Surgery

Rosalie’s youngest sister Marina has been suffering from hip pain for quite a while. She was told in Canada that it wasn’t bad enough for surgery yet but she was put on the list.

While here, the suggestion came up that the surgery could be done here. She didn’t know how to go about it so we made an appointment for her with Doctora Rosa on Thursday.

Dra. Rosa sent her for X-rays and did blood work. We took her back on the following Monday and the good news was that she didn’t need a full hip replacement just the top of the femur. The surgery was scheduled for Wednesday in Guadalajara five days from the initial examination. It was Dra. Rosa’s son, Dr. Victor Hugo Campos Vivas who was going to do the surgery.

Marina had to buy some supplies beforehand so Rosalie and I took her to the same X-ray clinic which sold all manner of medical supplies. One of the things she needed was a lift for the toilet. She caused a lot of hilarity especially when I suggested that we put it in the back of the car for Rosalie to use as a booster seat with Marina suggesting a little wheel.

At this point, Rosalie and I stood back and let some of the other sisters take over. Suzanne, her husband Vic and sister Delorie volunteered to take her on the bus to Guadalajara. They were met at the bus depot by the surgeon and taken to the hospital. That evening Marina was examined by the cardiologist ready for the following day.

At 8 am on Wednesday she had the surgery and later that day we got a text saying that all went well. The weird thing about this is that Rosalie had insisted all along that the surgery would be on that day. We were even sent photos of the procedure as it went along.

Of course, Marina had to pay for the procedure herself. The cost was about $10,500 CDN. That included Dra Rosa’s visits as well as the X-rays and blood work.

I don’t understand our system. In Canada, the same procedure would cost the healthcare system up to $30,000. Why don’t they encourage us to get the surgery done here and then pay for it? Then it would only cost healthcare about $10,000. I suppose that with the system now they don’t get to pay a thing.

After a three-day stay in the hospital, Marina was released and they spent a few days in Guadalajara to recover. The surgeon booked their tickets for the bus and took them to the bus depot.

I picked them up in Barra and took them home. They were pretty tired as it was a six-hour bus ride. The good thing is that the bus has a downstairs area with only four seats that are loungers and it’s quiet and comfortable.

Two weeks from now Dr Victor will come to Melaque and take Marina’s stitches out.

All in all a great family effort. Everyone chipped in to help and all went really well.

Marina and the other sisters rave bout Dr. Victor Hugo Campos Vivas. They say he was helpful courteous and all round a very nice person, a success in every way.