I want to emphasize at the beginning, that these are solely our experiences and that anyone else's might be entirely different.
Soon after arriving in Cuenca I developed a throat infection. This lasted for four months. It could have been because the apartment we were renting was very cold and the wall on the patio was damp. However, I consulted various doctors who prescribed injections and medication. One doctor informed me that I had a chronic throat infection and that nothing could be done for it. I eventually saw a natural doctor, John Matlander, and after taking courses of drops I am now fine. We have also moved into a sunny, warm, airy apartment.
As related in a previous posting, I needed treatment for a capped tooth. I received excellent, professional and friendly treatment from Dr Richard Rodriguez. He has also since made new bridges for my upper and lower teeth at a reasonable cost.
My husband had been suffering from what we suspected was a hernia. We tried to find an English-speaking surgeon in Cuenca and were introduced to Dr Patricio Serrano. At 4.20pm Dr Serrano saw my husband. He was taken to the emergency rooms at Monte Sinai Hospital where blood tests, Ecg, and Sonar were performed on him. It was confirmed that it was a large hernia and nothing more serious. An hour later the results of the blood tests were received and at approximately 6pm Kenneth was in the operating theatre. At 8.15pm Kenneth was wheeled into a private ward which was decorated like a 5 star hotel suite. He was lifted very gently off the trolley and placed on the bed by Juan, a nurse and ambulance driver who after hearing that Kenneth would soon be undergoing surgery, drove me and our car home to change as it had been raining and I was damp. (I don't drive and don't need the stress of driving here as there are some really crazy drivers.)
Kenneth was under continual surveillance and monitoring throughout the night. Beautiful, little, smiling, Ecuadorian nurses flitted in and out the room constantly.
If that couldn't cheer any man up, I don't know what would!
The food was excellent. When Kenneth wanted anything he had only to push a button and a voice from a speaker in the ceiling would enquire what it was that he required. He would reply and immediately someone would attend to him.
The anaethetist who attended Kenneth was also English-speaking as was the lady who administered the sonar. It seemed as though everything was done to make Kenneth feel as comfortable as possible.
Prior to the surgery Dr Serrano explained in detail everything that he would be doing. A camera was inserted through a small hole in Kenneth's belly-button, and beneath this, through two small cuts, one below the other, the hernia would be repaired with mesh using special instruments and the camera. I think this is called "Key-Hole" surgery.
Afterwards the holes were taped closed. There were no stitches - only on the inside.
After twenty-four hours Kenneth was discharged.
All this cost us $2,360. Local friends here think that this was expensive but we were very satisfied and happy to pay for the best possible treatment. Monte Sinai, we have been told is an expensive hospital, but it was worth it to us. We are not rich "gringos" but believe it is worth paying for the best medical treatment available.
People went the extra mile and Kenneth was made to feel like a king. Juan, the nuse/ambulance driver even offered to transport us home, but "family" here in Cuenca took charge and arrived to fetch Kenneth from hospital.
A couple of months ago Kenneth visited a dermatologist for marks and bumps on his face and neck.
He was injected eight times in each of the offending spots. The bump on his neck proved to be a cyst and this was cut open, the cyst removed, then the hole was stitched up. Near his temple, the skin was sliced off with a scalpel and the area was cauterised. Other spots were either cauterized or frozen. All this, done in the consulting room, cost $100. (I am detailing everything to show what was done for the money.) Everything has healed perfectly. Kenneth had had these treated in South Africa By freezing, but they just came back again. This doctor went to the root of the problem.
Our conclusion is that medical treatment and technology is very good and advanced here. We have been told that people come here from other countries because it is cheaper and the treatment is first-world. This has been our experience. But then we are from S.A. - not the States.
We don't have any medical insurance so have to put aside money for any medical requirements.
Chiquita.
Chiquita.
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