[Enrobrorb]

I just wanted to say a big thank-you to the folks at Centro Medico Cabarete. I've had my share of illness this past year and ended up there last week for a 5 day vacation. I cannot say enough about the quality of care and personal attention that I received. Hopefully this time I am finally finished with being ill!! I am impressed not only with the level of care and the in depth diagnostics that were done while I was there, but also with the aggressive manner in which they are following my care. Every last person that I interacted with on the staff was kind, efficient, professional and conscientious. I felt secure that if Dr. Spitale and Co. couldn't effectively treat me that they would not hesitate to move me on to someone who could. Also, thanks to everyone who has suggested Dr.s and the like for what seems like an awefully long illness. Thanks also to those of you who are praying for me. Now I need to get glasses. Does anyone know of a good place in POP?

Thanks, Corey

[cindygirl]

You have more then your share of illness this year Corey. Donky and we have missed you.

Dr. Spitale and Co. are not perfect but they are good. I guess for special heart procedures and other things I'd go back home. But they have done a good job for what we and friends have needed thus far.

Glasses? Can not help on that one. I had my eyes checked and new ones made a couple of years ago while in Miami while having a specialist look at a nerve problem in my hand. The specialist turned out to be a ... duck... and the problem solved itself in a couple of weeks after talking with a P.T that suggested a couple of simple things. Saved 30K and didn't have my arm opened shoulder to finger tip.

Anyway. CMC does good work and I hope to Ceee you soon.

[Esmeralfaf]

CMC is a great community hospital. But bare in mind that as community hospital, they do not have the capacity to treat some serious conditions. For anything heart related, you're better off going directly to HOMS where they can do an angiogram and angioplasty. For an idea of cost, an angioplasty cost $75,000 in the US but $15,000 at HOMS.

[Enrobrorb]

At this point it looks like I've had a lingering infection that would subside after a round of antibiotics, but then strengthen for the next round. 2 bouts of pneumonia between June and August. Then Sept. my heart had some trouble because of the extended strain of the pneumonia. Early November had me still not feeling 'well' and my eye started to be inflamed and irritated. It ended up that the infection, now very strong, led to the arteries in my brain and my optic nerve swelling. This led to a 5 day vacation in Bournigal. Out for a week and a half and back to CMC... They put me on some super antibiotics, IV for 5 days and another 7 at home. All of the swelling, vision problems, and pain are gone. I had lost quite a bit of my vision for a while. I just went back on Wen. and all the follow-up testing looks good. I just need LOTS of rest, which is almost impossible for me! I go back in another week just to make sure this is all under control.

Ringo, I miss you, the missus, Eeyore and all the other critters too!! AS SOON AS I CAN I WILL COME TO VISIT!! Promise!!

[8Zgkdeee]

CMC is a great community hospital. But bare in mind that as community hospital, they do not have the capacity to treat some serious conditions. For anything heart related, you're better off going directly to HOMS where they can do an angiogram and angioplasty. For an idea of cost, an angioplasty cost $75,000 in the US but $15,000 at HOMS.

Free in Canada. Corey I hope you can stay healthy.

[Ternneowns]

At this point it looks like I've had a lingering infection that would subside after a round of antibiotics, but then strengthen for the next round.

So glad you found a competent doctor! The name of the bug and the antibiotics that finally cured it would be of great interest. Also how you became infected if you know.......

[Enrobrorb]

So glad you found a competent doctor! The name of the bug and the antibiotics that finally cured it would be of great interest. Also how you became infected if you know.......

I'm pretty sure that it just started out with a good case of the grippe. The first time I got sick was literally the day that I was going back to the States for a 2 week vacation to see my niece marry. I didn't seek prompt treatment in hopes that it would just go away on it's own. I also didn't get the rest that I needed. When I came home, I jumped full swing back into overdoing things as always. It has continued the same cycle until now, after 2 five day stints in hospitals, that I am FINALLY getting the message that A.) I am human and need rest, B.) I am almost 50 years old. I don't think it was any bug that is out of the ordinary. Also, I believe the antibiotic is Levaquin or a derivative there-of. Not a rocket science antibiotic, just STRONG, and being given in sufficient and long enough doses. I am finally, after 6 months, starting to feel healthy again and for that I thank God!

[GaxyGroordrep]

Glad to hear you are feeling better.

[Ygd2qr8k]

Free in Canada. Corey I hope you can stay healthy.

Wonder why 20 % of cardiac surgery at Cleveland Clinic is on Canadian's payiing cash? I guess they couldn't wait for an appointment.

[Tilmbeinymn]

Free in Canada. Corey I hope you can stay healthy.

Right. Nothing to do with how much you already paid in taxes.

[Gremlinn]

Right. Nothing to do with how much you already paid in taxes.

Are you from mars? You probably at the end of the day pay as much in taxes and fees as Canadians do, and yet you have to buck up LARGE for your medical insurance and meds. God forbid if you end up in a critical medical situation.
I pay 50 bucks a month to the government health care system. If I need an operation for a critical situation, I'm in the OR right away. I know, it's so socialist.
In some provinces you pay a monthly fee...............of......... ZERO.

[8Zgkdeee]

[QUOTE=belmont;1043918]Wonder why 20 % of cardiac surgery at Cleveland Clinic is on Canadian's payiing cash? I guess they couldn't wait for an appointment.[/QUOTE
Your point? Our system has it's problems but the system in the USA has no room for criticism. I was diagnosed as having partial blockages in November - operated in December. Six days in the hospital, numerous tests, then three months of cardiac rehab, plus more tests - nothing out of my pocket. I paid around 16k in income tax last year on income of 90K plus. I'm sure Americans pay close to the same if not more.

