It looks like you're using an Ad Blocker.

Please white-list or disable AboveTopSecret.com in your ad-blocking tool.

Thank you.

 

Some features of ATS will be disabled while you continue to use an ad-blocker.

 

How much would you trust a hospital in Manila if your life depended on it?

page: 1
6

log in

join
share:

posted on Nov, 27 2013 @ 06:33 PM
link   
I'm now in a serious pickle.

Due to my resignation, I will not be having health insurance starting December 1st. My doctors are still figuring out whether or not I have cancer, but it's being sent out to the third specialist. I will then be leaving the country. But she keeps saying not to leave the country and be treated here because she says she doesn't trust hospitals in the Philippines to treat me if I am diagnosed.

But everything is final for next week which means I have to make the decision to either assume that everything is okay and go and see my beloved, or stay. I won't have health insurance either way at this point and I can't imagine coverage to be affordable if I do have cancer.

We really don't know what to do, and immigration probably won't let her come here early even if I am diagnosed. I guess you could say I'm more sad about possibly not seeing her ever again than the possibility of cancer. What are your thoughts ATS?



posted on Nov, 27 2013 @ 07:04 PM
link   


I won't have health insurance either way at this point and I can't imagine coverage to be affordable if I do have cancer.


I can't even imagine the costs of taking care of cancer in the US.

Manila is a large city, have you looked into what they provide as care? Or the costs?
I think it would be worth some research.



posted on Nov, 27 2013 @ 07:11 PM
link   
reply to post by Em2013
 


I lived in the Philippines for a while. I learned there are good and bad hospitals. You have to do your due dilligence to find out which is which. You can call or stop by the U.S. embassy or consulates and hear their recommendations.

Stay safe and good luck.



posted on Nov, 27 2013 @ 07:20 PM
link   

Em2013
I'm now in a serious pickle.

Due to my resignation, I will not be having health insurance starting December 1st. My doctors are still figuring out whether or not I have cancer, but it's being sent out to the third specialist. I will then be leaving the country. But she keeps saying not to leave the country and be treated here because she says she doesn't trust hospitals in the Philippines to treat me if I am diagnosed.

But everything is final for next week which means I have to make the decision to either assume that everything is okay and go and see my beloved, or stay. I won't have health insurance either way at this point and I can't imagine coverage to be affordable if I do have cancer.

We really don't know what to do, and immigration probably won't let her come here early even if I am diagnosed. I guess you could say I'm more sad about possibly not seeing her ever again than the possibility of cancer. What are your thoughts ATS?


We all have a finite time so if your loved one is in PI I would be on the next flight. There are good doctors and big hospitals in PI as there are in other countries only a short couple of hour flights away.
wiki.answers.com...

Many people leave the U.S. to get all kinds of treatments in Asia because of word of mouth. A golfing buddy is picking up his 50 year old daughter today to receive treatment in one of Bangkok's best hospitals...Even after the price of the flight and stay in Bangkok the price is a fraction of what they would charge in the states and most (I am aware of) say the treatment and care given is superior.... You are not just a piece of meat...

Last year I spent 3 days in ICU (private room and everything) with all kinds of test (they thought I might have contracted dengue fever) and the total cost was around $500 US which included an ambulance ride.

I would not hesitate going to any clean, good reputation hospital, over in this part of the world.

Screw the for profit insurance based charges in the states. I had a wife die of cancer and her last 2 weeks visit to ICU was billed at $265,000 and the hospital did two X-Rays an I.V. and provided nurses and the oncologist came buy once a day during his rounds ..... meals which were not eatable really pissed us off so I would go to a local restaurant and buy her something she could eat. I would not wish that experience on anyone and if I have a choice I will not grace the doors of a U.S. hospital ever again.. Not bitter just resolute. M.D. Anderson wanted people to use a lab rats and years later some of their very expensive treatments ($165,000 a pop) were proven to have no statistical effect on longevity and in many cases caused kidney, heart, and liver failure.

I am old so I have many stories that are not flattering about health care in the U.S. Over time I have come to my on conclusions which are not for everyone just for me.

Do a little research and even look at some blogs from the Philippines and you will be able to make your own informed decision; good luck whatever you decide..
IMO those who think the U.S. provides the best hospital care think that because they have not been someplace else.



posted on Nov, 27 2013 @ 07:28 PM
link   
Thank you for your opinions on the matter. I'm still in the stage of refusing to believe that I may have it but they are very adamant that I may have it. I'm waiting on a response for my boss and hoping, just hoping I can continue working for another month or two until this completes but worst case scenario it seems that it can easily cost over $60,000USD without insurance. Of course, I could potentially get government assistance but then my wife will be forbidden to come to the US. If I declare bankruptcy for defaulting after getting treated, then she gets denied again. I don't even know if she's still qualified to come to the US if I get diagnosed with cancer. To me, cancer is not the worst part of the thing, and I'm sure that if I have to go through chemo or something like that, I might feel different about this at times but my wife is the only thing in life that I look up for. Before her my life was meaningless, a cog in society, etc... She is inspiration and why I am willing to get treated if diagnosed but immigration might forbid us from being together.

