Perhaps this thread is a good place to tell about my burst appendix (appendicitis) surgery experience earlier this year at Cathay General Hospital (國泰醫院).
Because my case of appendicitis I had spent a few days with pain, so my case wasn’t a ‘sudden’ burst and a routine 2-3 day stay. I stayed Cathay for 6 days, and like 2 weeks later had to go to Chang Gung in Kaohsiung for complications. An additional 7 days there.
I don’t want to make this very long, but the doctor assigned to me at Cathay seemed like an unmotivated and passive doctor. I (and my wife) had to repeatedly bring up an issue to him for several days and I felt very bad. He wasn’t properly addressing this. After being discharged (still not feeling well) I had to go back for a check. That same doctor did very little except prescribe more medicine. Passive. Unprofessional.
We went to Kaohsiung to visit family and, beside still not having my appetite back, I started having fevers at night. Went to Chang Gung memorial hospital and they found a high amount of “infection-antibodies” (not sure what to call that number) in my blood (wow, actually checked my blood, the Cathay hospital doctor didn’t even care!) Thank you Chang Gung hospital in Kaohsiung, for really wanting to be sure I was 100% well before allowing me out of the hospital. I hated every day of it, but they care.
Very long story very short: about a month later, back in Taipei I went for a check at Taipei Medical University Hospital. I was very, very surprised with the professional care, telling me exactly what he’s looking at, pressing on my stomach for 1 - 2 minutes checking pain points… clearly diagnosing and telling me every step… all the things the doctor at Cathay didn’t even bother with. Professional, attentive, reassuring.
I agree with radde (his Dec 2010 post here) - if you can, find the right doctor first, then go to that hospital. Because even hospitals have these unmotivated, drone employees – they are allowed to call themselves ‘doctor’.
That is why I recommend extra insurance. Yes, basic care is excellent, outstanding in my book, but if you give a little more, you get the little perks. And sometinmes, the big stuff, like teh big guns for certain conditions.
One thing though: finding teh right doctor may not be teh “famous one” too busy for you, does not care enough. Might be youngish, still learning. Might be a small hospital. the important thing, as noted , is to build rapport, find a caring doctor.
Darth_Guy, I also had appendicitis turn into disaster peritonitis due to delaying going to the hospital. My problems afterwards came a year later due to my body, I do not think it had to do much with teh attention given, I was well treated, lost of explanations. But it is a major surgery, very dangerous. Dunno about you but they gave me antibiotics by teh liter.
I also had a bad flare of ezcema thsi year. Struggled 4 months with simple dermatological clinics. Finally could not stand teh pain and went to a big hospital. A month later condition is almost gone, I am functional and pain free. Big hospitals can prescribe strobnger and more expensive medicine. Big guns.
TMUH has been my family hospital forever, my youngest was born there, I’ve had one major surgery and loads of patch- and stitch-ups there, the Mrs had a cardiac procedure there like the one mentioned above, and she goes regularly for ongoing treatment of a (properly diagnosed) hormonal condition, all without any problems at all.
Oh, and stay away from Adventist, it’s a shithole.
English ability doesn’t make crap doctors any less crap.
Yes, it’s not something to take lightly. I had lots of antibiotics too. When I stopped, those fevers came. Then in my second hospital stay had to start again. I think they wanted the certainty that this made me 99% well. If fevers would have come back, you’d know it’s more serious and long term. And it might still come at a later time like your case, Icon. (edit - but really, a year later? wow… kinda worrisome)
Actually the days when my pain started I went to see a regular doctor. At that time it was assumed an upset stomach / digestion. Got medicine, it helped a little.
Next day the pain got bad. Took a taxi to Cathay, got very sick in the taxi. At Cathay I told them about my upset stomach, and I know, it’s much better to not steer them to a particular direction (“this guy has an upset stomach”), but problem is you must tell what medicines you might be taking and any recent doctor consultations. I went to first aid because I couldn’t stand up anymore. I forgot exactly how I was treated (it’s now half a year ago) but after some time I felt better and could go home.
