Arnold Clavio details health scare, road to recovery on 'Unang Hirit': 'Marami pang humps'

Arnold Clavio is on his way to recovery after suffering from a hemorrhagic stroke earlier this month.

In an online interview with "Unang Hirit," the GMA Network broadcast journalist gave his co-hosts an update about his health.

"Mali yata 'yung 'road to recovery' kasi marami pang humps," Clavio said.

"OK ako, pero kailangan pa ng rehabilitation, therapy, kasi 'yung right side ng body ko nawalan 'yung connection sa pumutok na part ng brain ko eh," he added. "Ngayon, parang may numbness pa and weakness, so wala akong balanse, para pa akong sanggol na naglalakad."

He detailed the scary experience he had on the night he had the stoke, which set in as he was driving home from a golf session.

"Kinatakot ko kasi, nakita ko sa speedometer ng sasakayan, matulin na pala ako, tapos hinahanap ko 'yung brakes, hindi ko matapakan," he said. "Mataong lugar 'yun eh, natakot akong madisgrasya."

After stopping over at a gasoline station to take stock of himself, Clavio was able to drive himself to the nearest hospital. Thankfully, the doctors were quick to treat him after he told them his symptoms.

They found that his blood pressure and blood sugar were both beyond normal range.

After a CT scan, they diagnosed him with hemorrhagic stroke.

"GInawa ko, nag-Google ako, which is mali," he said, prompting laughter from his co-hosts. "Ang nakalagay doon, two days to live nalang ako."

"Tinawagan ko si Ina, my wife, sabi ko, 'Mag-ready ka na. Dalawang araw na lang ako,'" he added, and said she scolded him for it.

Although the search results were not to be trusted, Clavio said that he still felt as if he experienced a 'miracle.'

"I'm ready, talagang at peace ako," he said. "Walang fear of death. Parang dumating pa sa point na, 'Ano to? Ba't nandito pa rin ako?' Kasi iba 'yung naramdaman ko at that moment, 'pag alam mong konting panahon na lang, kasi 'yun ang pumasok sa isip ko. Parang nag-flashback lahat sayo sa buhay mo, and sabi ko, mukhang nagawa ko naman lahat. Wala na kong hiling pa. I'm ready to go."

"During that time naman, naramdaman ko 'yung pagmamahal ni Lord," he added.

He said that he felt lucky because the stroke was not any more severe.

"Hindi na-deform ang mukha ko, hindi nabulol o nawala ang boses ko, sa ibang stroke patient, 'yun ang immediate na nangyayari," he said.

"Sabi ko nga, kinalabit lang ako," he added. "Wake up call, not just for me, but for everyone. If you're feeling okay does not mean you're okay."

Clavio shared that part of his everyday routine now is to check his blood pressure and sugar.

He will also continue with physical therapy and rehabilitation, and more importantly, remain optimistic amidst his health challenges.

"Ayokong idamay kayo," he said. "Gusto kong makita niyong masaya ako. Masaya kayo, masaya na rin ako. Ingat po tayo. Listen to your body."

Clavio revealed that he suffered a hemorrhagic stroke in mid-June. In a followup update, the journalist said he was out of danger and that the worst was over.

A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures or leaks, which causes bleeding inside the brain. This may be caused by a head injury or a weakened artery wall. —JCB, GMA Integrated News