OCTOBER 20, 2017 – FRIDAY JAM UPDATE & PHOTOS

The unforeseen happened last night when after setting up the music room for our regular Friday jam, I suddenly became ill with stomach pains that developed to unbearable proportions. Tracing back on what must have triggered it and similarly supported by the attending physician after a thorough check up at Comcare where I was brought, it was primarily deemed to be a result of severe pressure applied for too long to the diaphragm/abdominal region on a full stomach. Having to siesta, immediately after on that condition, exacerbated the condition. Too much pressure developed into acute acid reflux and stomach spasms had progressed manifesting as soon as I woke up.

Apparently, the lengthy and tedious saxophone practice i did was one of the reasons. I had just finished having a heavy meal when I decided to cram on the sax parts of a song that we agreed to do, just to be ready for the jam. Having not played for a while, it took me some time before i got myself back in the flow with a more controlled and relaxed blowing technique. The pressure was too much for my diaphragm and abdominal region on a full stomach and had taken its toll.

A few hours of rehearsing, I then decided to stop and rest. Exhausted with my stomach feeling bloated with air, it was time for my siesta. When i woke up i knew there was something wrong. I ignored it and still managed to prepare the music room. The “show must go on” was the plan. I even took my usual after set-up selfie but the discomfort had started to get worse.

I just had to go upstairs to our bedroom to lie down and take some breather hoping to recuperate before the guys arrive. While on the bed, I soiled two shirts, all soaking wet with perspiration due to profuse cold sweating while trying to weather the pain. It was darn awful!

Eventually, I had myself driven to the clinic (my wife Vicky and dear friend Cali were already there waiting for me) because i could not bear the suffering anymore. After being examined by the resident doctor, I was then administered two intravenous shots as a remedy for the diagnosed acute hyperacidity and abdominal spasms. Some minutes later I was allowed to be released from confinement only as soon as the meds had taken effect and the abdominal pain subsided.

Praise and thank God, today I wake up refreshed and relieved from that agonizing ordeal. No more abdominal pains. I hope and pray I will never encounter this experience ever again.
While all these were happening behind the scene, the Friday Jam still lived on in the music room. I would have wanted to join the guys after I was released but naturally it was only smart to just relax and recover fully. Besides, I was already too spent and tired from the ordeal.

Well, the photos and jam videos taken of last night will just have to speak for itself for now.

Thanks to everyone who came, took care and managed the place without me around, carrying on and living up to our much anticipated weekend tradition.

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!