Arroyo's condition improving: PNP report

Former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's medical report from the Regional Health Service of the National Capital Region Police Office (RHS-NRCPO).

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATE) - Contrary to her doctor's and lawyer's claims, former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's condition is improving, a report from the Regional Health Service of the National Capital Region Police Office (RHS-NRCPO) showed.

The report was based on consultations made by RHS-NCRPO chief Herminigilda Salangad with Arroyo's main attending physician, Dr. Juliet Cervantes, from November 19 to 22, after her arrest for the crime of electoral sabotage.

It showed that Arroyo was "conscious," "coherent" and "not in cardio-respiratory distress." She was also not being fed intravenously, as was previously mentioned by her lawyer, Atty. Ferdinand Topacio.

Her blood pressure was also normal at 120/80, contrary to reports that she had elevated blood pressure.

"Patient was seen lying flat on her back on the bed, wearing a Minerva vest. No IV fluid but still with plaster on site of her previous IVF on her left arm," the report said.

"No observable sign of pain but complains of pain on her lower back and left leg and 'tingling' of toes when asked, slight weakness of both feet, no complaints of diarrhea."

GMA's health normalizing

The report added that her parathyroid hormones are within normal limits.

Arroyo was earlier reported to have hypoparathyroidism, a rare condition in which the body secretes abnormally low levels of parathyroid hormones, which regulate calcium and phosphorus in the body.

"Hypoparathyroidism is resolving. Calcium, magnesium and vitamin D supplements are being maintained. All other laboratory reports are within the normal levels," the report said.

"X-ray of the neck show that her cervical spine implants are in place and shows no sign of loosening and with increased density of her bone graft. Repeat X-ray is scheduled on December 8, 2011," it added.

Arroyo's condition may have improved, but the former President still suffers from anorexia probably because of stress, the report said.

She is also sensitive or adversely reactive to many kinds of medications, particularly antibiotics.

Arroyo's camp filed a formal request for hospital arrest before the Pasay Regional Trial Court on Wednesday, saying that the former President is suffering from anorexia nervosa or lack of appetite, as well as neck and back pain.

Arroyo was earlier reported to be in delicate condition due to hypoparathyroid and bone diseases as well as diarrhea.

Arroyo is currently staying at the lone presidential suite of St. Luke's Medical Center in Taguig City.

Arroyo feeling better, lawyer says

Atty. Raul Lambino, legal spokesman of the former President, confirmed Thursday night that Arroyo's health has improved.

He told TV Patrol that Arroyo is no longer on intravenous therapy and is eating better.

"Ako'y natutuwa naman, nakita ko siya kagabi, wala na siyang dextrose at nakakaupo uli siya di tulad ng 2 gabing nakakaraan na nakaratay siya," Lambino said.

"Nakakakain na rin siya, mas marami ng kaunti kaysa sa dati. Nakakatuwa... mabuti-buti na rin ang kaniyang itsura at pakiramdam," he added.

Lambino said the doctors of Arroyo and the government have met to discuss the former leader's health.

He agrees with need for government doctors to assess her health.

"Dahil nasa custody nga ng korte ang dating Pangulo, kailangan din siyang matignan ng mga duktor ng gobyerno para malaman talaga iyung tunay na kalagayan," Lambino said.

He added that Arroyo's doctors have submitted to the court a medical certificate regarding Arroyo's health. "Nasa korte na po ang pagpapasiya... kung saan po siya mananatili habang nakabinbin po iyung kaso."

Coy on overseas travel

Lambino, however, remained coy on Arroyo's plans to travel overseas to get medical treatment.

"kahit gusto po niya... iyung pagpapagamot naman sa ibang bansa, hihingi po siya ng opinyon sa ibang dalubhasa, espesiyalistang duktor para malaman kung ano iyung pangmatagalang gamutan sa kaniyang sakit," he said.

He added that Arroyo does not want to depend on taking a lot of medications, adding that this is the reason why she wants to get second opinion from doctors overseas.

House arrest

Lambino said Arroyo's camp has requested house arrest for the former President.

He said the government, through Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, earlier stated that it won't reject either a hospital or house arrest for Arroyo.

The Arroyo camp requested a provisional house arrest for the former President in a court motion filed Wednesday, according to Lambino.

He said the motion contained medical certificates from  Arroyo's doctors.

No longer life threatening?

Lambino claimed that Arroyo's illness, reported to be hypoparathyroidism, is still life-threatening.

"Hindi naman immediate life-threatening na mamamatay na siya bukas or sa susunod na lingo kung hindi makakapagpagamot," he said.

"It will still be. Kung may sakit ka, it will still be life threatening," he added.

"Iyung mga may hypertension, sakit sa puso, these are all life-threatening. Kailangan talaga tama iyung gamot na iinumin mo," Lambino said. - with a report from Gigi Grande, ABS-CBN News