Then again next day it got a next level of bad in the afternoon. That’s when I was taken to first aid and they started checking for appendicitis (edit: taking x rays) and it was found. That last day I felt painful stinging on and off and weird tingling sensations in one spot. Clear signs to watch out for, anyone reading this!
I think the surgery was done well and nurses were excellent. But I’m not going there anymore because I too prefer TMUH. I had a small surgery done there a couple years ago for saliva duct stones.
Actually, your story just reminded me, my youngest had her emergency midnight appendectomy at TMUH too, when she was about 10 or 11. They did the laparoscopy deal, and it went perfectly, no problems.
Just to show how bad and radical appendicitis/peritonitis is and that the aftermath ain’t no walk in the park. I had lots of trouble getting to eat normally afterwards, but no fever or further infections. It is only now with the keto diet that my stomach is finally settling up. And I blame the whole ordeal for my lowered defenses and constant defense system breakdown.
I had varicocele surgery, and compared to 2 previous surgery I had back home in Europe I found the overall experience quite poor.
I went to a recommended hospital near my house and saw the top “specialist” there - overall, he was very aloof, didn;t speak good English, and seemed like all the junior doctors were scared to talk to him. However, i trusted him as he was meant to be the top guy. Day of surgery I was shocked at how old fashioned and dim the operating room looking, he turned up for the operation about 30mins late, and then operation was total failure. No change in my condition.
Post surgery he was very dismissive, saying everything was fine although it was clear to me immediately after that the operation was not successful. I was left in alot of pain and the pain killers i was given didn’t do much.
Turns out the technique he used he old fashioned and has been replaced with newer methods in the West. So overall, not too happy with the experience here. Definitely recommend finding a good doctor first, make sure you can communicate with them, then only go ahead when you’re 100% comfortable.
I’d never get surgery here if I could avoid it. I’ve read too many horror stories about misdiagnoses, outdated tools and practices, b-team doctors replacing the a-team surgeon you thought would be performing at the last minute, shortcuts taken to save money, etc. I’m sure there’s good surgeons, but it seems a crap shoot here.
Have you or anyone you know ever collected on a health policy from Nanshan?
That’s where the rubber meets the road. Insurance companies are delighted to collect your money but will resort to any legal means available to avoid paying out. Some are better than others.
For many consumers buying insurance is a non-religious act of faith: many people are willing to buy peace of mind, and even parsimonious insurance companies can earn a fair profit for a very long time. It would be interesting to learn of the experience of anyone who’s used Nanshan service(s).
Latin based . What on earth would you think of the similar meaning “ penurious” ?. Medically , Taiwan does a pretty reasonable job , there are bad and good hospitals , sadly, and it is worth finding out more , before surgery . I popped in to a smaller hospital and was informed that I would need a kidney removing … immediately . My boss at the time , spoke to some senior surgeon , and suddenly I was fortunate enough to see a great specialist . It saved my life …and my kidney was fine . I love the system , but it’s vital to do some research .
Yep. I developed complications from an operation two years afterwards. All hospital expenses were paid -private room- plus a surplus which I used to cover the pet’s hotel and care in my absence costs. Just show receipt from hospital, get money almost immediately. No hassle.
My policy also states that if I am unable to work, say because of an accident or devastating illness like cancer, then they pay monthly support, aside from treatment.
I think the surgery was done well and nurses were excellent. But I’m not going there anymore because I too prefer TMUH. I had a small surgery done there a couple years ago for saliva duct stones.
bravo
. Medically , Taiwan does a pretty reasonable job , there are bad and good hospitals , sadly, and it is worth finding out more , before surgery . I popped in to a smaller hospital and was informed that I would need a kidney removing … immediately . My boss at the time , spoke to some senior surgeon , and suddenly I was fortunate enough to see a great specialist . It saved my life …and my kidney was fine . I love the system , but it’s vital to do some research .