Chico Keeps me Sane Through my Medical Worries

I took this photo of Chico this morning. He is keeping me sane through my worries. Some of you know that I also write for Accesslakechapala.com. We get many questions about moving here on that site, just as I do on this one. There are three main concerns: Safety, medical care and housing.

I am feeling safe these days. The robbery at our complex is long past and the memories of feeling violated have subsided. Recently, I haven't heard of new horrors in this area. Hopefully, things have calmed down. But I still am not walking around town alone at night.

There are many inexpensive places for rent and for sale here now. You can see great walk through videos on Accesslakechapala.com. The two men who run this site are wonderful. I trust them completely and would recommend them to anyone looking for housing here. They have done many things for me in the two years that I have been associated with them. When I broke my ankle, they took me to the doctor and the store and out to lunch and really lifted my spirits.

As far as the medical concerns, well I have dealt with some. One was the broken ankle and the operation at Ajijic Hospital here. I am happy with the surgery and the several days stay in the hospital. The operation and days in the hospital were a little over two thousand dollars. Can't imagine what that would have cost in the States.

I have IMSS but have never used it. I am keeping it just for major emergencies, that I wouldn't be able to afford out of pocket.  And now I have a thyroid issue. I am seeing an Oncologist tomorrow to find out if I will need surgery or not. I may also get a second opinion. The private hospitals in Guadalajara are beautiful and the doctors and nurses are helpful and kind. I had my torn meniscus fixed in one of them several years ago. That was two thousand dollars. My friend in the States had the same operation at that time to the tune of 45,000 dollars.

The Oncologist that I am seeing tomorrow will cost me less than fifty dollars for the consultation. I will find out what the surgery will cost if it is necessary. I hope not. But I feel lucky to be living here with this excellent medical care and hospitals less than an hour away. If I have to have the surgery, my friend said she is willing to stay with me in the hospital. They have an extra bed in the room for that.  This takes a lot of worries away.

I am writing about this because of the many questions people have about medical care here. I may write about my experiences as I go through this process if it is of interest to readers....

I do have medicare in the States but I haven't carried that extra hundred dollars a month. I remember when my mother used medicare, she paid for that plus three thousand dollars for another supplemental policy. After she passed away, I was surprised to get bills from the doctors and hospitals, on top of all that insurance. This is why I have decided to go ahead and pay for my medical issues and do it here.

Guadalajara is becoming a center for medical tourism for all the reasons I have already mentioned; beautiful hospitals, skilled and kind doctors and nurses, and reasonable prices.....  I feel so lucky to be here so I can take advantage of all those things. My friends have helped with my anxieties, and of course, Chico, my healer. Whenever I start getting anxious and worrying, I just pet him for awhile.