Reviewer’s Edition)

Maritess Manalang-Quinto, RN, MAN(c)
Nurse Educator/Nurse Instructor/Resource Speaker
Reviewer V for Local and International Nurse Licensure Examinations
Certified Foreign Graduate Nurse
Registered Nurse, Vermont State, USA
Registered Nurse, Republic of the Philippines

SEXUAL DISORDERS

nDisorders related to a particular phase of the sexual response cycle
nMay occur to any individual of any age, race or culture.

FACTORS AFFECTING SEXUALITY
Sexual Identity
Gender Identity
Sexual Orientation
Sexual Behavior

STAGES OF SEXUAL RESPONSES
Excitement
Plateau
Orgasm
Resolution

DSM-IV OF SEXUAL DISORDERS(Diagnostic and Statistical Manual IV)

Sexual Dysfunctions
Paraphilias
Gender Identity Disorder

SEXUAL DYSFUNCTIONS
nDisorders that involve a disturbance in the processes that characterize the sexual response cycle or the presence of pain during sexual intercourse

TYPES OF SEXUAL DISORDERS: Sexual Dysfunctions
Sexual Desire Disorder
qHypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder.
ndecreased sexual fantasy and decreased or absent
qSexual Aversion Disorder.
nActively avoids and has a persistent or recurrent extreme aversion to genital sexual contact with a sexual partner

Sexual Arousal Disorder
qFemale Sexual Arousal Disorder.
n(-) Swelling of the external genitalia and vaginal lubrication
qMale Erectile Disorder.
nUnable to maintain an erection throughout sexual activity

Orgasmic Disorder
qFemale Orgasmic Disorder.
nsignificant delay or total absence of orgasm
qMale Orgasmic Disorder.
nWhen a male experiences significant delay or total absence of orgasm following sexual activity
qPremature Ejaculation.
nEven with minimal sexual stimulation, a male client experiences orgasm and ejaculation on a persistent basis.

Sexual Pain Disorder
qDyspareunia.
nGenital pain that accompanies sexual intercourse.
qVaginismus
nhas spasms of the vaginal muscles
qPriapism
nRare condition of prolonged and painful erection

PARAPHILIAS
socially prohibited or unacceptable fantasies, urges or behaviors to human or non human objects

Exhibitionism
qgenital self-exposure to an unsuspecting stranger, which sometimes involves masturbation.
Fetishism
quse of inanimate objects (such as shoes, underwear or any other object).
Frotteurism
qtouching and rubbing against a person who doesn't consent to this behavior.
Pedophilia
qAffects children 13 years old and below
Sexual Masochism
qbehaviors concerning real acts of being beaten, bound, humiliated or otherwise made to suffer.
Sexual Sadism
qbehaviors concerning real acts of causing physical or psychological torment or otherwise humiliating another.
Transvestic Fetishism
qhas intense sexual desires, fantasies or behavior concerning cross-dressing.
Voyeurism
qthe act of watching an unsuspecting person who is naked, disrobing or having sex.
GENDER IDENTITY DISORDER(Transexualism)
nPersistent discomfort with one’s assigned gender and a feeling that is inappropriate or inaccurate

CARE AND MANAGEMENT: Assessment
Sexual History
Biological Assessment
Psychological Assessment
Social Assessment
CARE AND MANAGEMENT: Planning and Implementation
The nurse/caregiver should:
Accept the client as a person in emotional pain
Avoid punitive remarks or responses
Protect the individual from others
Set limits on the individual’s sexual acting out

Medication Management:
qAntiandrogen Therapy
qHormonal Replacement
qSildefanil Citrate (Viagra)
qSSRI


FOR NURSING UPDATES, visit:
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**This article is protected by copyright law. Photocopying and/or reproducing any part without written permission from the author is punishable by law.

NOTES ABOUT MENTAL STATUS EXAMINATION
(Excerpts from NURSE’S NOTES: Reviewer’s Edition)

Maritess Manalang-Quinto, RN, MAN(c)
Nurse Educator/Nurse Instructor/Resource Speaker
Reviewer V for Local and International Nurse Licensure Examinations
Certified Foreign Graduate Nurse
Registered Nurse, Vermont State, USA
Registered Nurse, Republic of the Philippines

SCHIZOPHRENIA

: Characterized by individuals who exhibits manifestations which are considered bizarre and inappropriate
Etiology:
1. Psychoanalytic
2. Genetics
3. Dopamine hypothesis
4. Other neurotransmitters
Classic Signs of Schizophrenia:
(Bleuler’s Concept of Schizophrenia)
o Looseness of Associations
o Autism
o Inappropriate Affect
o Ambivalence

