This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Community: Knowledge & Support

Here's a question for folks who have been to Dr. Simka's clinic: did you find out how it would work (primarily financially) if there were complications due to the liberation treatment requiring additional medical procedures, hospital stay etc?

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Dx SPMS in 2004.  Liberated 29/04/2010.
My blog: www.my-darn-ms.blogspot.com

Hi fiddler!
I am sure - yes.
As I am from neighbor country - Slovakia and I had the procedure in November and as I was three times in Poland in hospital and as I know the way how Dr. Simka and Dr. Ludyga works I think I can answer your question.
My country and Poland are almost the same.
Erika

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Aug. 7, 09 Doppler Ultras. in Poland, left Jugul. valve problem, RRMS since 1996, now SPMS,
- Nov.3,09: one stent in the left jug. vein in Katowice, Poland, LDN, never on DMDs
- Jan. 19, 11: control venography in Katowice - negative but I feel worse

Hi fiddler,

I have not looked into it yet, but there is a thing called medical complications insurance. The only thing I know of it is from Yasmeen Sayeed's website, and all that I remember is that it is effective for 6 months post-op, and covers $150,000. Probably the best bet would be to check with your insurance broker, or CAA, or such. Or, I'm certain that Yasmeen could help if you have no luck there. http://www.surgicaltourism.ca/links.htm

I have a feeling that regular travel insurance would not cover anything, as it is usually for accidental coverage. I can see the actuaries having a stenosis in the neck over medical coverage for someone traveling to Eastern Europe to undergo an "unapproved, experimental, venous surgery involving implantation of a medical device in the neck or chest".

That is why I am doing whatever I can to get this done at home - at least the angioplasty.

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My name is not really Johnson. MSed up since 1993

Erika, you say you were in Polish hospital three times. Can you explain more? Ella and I (and her boyfriend) are going to the Hospital in February and I have not been able to find out several important aspects. They are obviously very busy with their work and cannot answer other stuff, but it is important I try to get this right.
1. What in your opinion would be the best way to pay them?
2. How long after the procedure are you likely to have to stay in Poland?
3. How long before you have to go for a check up and how much is this likely to cost at the hospital?
If you are willing or able to answer some of these questions and are happy for me to compile this into an information pack for those travelling to Poland I would be happy to do that. Or if you have already answered these questions someplace else can you link me to it.

I realise that you have been answering lots of questions from all over the world in at least three different languages so I know this is adding to your burden, if there is anything I can do to help in any way I am more than willing. Just let me know. (I speak French) Thank you for the information you have provided thus far, it has been invaluable.

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Michele,  warrior4MS, mother and champion for Ella, the MSer. The solution is out there we just have to ask the right questions.

Dear Dovechick,
this is what I think:
1. I think the best way to pay is cash, unless they explain you their way. Of course, you can use your credit card in hotels for example.
2. You must stay the first night after procedure in hospital for sure. I was getting couple of IVs during the night to get rid of the dye during the procedure. I could not move much because of my wound in my groin - it is vein! I would recommend you to stay 2 more nights in a hotel. I was fine, if somebody took me home by car I would be fine. But you can never how your body reacts to new things. To be honest I was even able to go home by train by myself the next day. So I would stay there 2 more nights just in case...It is vere, very individual especially in MS patients.
3. I do not know what kind of check up you mean exactly. You must have blood tests in hospital. In case you are a woman like me, you must also have urine test if you are not pregnant. I do not know how much is it exactly in Poland but in comparison with England it is very cheap. If an MRV costs aproximately 220 Euro in Poland, how much is it in England or Germany?
This blood test was one day before my procedure.
We have very low income here - like Slovakia or Poland but many things are also cheaper. But not everything.
Questions?
Erika

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Aug. 7, 09 Doppler Ultras. in Poland, left Jugul. valve problem, RRMS since 1996, now SPMS,
- Nov.3,09: one stent in the left jug. vein in Katowice, Poland, LDN, never on DMDs
- Jan. 19, 11: control venography in Katowice - negative but I feel worse

Thanks Erika...

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Michele,  warrior4MS, mother and champion for Ella, the MSer. The solution is out there we just have to ask the right questions.