Morning Walk with Chico to the Plaza in Ajijic

The San Andras Festival is in full swing now. Lots of noise, music and dancing at night.

The Doctor

I wanted to be objective enough to be able to take photos of my doctor and the clinic but I was unable to do that. Something about that big C word that made me unable to think straight. I am so glad my friend was at the appointment with me because I couldn't relax enough to ask the questions I had written down. She asked them for me.

I like the doctor. Dr. Arch. He comes into the Mascaras clinic to see patients but his office is in Guadalajara. He charged me 500 pesos for the consultation. He seems very kind and competent. I have to go for more tests at the hospital in Guadalajara on Friday. Maybe by then I will be able to regain my emotional balance enough to take some photos of the hospital, at least of the outside of the hospital. It feels too invasive once I get inside of these healing places to be snapping photos. Plus, I become so scared that it takes all my energy just to maintain. Objectivity goes out the window.

I don't know if I will be able to blog much this week with this problem hanging over my head. Time seems to stand still. I have no energy to do things except obsess. I am sure anyone who has been through health scares can relate to how I am feeling at the moment. I don't want to go into these dark spaces on my blog. It would be better not to write at all than to share these moments.

 I will try to take some happy photos during this waiting period. Maybe that will keep my mind occupied. I need to stay away from researching online about all the complications that can happen. My theory from when I broke my ankle is this; people write about all the problems online because they are in pain and need to reach out to others. If there were no problems, then they don't bother writing about it. So it is probably best to stay away from compulsively reading about all the terrible experiences others have had with similar problems as mine. I remember one person online saying that she had to have her foot cut off after she broke her ankle because it didn't heal right. Now that I didn't need to read!  Happy thoughts. Happy thoughts.....

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.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE

Today is Thanksgiving. Since I am on such a strict diet, I am skipping the huge meal. Instead, two of my friends have invited me to spend the day with them at the San Juan Cosala Hot Springs. I am really looking forward to soaking in the tubs and taking a long swim.

I have some medical issues coming up soon. I may not be getting out much to take photos but I will do my best to keep on posting, even if it is just writing.

Again, Happy Thanksgiving to you all. 

Sunday Visit to Feria Maestro del Arte part 2