Confirmatory symptoms:
• Hallucinations
• Delusions

TYPES OF SCHIZOPHRENIA
o Paranoid
o Disorganized
o Catatonic
o Undifferentiated
o Residual

Types of Symptoms:
1. Hard
o Hallucinations
o Delusions
o Echopraxia
o Flight of Ideas
o Perseveration
o Associative looseness
o Ideas of Reference
o Ambivalence

2. Soft
o Apathy
o Alogia
o Flat affect
o Blunt affect
o Anhedonia
o Catatonia
o Lack of volition

Hallucinations Common to Schizophrenic Clients:
o Auditory Hallucination (most common and should be validated)
o Command Hallucination
o Tactile Hallucination
o Olfactory Hallucination
o Gustatory Hallucination
o Cenesthetic Hallucination
o Kinesthetic Hallucination

Delusions Common to Schizophrenic Clients:
o Paranoid Delusions
o Ideas of Reference
o Grandiose Delusions
o Somatic Delusions
o Religious Delusions

Prognosis of the disease process
1. Good
o Late onset
o Positive Symptoms
o Obvious precipitating Factos
o Good premorbid, sexual and work histories
o Mood disorders
o Married
o Family history of mood disorders
o Good support systems
2. Poor
o Young onset
o Sudden onset
o No precipitating factors
o Poor work, sexual or social histories
o Withdrawn, autistic
o Single, divorced, widow
o Family history of schizophrenia
o Poor support systems
o Negative symptoms
o Neuro symptoms
o No remissions in 3 years
o No relapses
o History of assault

Nursing Interventions:
1. Safety
2. Set limits
3. Present Reality
4. Depends on the manifestations of the client
5. Psychopharamcology
6. Behavioral Therapy
7. Milieu Therapy

Medications:
a. Typical b. Atypical
Chlorpromazine (Thorazine) Clozapine (Clozaril)
Trifluoperazine (Trilafon) Risperidone (Risperdal)
Fluphenazine (Prolixin) Olanzapine (Zyprexa)

MENTAL STATUS EXAMINATION

NOTES ABOUT MENTAL STATUS EXAMINATION
(Excerpts from NURSE’S NOTES: Reviewer’s Edition)

Maritess Manalang-Quinto, RN, MAN(c)
Nurse Educator/Nurse Instructor/Resource Speaker
Reviewer V for Local and International Nurse Licensure Examinations
Certified Foreign Graduate Nurse
Registered Nurse, Vermont State, USA
Registered Nurse, Republic of the Philippines

NEUROPSYCHIATRIC MENTAL STATUS EXAMINATION
A. General Description
–General appearance
–Level of consciousness
–Posture
–Gait
–Movements of limbs, trunk, and face
–Response to examiner
–Native or primary language

B. Language and Speech
a. Comprehension
b. Output Repetition

C. Thought
–Form
– Content

D. Mood and Affect

NEUROPSYCHIATRIC MENTAL STATUS EXAMINATION
E. Insight and Judgment
F. Cognition
–Memory
–Orientation
–Concentration
G. Abstraction
H. Roles and Relationships
I. Self Care Considerations
–ADLs
–Medications
–Sleep Patterns
–Eating Patterns

EATING DISORDERS

NOTES ABOUT EATING DISORDERS
(Excerpts from NURSE’S NOTES: Reviewer’s Edition)

Maritess Manalang-Quinto, RN, MAN(c)
Nurse Educator/Nurse Instructor/Resource Speaker
Reviewer V for Local and International Nurse Licensure Examinations
Certified Foreign Graduate Nurse
Registered Nurse, Vermont State, USA
Registered Nurse, Republic of the Philippines

ANOREXIA NERVOSA
: Loss of appetite

•Signs and symptoms:
–Fear of becoming fat
–Body image disturbance
–Amenorrhea
–Depressed mood, social withdrawal, irritability and insomnia
–Preoccupation with thoughts of food
–Feelings of ineffectiveness
–Strong need to control the environment
–Constipation and abdominal pain
–Cold intolerance
–Lethargy
–Emaciation
–Hypotension, hypothermia, bradycardia
–Hypertrophy of salivary glands

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR)
•Refusal to maintain body weight
•Intense fear of gaining weight
•Overvaluing of shape or weight or denial of seriousness of loss of weight
•Absence of 3 consecutive menstrual cycles

TYPES OF ANOREXIA NERVOSA

Restricting type: (-) binge eating or purging
Binge-eating/Purging type: (+) binge eating/purging