My wife right now is looking into adding me as her dependent on her health plan in the Philippines, but I might not be able to even though we got married there. I know, I'm saying personal info on ATS when my policy was to never disclose too much information about myself here but as I'm writing this in desperation I feel that my paranoia can be put to side as my love for my wife is everything and making her sad because of a possible sickness is a terrible feeling.

I looked into COBRA a little, and I saw that medicare/medicaid might be helpful but there's only so much I can do after like an hour of being told this news. If at all possible, are there any hospital recommendation in Manila that I could consider?

Thank you for your time.



posted on Nov, 27 2013 @ 07:35 PM
link   
reply to post by 727Sky
 


Thanks for that long and detailed post. I read that after I had submitted mine and it was helpful. I had not thought about pinoy blogs about this issue. I'll be sure to look more into this and appreciate your personal story about this. If I do have cancer it's melanoma, which I know almost nothing about.



posted on Nov, 27 2013 @ 08:51 PM
link   
I say go to your wife. Do your research and find a good hospital in the Philippines. If I could find a good hospital in Kathmandu, then I know Manilla has to have at least 1 worth visiting.

I had cancer several years ago. Even with my dad's amazing insurance (I was 15 at the time), it was still $300,000USD for 9 months worth of treatments (chemotherapy and radiation), tests, and doctor appointments. That doesn't even include costs for prescriptions or other incidentals, or even the gas needed to drive almost an hour one way for treatment (4 times a week, every other week). It bankrupted them, and it has taken them nearly a decade to work their way back up from financial hell. On top of that, I have had many, many issues caused by the treatments (heart palpitations, repeat upper respiratory infections, etc). Plus, my young age combined with the treatments I received nearly guarantees that I will have a secondary cancer at some point.

After a certain point, it just isn't worth it. If I was faced with a similar situation today, I don't think I would do it again. Its too taxing financially, emotionally, and physically. I consider for-profit medical care to be one of the most evil areas of humanity. Greed is the only reason why people are denied adequate medical care, and why some ultimately die from a disease or condition that can be easily treated by a pill or a shot.

Right now, if I were in your shoes, I would be most focused on seeing my wife. If she means that much to you, then go to her. Spend time with her, and try and forget the world just for a bit. No matter what you do, make sure you surround yourself with people that truly care for you. Having a good support base can do wonders that not even the best medicine can touch.



posted on Nov, 27 2013 @ 08:59 PM
link   
reply to post by Em2013
 


As a thought, I assume your partner is Filipino and the Philippines is part of Asean so theoretically you could consider treatment in Singapore, Bangkok, KL etc......because your partner would not need a visa in those countries. I've been to Manila and I think the medical expertise would be better elsewhere.

Being close to someone you love really makes a difference in so many ways when you're struggling with health problems, I know. Good luck to you.



posted on Nov, 28 2013 @ 01:15 AM
link   
On the surface things here are different to back home but underneath its not much different.
In places like KL, Singapore, Bangkok, Manilla etc etc whatever your looking for you will find, the expat communities in these places are huge and all want the comforts from home.
Medical care here is just as good as Australia and from what Ive heard it sounds like it could be better than the US.

The last thing you need right now is any added stresses, If you have the finances get to Pinoy land and be with your wife, if your paying the level of care will be the same just the price will different.

However if you are short of cash I would stay were you are, SE Asia is not a good place to be sick and poor (but I guess neither is the States)

Either way dude Im rootin for ya, positive vibes a plenty headed your way.

Goodluck



posted on Nov, 28 2013 @ 04:26 AM
link   

Em2013
reply to post by 727Sky
 


If I do have cancer it's melanoma, which I know almost nothing about.


