Fact: All roads don't end at Mayo; affordable international alternatives

[siamerican]

Without being as negative as I'm tempted to be, I just want to post something for all those injured who 'certain supposed saints' wouldn't touch with a ten foot pole due to finances and insurance, or lack thereof.

I'm American by blood and birth, though despise our medical-health care industry-system.

I've been irritated to read so much praises about certain docs/teams there who simply are doing there job and getting hefty salaries at that to do it.

Everytime anyone asks for advice for surgery, there is the universal response of where and who to go to and I think it can be misleading a bit as far as 'the world's best' as we all know most of the outcome of any such operation is up to the patient's, granted the surgeon is competent.

When I first had my injury, I was disheartened on these boards to think that Mayo, Dr.Nath and the likes were my only hope but being uninsured and on meager living means overseas, could only dream of being treated in my native land.

I'm sure they are competent at their jobs, but clearly they aren't saints, are they?

And then I realized something. A lot of Americans / Europeans were travelling to my second / curerent home country Thailand to get medical treatment for everything from bypass surgeries to sex operations.

The more research and inquiry I did, I realized, my best hope was here in Asia where motobike accidents are much more common per capita and overall. I found that there are plenty of specialists here that have dealt with this injury frequently over the last several decades.

While there are still the clueless general neurologists here telling you to eat vitamins and wait like elsewhere, there are competent specialists who know exactly what they're doing, though won't rape your capital to treat you.

I'm not saying Thailand and Asia is the best option for everyone. It was/is for me. It may be an option for those struggling with finances. Thailand is a regional hub I can vouch for medical treatment for this injury among others (though ofcourse you have to seek out the specialists like everywhere else), and there is also India, China, that I've read some but can't personally vouch for.

Hopefully, others can post their own experiences, opinions here to keep things balanced and resourceful for everyone, no matter their socio-economic status.

If you are curious about my treatment path,I have a thread here and my blog has kept detailed account of all the ups and downs I have endured/am enduring.

[richinma2005]

I approved this message because the individual posted something of value, that there are alternatives for everyone who needs care. While I disagree with the way this information was brought forth, and the way it probably will start arguments and tug on peoples feelings, it is valuable to convey that people can get help using alternative routes. Please do not make this into an argument-to each his own-

If it does transform into a flaming thread it will be locked

Thank you

rich

[srhykerd]

I understand how this injury can be very depressing and play havoc with your life. No, it's not fair, but life isn't fair. You are dealing with your injury in the best way that you can and that is what others on this message board are doing also. We are all trying to help one another out. We appreciate your input, however, we did what we felt was best for our daughter at the time of her injury by going to the Mayo clinic and were pleased with the results. All the Mayo docs get payed a salary, whether they do 50 surgeries or 500. I'm glad you were able to find good help in Thailand. I hope you get good results from your surgery and that you can move on happily with your life.

[Wes]

Hello All I really hope this don't turn into a argumental topic. The Mayo Clinic is one of the best here in USA. We all have our horror stories and we all share our success stories. We all share our DR.'S and our hospital's and clinic's names. We share our high points in life and struggling times in life. We find our happiness in life in very own way's. We struggle with different things in life and we succeed differently at things in life. One we do share together is this life changing injury we all have. Please don't make this a beat up topic for those that had insurance or those that could afford it. I did not go to the Mayo Clinic, I went to Hershey Medical center here in my hometown in PA. And I feel all they did for me was successful, but that is just my opinion.

[siamerican]

I apologize if my initial presentation of the topic was offensive to anybody personally. I don't wish to target the doctors nor those who have been treated by them.

You are correct--Life is unfair, and we humans have choices.

Just to clarify my opinion, Considering the value of liability and accountability of the US System versus Asia in general, a bulk of BPI patients would unarguably be better off treated by the likes of Mayo, Dr. Nath, John Hopkins, and other US Inc. BPI centers than a government hospital of South Asia on social system basis in general, given the choice-option.

My initial frustrations is directed towards the social system (lack thereof), which ironically was a catalyst for me to seize the realizations and choices I did have all along.

Perhaps, my example suggestion for worthy alternatives will be more credible whence I can relay positive outcomes , as I'm barely started trot on the path of recovery (8 months since initial trauma, 5 days post primary operation trunk nerve graft, neuroma correction & oberlin procedure)

Either which way, in due time I will share my progress/experiences as others here have been gracious to help me along with their own comments, experiences and opinions.

I intend to stay positive and strive to grow & share with others in parallel boats; definitely no 'ad hominem' intended.

[Mardelle]

Life is Beautiful...Being a victim of circumstance is part of living. It sets us up to grow stronger...to build upon character, faith, etc. It all depends on your own personal philosophy. You can look at everything as a victim...or you can rise above the injury/challenge by making another choice..to live life as fully as possible. We have a choice for Dr's here in Canada...I happened to think we have many of the best in the world. That is my experience based on results and my opinion. For each person who has success in what ever part in the world with the skilled hand and wisdom of a great Dr., all the power to them.
I agree that there are many alternatives to treating this injury and Dr.s are not the answer sometimes at all, sometimes you can have the most skilled surgeons in the world, and if you have a patient with a poor attitude or lifestyle , no amount of skill or repair will aid in helping these patients. Most of the healing comes from within ourselves.

Glad you had a great outcome and thanks for sharing your post. It takes courage to speak your truth and I admire that, as this is exactly a key healing element required for the TBPI patient..you are well on your way

Continued success to all who seek it for a better quality of life.

With Peace & Light,
Mardelle