Etiology:
•Biologic
-Obesity and diet
-Overprotective family
-beauty, thinness
-fitness and preoccupation of achieving ideal body
•Biochemical:
- Increased CSF levels of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA)
•Psychoanalytical
(-)autonomy and identity
dissatisfaction of body image
possible childhood sexual abuse

•Onset:
Ages of 14 to 18 years old
Denies anxiety over appearance and gaining weight

•Treatment:
–Psychotherapy
–Psychopharmacology

BULIMIA NERVOSA
-(+) bingeing or purging episodes with strong emotions and followed by guilt, remorse, shame or self-contempt

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF BULIMIA NERVOSA
•Recurrent episodes of bingeing and purging
•Compensatory behaviors
•Usually within normal weight range, possible underweight or overweight
•Depressive and anxiety symptoms
•Possible substance abuse
•Loss of dental enamel
•Menstrual irregularities
•Esophageal tears
•Fluid and electrolyte abnormalities

TYPES OF BULIMIA NERVOSA
Purging type: (-) binge eating or purging
Non-Purging type: (+) binge eating/purging

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR)
•Recurrent episodes of binge eating
•A feeling of lack of control over eating behaviors during eating binges
•Recurrent inappropriate compensatory behavior in order to prevent weight gain
•Twice a week for 3 months
•Self evaluation influenced by body shape

Etiology:
•Biologic
:Obesity
:Dieting at an early age
:Substance abuse
:History of personality disorders and anxiety disorders
B. Biochemical:
:serotonin and norepinephrine disturbances
:decreased hypothalamic glucose utilization
:a satiety center disturbance
C. Psychoanalytical
Dissatisfaction of body image
Inability to develop identity

•Onset:
–Late adolescents or early adulthood

Medical Complications of Eating Disorders
•Anorexia Nervosa:
–Arrythmias
•Bulimia Nervosa:
–Metabolic alkalosis
–Metabolic acidosis

Nursing Interventions for Bulimia Nervosa and Anorexia Nervosa:
•Weigh client daily.
•Basic nutritional needs.
•Harmful effects of dieting, bingeing and purging.
•Strengthened family ties.
•Acceptance of different personalities and constant affirmation of child.
•Importance of professional help
•Be alert for attempts to hide food or inflate weight.
•Journal
•Relaxation techniques.


FOR NURSING UPDATES, visit:
http://www.maritessmanalangquintorn.weebly.com/
http://www.tuesdayrn.blogspot.com/

**This article is protected by copyright law. Photocopying and/or reproducing any part without written permission from the author is punishable by law.

FOUNDATIONS OF PSYCHIATRIC NURSING

NOTES ABOUT MENTAL STATUS EXAMINATION
(Excerpts from NURSE’S NOTES: Reviewer’s Edition)

Maritess Manalang-Quinto, RN, MAN(c)
Nurse Educator/Nurse Instructor/Resource Speaker
Reviewer V for Local and International Nurse Licensure Examinations
Certified Foreign Graduate Nurse
Registered Nurse, Vermont State, USA
Registered Nurse, Republic of the Philippines

FUNDAMENTALS OF PSYCHIATRIC NURSING

A. Theories of Personality Development

Sigmund Freud’s Psychosexual Development
Oral
Anal
Phallic
Latency
Genital

Erik Erikson’s Psychosocial Development
Trust versus Mistrust
Autonomy versus Shame and Doubt
Industry versus Inferiority
Role Identity versus Role Confusion
Intimacy versus Isolation
Generativity versus Stagnation
Ego Integrity versus Despair

Sullivan’s Interpersonal Relationship Development
Infancy
Childhood
Juvenile
Preadolescence
Early Adolescence
Late Adolescence
Young Adulthood

Jean Piaget’s Cognitive Development
Sensorimotor
Preoperational
Concrete Operations
Formal Operations

Hildegard Peplau’s Nurse Client Relationship
Phases of Nurse Client Relationship
Orientation
Working Phase
Termination Phase

CAUTION: The avoidance of transference and counter transference in important in the termination phase.

HANDOUTS FOR PSYCHIATRIC NURSING

NOTES IN PSYCHIATRIC NURSING WILL BE POSTED ON DECEMEBER 28, 2009.

Keep posted :)

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO EVERYONE! :)

Dementia

A film about dementia. Yes, it is opne of every person's worst nightmares. And yes, it is also one of my worst nightmares. No prevention, no cure. How could you ever forget the most important people in your life? How can you ever forget the people you have been with you in all the days of your life. And the wonder of all of these memory loss problems is that, the most important memories of love and happinness is never forgotten. Sad in one side because you forget a lot of memories, but happy in one side because you only remember what really makes you happy....

