Filipina ready to come home after waking up from nine-month coma

A Filipina who has been undergoing treatment and physiotherapy in a hospital in Dubai is ready to go back to Philippines after waking up from a nine-month coma.

Perlite Almonte, 35, is now well on her way to recovery. She was first admitted at Rashid hospital April 18, 2015 after she was found unconscious in the bathroom of her house, Gulf News reported. Doctors who examined Almonte said she had slipped into a coma.

Head of Critical Care Department at Rashid Hospital Dr. Zeyad Al Rais told Gulf News that Almonte fell into a coma because of intracerebral hemorrhage, a life-threatening type of stroke caused by bleeding within the brain tissue.

Dr. Al Rais further explained that Almonte had an aneurysm – a balloon-like bulge or weakening of the arterial wall.

“Perlite underwent a surgical intervention to drain the blood. Due to the critical location of the bleeding, the respiratory and hemodynamic functions were affected, and she was kept on a ventilator for more than two weeks, hence the decision was taken to perform tracheostomy, which helped her to gradually be weaned off the mechanical ventilation. We also started early physiotherapy to enhance her muscular power, while she was in coma,” he said.

The report said that after nine months of being admitted, Almonte gained consciousness sometime in January 2016. Dr. Al Rais was then able to begin the intensive active physiotherapy and put a neurological rehabilitation plan in place.

Almonte’s neurological state was announced stable. She also has been successfully weaned off the ventilator and regained some of her motor skills, and can now walk with people’s help.

“We are now working on an intensive rehabilitation plan for Perlie. Our aim is to make her independent as much as possible so that she can lead a regular life,” Dr. Al Rais said.

According to the report, Almonte used to work as a supervisor in a courier company, and is a mother of two.

She expressed gratitude to Dr. Rais and his team of specialists, nurses and respiratory therapists.

“I have spent over a year and nine months at Rashid Hospital, I now consider the doctors and nurses at the hospital my family. I am truly thankful for the treatment I have received at Rashid Hospital. I am glad that I am recovering and I can’t wait to go to the Philippines to see my children,” she said.

Ray Angulo, a Dubai Health Authority-accredited social worker, said that her case is truly a success story. Although Almonte can barely speak, her morale has received a major boost due to the care she has received and her family’s support. Angulo has regularly visited Almonte, and also helped fly in Almonte’s children – so that they can show their support for their mother’s recovery. JE