Melanoma, if caught early is 100% treatable!
I have skin cancer, Squamous Cell, and have had to have several lesions removed surgically, on the recommendations of my GP and later my Skin specialist!
I do feel though that you seem to already have made your own mind up that it is cancer and that you are going to die in the near future because of it! I think that that is a very fatalistic mindset which you will need to change! You are going to die, we all are but with what I can only term a "negative approach" you are not doing yourself any good!
I am also shocked that your tests are being sent to a third doctor to determine whether or not you have cancer, I have always thought that the US was a leader in most things medical.
Some years ago I went to my GP about some "sores" on my skin, he took a biopsy which was sent to a lab here in Namibia, a couple of days later he called me and requested I come to his consulting rooms, I was given the results which were positive for "Squamous Cell Carcinoma", he had already called a skin specialist in South Africa who I then phoned when I got home, I made the appointment (I had to travel to South Africa as we didn't even have specialists here in those days) within two weeks of my first appointment with my GP I had had the surgery! I have had multiple surgeries to have lesions removed since then, this was at least ten years ago and I am still here to tell the "story" and as I sit here today I have again developed more lesions but the point is that I am STILL ALIVE
You may also have to consider getting yourself an alternative doctor!

Good luck, I know it's hard but if you love your wife and your life then it's worth fighting back!



posted on Nov, 28 2013 @ 06:25 AM
link   
reply to post by Em2013
 


Hi,

I have actually been living here in the Manila area since 2000.
I only went back to the US to join the Army from 06 to 09. and have been back here since march 2010. I am only 34 but have been to the hospital 3 times since being here. All 3 times have been fine. the most serious issue I had was in 2004 when I had appendix removal, and that was at a provincial hospital. I was using what they call Phil-Health at the time which was my insurance. It was only I think somewhere in the range of 600 dollars including my room stay and everything. There are some very good hospitals here enough that i would trust my dad to who is a heart patient. Hospitals such as St Lukes have the same resources as those in the states, but still cheaper. How much cheaper i can not say.

Most Filipinos do not trust their system anymore than many Americans do not trust theirs. Facts are facts, you stand just as much chance for malpractice in a first world country as you do in any other one. Fiction has played a large role in making people fearful of hospitals outside their countries of origin.

To give you some insight into my trust in the system. I am having laser eye surgery next year to correct my vision. the same procedures and machines used in first world countries all by Doctors who trained in those 1st world countries. The only difference is I dont have to pay nearly as much. My point simply being... I trust Hospitals here about as much as i trust them in America.
I live in this country now, and whatever happens tome at this point is what it is. But i think you would be perfectly fine.



posted on Nov, 28 2013 @ 01:11 PM
link   
Thank you for your responses, they are greatly appreciated. I have looked into hospitals, and even got myself insured in the Philippines but it doesn't cover too much, but I suppose a few thousand dollars is better than nothing. I'm glad to see that the hospitals that I'm familiar with are on the top hospital list in the Philippines and the Medical Center is part of the insurance coverage so if anything happens, I'll go there.

However, I strongly don't believe I have anything because I don't sense cancer on me, and this is ATS so I can say this pretty confidently lol But, the 6th sense is not always right however whatever the outcome may be, I know that I will recover better with my wife than alone here without friends and family.

I'm one to have laughed in the face of death quite a few times, particularly back when I was a teenager and actively seeked dangerous things. I'll admit, the initial shock is pretty intense but I'm not the type to give up and I certainly will not lose to something so tiny. I'll beat the living crap out of cancer if I have it

Anyhow, today I feel better and I'll go nom on some turkey ^^; Thanks again for all your input!



posted on Nov, 29 2013 @ 12:06 AM
link   
reply to post by Em2013
 


I am so glad to hear that you have decided to win!

Good for you and have wonderful weekend!

Best regards!



posted on Nov, 29 2013 @ 12:19 AM
link   
reply to post by Em2013
 


Don't go get tested. They'll say you have it and they'll try to get you on Chemo and other things that will kill you very fast. Avoid avoid avoid!! They'll ruin your life, your relationship, keep you from flying, and or put you on chemo and kill you. Fire your Dr immediately. Be glad you're off heathcare, now you'll live longer. And NO DON'T TRUST THEM IN manilla are you crazy? An old white guy comes in, awwwh it's 110% certain you'll have cancer or somethign worse in there opinion because they want to make money off you. Trust me avoid dr's all together. You're fine okay.


edit on 29-11-2013 by spartacus699 because: (no reason given)



posted on Nov, 29 2013 @ 06:49 AM
link   
reply to post by spartacus699
 




Everyone is coming out to get ya.



posted on Nov, 29 2013 @ 07:22 AM
link   
reply to post by Em2013
 


More than a USA one.



posted on Nov, 29 2013 @ 07:30 AM
link   
reply to post by Em2013
 


Go to see her...what happens if they kill you here with over radiating you or with chemo over-dosages. It can happen here and at least you will see your beloved before you die.
Therac-25
Mother of five killed by Chemo overdose
edit on 29-11-2013 by ldyserenity because: Add linky



new topics

top topics



 
6

log in

join