Click the link below: (Short Film)
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=275599490250

REPUBLIC ACT 9173

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CASE STUDY: SUBSTANCE ABUSE

FOR NCM 104 STUDENTS (NPA, NPK,NPC) AND BATCH 5a (Code 0012, 0013,00014):

Questions:

1. Identify the substance used by the client in the scenario 2pts.
2. Identify the manifestations of the client. (at least 3) 3 pts.
3. Categorized whether it is intoxication, withdrawal or overdose. 2pts.
4. Make appropriate medical and nursing actions applicable for the client. (at least 3) 3 pts.
5. TOTAL NUMBER OF POINTS: 10 points per case.

Case Number 1:

A 70 year old patient is suffering from prostate cancer with painful bone metastases. One of the client's problem is that he has built tolerance over pain medications and his family members were afraid that he has become addicted so they decided to reduce the dosage of the medication without consulting a physician. They would cut the medication in halves. After sometime, they realize that their father was no longer responsive. He began having shortness of breath, respiration began to slow below normal so as low as 9 cpm. He was rushed to the hospital and was given appropriate care.

Case Number 2:

Client W.B. a 48 year old client was not productive as he was in the past. In the past 6 months, he began to take in some substance to be more effective in his work. He lost one part time job that he has because he could not meet deadlines. He is always nauseated, vomits everywhere after taking in the substance and would experience clouding of the mind especially when he had more than enough of the substance. He became demanding and domineering, wanting to have the substance early in the morning and each and everyday. He would fight with his wife over his substance abuse. Eventually, his wife decided to divorce him. He was worst than ever and continuously took the substance over and over again.

-end of case analysis-

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(follow up blog from updating trends of nursing nursing tutorials)

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program (free shirts, ballpens and corporate giveaways)
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UPDATING TRENDS FOR NURSING TUTORIALS!

Affiliate Nursing Tutorial Opens its doors to a more Comprehensive and Cost effective Tutorial Center

With the success of student nurses taking practice tests, downloading review modules and by receiving personal emailed reports through my website, maritessmanalangquintorn.weebly.com, an affiliate nursing tutorial has decided to tie up with my website to further enhance the knowldege of the students. International Academic Advancement Institute has decided to open its doors to a more comprehensive and cost effective tutorial center.

In my website, I have been conducting FREE online tutorials for nurses and student nurses to further enhance their knowledge and skills in nursing. One on one tutorials through Skype and YM has been a practice every 4:30-5:30pm or 8:30-9:30 pm depending on the number of registered enrolees.

Recently, some students have suggested to lengthen the number of hours per session and to lenghten the number of times a student may download and join the tutorial. The student is only alloted 3 FREE trial only and the rest of the sessions registered if the student still wants to continue with the tutorial is being paid per hour basis. The sessions per hour costs 500php per hour, and packaged as 5000php per ten sessions, which includes 7 modules, test taking strategies, and personalized nursing tutorials in NCP making, case presentations and/or whatever the student needs just like a regular tutorial. Students may pay their tutorial fees according to their option, wherein instructions are regularly sent through email and text messages.

Since the number of students have increased rapidly during the past few months, since the website started in June 2008, International Advancement Institute has decided to decrease the amount of fees and made another option for students. Students may enroll in groups (maximum of 5 students) and share the tutorial fee of 500php per hour. CC International believes that it may also enhance critical thinking in students and promotes good peer group studies and sessions.

Tuesday decides to die

I have been reading a book entitled "Veronika decides to die" and I was quite having a few insights while reading this. I cannot explain the feeling but somehow can realize that people may really never know the meaning of insanity.

Which made me ask my self? Am I insane? I do not know if you have asked that to your self, but then when I was reading the book, the question occurred to me for a couple of times.

These past few days, I have been depressed. Depressed due to reasons I cannot explain. I somehow feel alone, hopeless and has no one to turn to but myself. Quite sad and bitter as it may sound, but that is the truth. I have been trying to fight the depression but then I was acting like this is not me...

Going back to the book I have been reading, Veronika decides to die because she finds no meaning in her life. And I myself can realize, I am living not for myself but for others , which makes me find meaning to my life. But then, living with this kind of reason is not even living at all. Living for another person or being is living because you choose to not because you want to.

I do not know how long will I have this feeling. At least I can realize my emotions and somehow decipher what I plan to do. Oh no, my title does not speak for the plans that I have. My old self will probably die... but not me.