[Ygd2qr8k]

Wonder why 20 % of cardiac surgery at Cleveland Clinic is on Canadian's payiing cash? I guess they couldn't wait for an appointment.[/QUOTE
Your point? I was diagnosed as having partial blockages in November - operated in December. Six days in the hospital, numerous tests, then three months of cardiac rehab, plus more tests - nothing out of my pocket. .

My point exactly. What were they waiting for? An M.I.? If you were sick enough to require intervention when they did the angiogram, you should have been stented or bypassed immediately, not a month later. Oh right, you wait your turn on the list in Canada. Or, go to Cleveland and pay cash.

[denwerdinoss]

I went to the Royal Victoria Hospital emergency saturday December 31st with chess pain.On Sunday,had a bunch of tests,EKG,Xrays.Monday,had a stress test and angioplasty.Had 3 stents installed.On Tuesday,had an echography and was home for supper.Try beating that.

Ambulance (for over 65 y.o.)............................................. .................................................. .................$0.00
All test and angio. w/stents............................................ .................................................. ....................$0.00
Living in a great country like Canada............................................ .................................................. .PRICELESS

I know that I was lucky that there was no waiting.The system is not so bad.With any universal health care,you will have some delay.It's still better than having to look at your bank account before going for treament.I dont understand why people in the U.S. are so opposed about this.Could be the doctors and pharmaceutical companys that want to keep their high income.

Regards

Mike

[Tilmbeinymn]

Are you from mars? You probably at the end of the day pay as much in taxes and fees as Canadians do, and yet you have to buck up LARGE for your medical insurance and meds. God forbid if you end up in a critical medical situation.
I pay 50 bucks a month to the government health care system. If I need an operation for a critical situation, I'm in the OR right away. I know, it's so socialist.
In some provinces you pay a monthly fee...............of......... ZERO.

No, actually, I am originally from NY. One company I worked for in the US was from Ottawa, Canada. I had discussions about salary versus tax rates between the US and Canada. The Canadian employees were paying significantly more than I was at the same income level. It was thousands of dollars more. Not to mention adding the Canadian VAT into the picture. I do recall they loved talking about the universal health care system, however in the US health care has not yet been deemed a "right".

Now that I live in Cabarete, I was happy to see CMC come into existence and even changed insurance plans so that my family had one accepted there. Health care is not a "right" in the DR either unlike Canada.

[cindygirl]

No, actually, I am originally from NY. One company I worked for in the US was from Ottawa, Canada. I had discussions about salary versus tax rates between the US and Canada. The Canadian employees were paying significantly more than I was at the same income level. It was thousands of dollars more. Not to mention adding the Canadian VAT into the picture. I do recall they loved talking about the universal health care system, however in the US health care has not yet been deemed a "right".

Now that I live in Cabarete, I was happy to see CMC come into existence and even changed insurance plans so that my family had one accepted there. Health care is not a "right" in the DR either unlike Canada.

To support windeguy and other that live here.

Those of us that LIVE here... ya know... like in the Dominican Republic and LIVE in the North Coast area have found that CMC has been a great big help in our medical care. HUGH!

Yes, I can fly back to the States and I have great medical coverage IF I need it and can find the Dr./hospital that can see me as needed for whatever the problem might be. That can take a loooong time sitting in a hotel and running up $$$$.

But for the most part CMC has done a great job for me, my wife and many friends.

Posts about the "free" health care in Canada, the U.S. and other places did not nor could they have helped my wife with 5 broken ribs. Nor the many others that needed help in the NOW. Near their homes, family and friends here in the Dominican Republic.

[8Zgkdeee]

My point exactly. What were they waiting for? An M.I.? If you were sick enough to require intervention when they did the angiogram, you should have been stented or bypassed immediately, not a month later. Oh right, you wait your turn on the list in Canada. Or, go to Cleveland and pay cash.

Couldn't have stents due to location of blockage, and I was otherwise very healthy, unlike many people ahead of me on the list. If I was critical they would have operated on me right after the Angiogram. I think it was fair that I waited 3 weeks.

[RerRoktoido]

My husband was given news last week at CMC that he has CSF ("water" that keeps the brain buoyant) starting to collect at one of his ventricles and may need a shunt. Would you or have one of your family have this done at CMC ? Dr. Spitali is great, but what about everyone else when he is not there. Not sure what we should do ....

[Finkevannon]

Floridaborn, only you can make that decision.

I do charity work. A few years ago, we had a baby who needed a shunt put in for CFS. After a few months, the baby rejected the shunt and a second operation was performed. Dr. Spitali, at CMC, did both operations in consultation with other international doctors. As far as we were concerned, his work was caring, skilled, and professional.

The baby came to us badly malnourished and with a host of other problems. Dr. Spitali put together a team to work together to insure that the baby was in good health before and after the operations.

Addressing your concerns about what will happen when Dr. Spitali is not there, are you aware that Dr. Spitali lives about 3 minutes away? Unless he told you that he is leaving on a vacation, I believe, should a crisis occur, he will always be close at hand and just a phone call away.

Best of luck making your decision. I imagine it is agonizing. I wish your husband well, and hope is recovery is smooth and speedy.

Lindsey

[sDePrx59]

inform yourself about the procedure which needs to be done and decide from there. In this country there are many good doctors but to be honest such a delicate surgery i would not do here after i just read a bit about the procedure.

Procedure
The defect site can be repaired either from the brain or the sinus side of the skull base. Repairing a CSF leak site from the brain side requires a cut through the skull, slight retraction of the brain away from the skull base to identify and ultimately repair the defect. These procedures are typically performed by a neurosurgeon. The failure rates of repair from the brain side are quoted as high as 25%.