Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

I am often asked by visitors, how I handle medical issues in Mexico. At the risk of repeating myself, and since I am currently nursing a cracked rib, here are some examples.

My GP in Ottawa referred me to a skin specialist to look at a couple of issues that had been bothering me. It took six months to get me in to see her and she immediately detected a couple of basal cells and dug them out. She then insisted I see her every 3 months, which I did for about 3 years. I of course wanted to continue to watch this once in Mexico so from acquaintances in the town square learned of a specialist in Centro who had a good reputation. I dropped in to make an appointment and she took me immediately. She reviewed the history did an exam and asked that I return yearly – which I have done. Did the specialist in Ottawa need to see me every 3 months? I do not know, but suspect it was overkill and I have no idea what her charges to OHIP would have been for each visit. Cost of examination in SMA - $40.

About 4 years ago I had what felt like an ulcer which recurred on one side of my tongue. (As a long term smoker I am sensitive to this kind of thing.) My Ottawa GP referred me to a local specialist but it took four months to see him. He spent all of 5 minutes with me including the time it took to cut out a large piece of my tongue – presumably for biopsy. I never heard from either him or my GP on this issue but I assumed no news was good news. However, the issue returned periodically and about 18 months ago, as I happened to be driving by the local hospital, I dropped in to see if they had an eye, nose and ear quack on staff. I was able to see their specialist within 20 minutes and not only did I get a correct diagnosis (acid reflux) but a decent set of short term drugs to clear it up and some good diet advice that seems so far to have prevented serious recurrence. Cost $40.

Many men my age have prostate issues. I had tests done in Ottawa in one of the most uncomfortable sonogram episodes I can imagine. Following that my GP wrote me a prescription for some pills but I never took them. He also recommended a full colon-o-scope, which he arranged through a local specialist, after a wait of four months. (I still have the color video if anyone is interested.) A friend of mine here had been regaling us with stories of his recent prostate operation and his newfound success at the urinal. As much out of curiosity, since I was driving by a local hospital again, (it is located next to my plant nursury guy in case you think I just lurk around this hospital), I dropped in to see what this local specialist might recommend for me. He is actually based in Celaya but travels to SMA twice a week. Within 24 hours I had blood tests, ultrasonic kidney and prostrate scans and full consultation (mostly in English I should say) with a very personable specialist with credentials from Mexico and Berlin. I am now taking the pills and feel better for it but I also have some good prognosis of my particular case and what to look forward to in the years ahead. Cost about $100 not counting drugs.

Back to my cracked rib. A really silly accident from the second rung of my ladder while I was trying to pick the last of my oranges last week. I ended up falling against a brick planter. I thought it was just a muscle punch at first but after a few days I was convinced it was likely a cracked rib. Anyone who has been there knows how painful this can be. It has the effect of stopping any coughing or nose blowing in its tracks – and we don’t even want to think about a sneeze! I went back to my hospital on the edge of town and within two hours, (it would have been much faster if I had not had to give way at the x-ray unit to an auto accident victim), was reviewing the x-rays with the local trauma specialist who was showing me the crack and advising how to deal with it including provision of some very interesting pain killers and a rib brace. About $150.

Now I know that not every Mexican has the option of walking into these institutions for the same kind of treatment, although many do. And I am by no means denigrating universal health care. Just recounting some small things about living in Mexico without the services of a GP.

I am feeling sorry for myself as I have to take it easy. I will have to look for some good sports on the box and read a couple of books - not much different (minus the orange picking and pruning) from what I was doing before. I can still walk with no pain so the Gregster has noting to complain about.