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Letter from Lilian De Vera

I received this message through email and I felt horrible about the events. This message was forwarded to me by a friend, who the same with me, felt that some things should be done appropriately. I have not validated the content of this email, (well i'm not a detective for one) but then, it could serve as a reminder for all of us. Here it goes:

from Lilian de Vera…please read..

Two months ago I considered myself as one of those blessed and happiest
people on earth. Why not? I married a guy who was an epitome of kindness. A
guy who worshipped even the footsteps I made. More importantly, our union
blessed us with a daughter who not only became the main source of our
happiness….more so; she was the center of our lives.

We're simple folks who led a simple life. We felt the happiest even about
mundane things and inconsequential ones that most people would only take
for granted. Our joy mostly revolved on simple pleasures like a sudden trip
to Jollibee or a late night marauding of the fridge for any leftovers. A
perfect family with simple delights, dreams and aspirations………until that
fateful night on December 5, 2008.The day my husband and daughter were
taken away from me in a very violent way. That Friday night on December 5,
2008 marked the beginning of all the terror, anguish and misery in my life.

In keeping with my ritual or "panata" on every first Friday of every month,
I went to Quiapo Church on the above mentioned date to pay homage and
respect to the Almighty One. My husband and daughter were supposed to pick
me up in Pasay City after which we planned on giving our daughter a treat
to Jollibee. While riding the jeep, I tried to call my husband to tell him
that I was on my way to our meeting place. But despite all the calls I
made, my husband remained silent. A very unusual occurrence inasmuch as he
seldom missed my calls. Despite my trepidation and wonder, I took the next
jeep going home and prayed that everything was alright. I even promised to
myself that I would forgive my husband for not answering my calls and for
forgetting to pick me up.

I felt relieved when near our place my phone rung. Such relief was somehow
only momentary….in fact the phone call I got was the bearer of the worst
news in my entire life. My helper called, only to tell me that my husband
and daughter were shot to death by "men in uniform". The same men who were
sworned to protect innocent people from bad guys brutally slew the two most
important persons in my life. They were the same men whose sacred duty was
to preserve the lives of the public against all harm and danger. Yet…….they
were the same men who murdered my love ones in the most cruel, savage and
inhuman way.

My husband's face was unrecognizable because he was shot in the head at
close range while he was kneeling with his head bowed down.. My daughter's
young body was riddled with bullets, one hit her head, blowing her brains
out.., all from too powerful guns and ammunitions fired by the "men in
uniform" on two innocent and defenseless persons.

The "men in uniform" were allegedly on a mission to take some gang of
robbers victimizing people at large. The police shot the crosswind van my
husband and daughter were riding Based on some witnesses' narration, the
police sprayed bullets into the van despite the lack of provocation or
shots coming from the van. In his last effort to save their lives, my
husband grabbed my bloodied daughter and shielded her with his body while
trying to run away from the police and tried to get cover from a parked
jeepney My husband and daughter were so defenseless. How can you mistake a
child for a robber? How can you shot at someone who was already kneeling
with head bowed, an indication of helplessness.

My husband and daughter are gone…….forever. The pain I feel for their lost
is too much too bear. And the only thing that motivates me to go on with
life is the mission to seek justice for their senseless killing. If the
people who are responsible for their death will be punished, if I could
bring them the justice they so richly deserve, my pain would be alleviated.
The misery I will live by will be lessened. My husband and daughter will be
vindicated and I will learn to live the remaining years of my life in
peace..

Thus: I'm asking and begging everyone who will come across this
letter/e-mail to forward the same to all your relatives, friends, and
acquaintances. Help me bring my cause to the eyes of the people capable of
steering the wheel of justice to the right direction. Help me make the
loudest cry worthy of attention by those people in-charge in rendering
justice to those who deserve it.

Strength comes in numbers; it is where the impossible becomes possible. It
is also where the unattainable becomes achievable.

My heartfelt gratitude for everyone who will take a moment in their too
busy lives and forward this letter/e-mail to everyone they know. May God
always protect you and your love ones from all harm.

Lilian de Vera

I am tuesday

Today, I have decided to start my blog, for some reasons line, I am not doing anything productive nowadays and yet I am in a rage of speaking my heart out.

A lot of people has started this blog thing and it makes an extraordinary sense of bringingup the best in them. Eventually, everybody becomes journalists, media men, photographers, paparazzi, all because of a blog. And if you will wonder, how could this be, probably every person needs to say something, every person has an idea, every single person in each one of us wants to be known in an extraordinary way, and we believe this is the only way. Everyone wants to be famous but then they are afraid to carry out the responsiblity of being one. Which only means, we all want to be anonymous.

So this is it, welcome to my blog.