Katowice, Poland: Good, Bad & Ugly

[JoyIsMyStrength]

Wow. It really does sound like I was just there on an off day. I also want to stress that this post is titled good, bad and ugly because my purpose isn't to whine but to inform. I hope people will continue to post experiences, good and bad, to help others make the best decisions for their care.

My doctor truly was a bit mean in contrast to Katie's, who knows why, but I have to assume he knew what he was doing medically. The nurses were sweet and I am so glad for you, esta, that you not only received good medical care but compassion also. It's a long, long trip and maybe it's not the Ritz (which I also didn't expect... I'm not that fussy, honest) but a little respect and kindness go a long way.

Katie I looked for clinic rooms on their website, where did you see them?

emess, wow, EDSS of 8! I'm so glad you managed ok and I certainly hope you are feeling better. I also agree that the price is fine, since so far even if my insurance were to cover it here (they said no to the MRV), I'd still have to meet a $5K deductible first.

Thanks to everyone who replied. I hope the info is helpful to someone.

Pam
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[Katie41]

Pam,
The photos are on page two, hospital, Euromedics photos. I had to hunt for them, but found them again, just now.
Hope things go better for you in the future.
Katie

[QueenMum]

1. Does anyone know if Simka & Ludyga are not there full time any more. Have other docs replaced them?

2. Is the nurse buzzer movable or permanently placed in an unreachable place?

3. Do they allow a spouse to spend the night with the patient or are they really thrown out after a certain time? This one really makes me nervous as I don't move around well at all by myself.

4. Katie41, Can you post your "famous" translated phrases?

Thanks all for sharing you good, bad & ugly experiences with us.

Mum

[colmmc]

1. Does anyone know if Simka & Ludyga are not there full time any more. Have other docs replaced them?

2. Is the nurse buzzer movable or permanently placed in an unreachable place?

3. Do they allow a spouse to spend the night with the patient or are they really thrown out after a certain time? This one really makes me nervous as I don't move around well at all by myself.

4. Katie41, Can you post your "famous" translated phrases?

Thanks all for sharing you good, bad & ugly experiences with us.

Mum

1) Pam was seen on a Saturday maybe they don't work weekend's

2) I was on my own as a male it the drugs room with no buzzer.I didn't find it an issue, It a small clinic and I'm sure you could get someone's attention if you needed them.

3) No one is thrown out, Partners are asked to leave around 10pm as there is no where for them to sleep.And can come back, as some did at 6 am.

4)Euro medic the week before I went sent me a list of about 25 Phrase's in English & Polish.To use with the night staff. I printed this took it with me but never needed it.


I've been Liberated

Colmmc.

[JoyIsMyStrength]

1. Does anyone know if Simka & Ludyga are not there full time any more. Have other docs replaced them?

2. Is the nurse buzzer movable or permanently placed in an unreachable place?

3. Do they allow a spouse to spend the night with the patient or are they really thrown out after a certain time? This one really makes me nervous as I don't move around well at all by myself.

4. Katie41, Can you post your "famous" translated phrases?

Thanks all for sharing you good, bad & ugly experiences with us.

Mum

1. Marta Prus told me (after the fact) that they cannot guarantee which dr will be there. However Simka's name was on the email she sent so it sure seemed like he would have been assigned to me, Saturday or not. The email didn't list any other doc.

2. Nurse buzzer is permanently installed. Yelling isn't always possible for all patients (e.g., if choking or if voice is affected) nor is there a guarantee you will be heard. I am not trying to be an alarmist but one cannot predict these things. QueenMum, maybe you could bring some sort of noisemaker like a bell or whistle just to be safe.

3. I don't know how to answer this; if I were you I would try to make arrangements in writing in advance.

4. The phrases have been posted on the forum and are also included in my pre-trip checklist that's buried around here someplace.

It sounds like in 99% of cases the Euromedic experience is positive so chances are, you'll have a good experience, too. However, patient safety is the most basic, fundamental RIGHT. It is unacceptable for patients not to feel safe, especially those who don't happen to be ambulatory. Stress is not conducive to healing. Having MS we have learned to be tough and endure a lot of adversity but we have varying degrees of disability and weakness so it's critical to be prepared for different standards of care. For some it may be as easy as going to the dentist but for others it may not depending on whether there is pain or unforseen complications. Everyone is different so I say, go in peace, enjoy Poland, but go with as much preparation as possible.

Pam

[esta]

right on Pam - go as prepared as you can to feel safe...

[Vhoenecke]

Hi Pam,

Thanks so much for this informative thread. I was there 28 April. I must agree on some parts. Majek's driving should be addressed. Eye exam shows optic neuritis and if there is red that is optic neuritis. Night staff, surprised they slept in the waiting area on the sofas. I was in a bed that didn't have a buzzer. I had the fortune of Ludyga being my surgeon but the other people the next day did not. I am not sure of the importance of the doppler but the venogram is really important. Simka said there was problems in my left in the doppler but Ludyga in surgery said no. I was able enough that not being able to call the nurses was no problem for me. I was pleased with the surgery room as well and I am sure they will be building a new facility that will be able to house all of the tests. One thing I was wondering Pam is if the surgery was successful for you?

Val

[fiddler]

Hi Pam,
My experience was much better than what yours sounded like, but I don't think you're being a whiner, especially when it comes to stress-reduction, safety and knowing who is going to be treating you (I didn't, either) and what they've done and why. I think Euromedic has a lot of areas they need to improve. I understand that they are trying to rush a lot of people through (my own feeling is that it is for compassionate more than financial reasons), but in the end the cause will be hurt if they don't improve their quality control.
...Ted

[JoyIsMyStrength]

One thing I was wondering Pam is if the surgery was successful for you?

Val

Hi Val,

Yes it was successful but effects didn't last a full week so it appears my jugulars have restenosed. Balloons only, both jugs. I certainly do not fault them for that... it's just one of those things. *sigh* BUT... like I've said elsewhere, knowing that this WORKS and that it works for me, is valuable knowledge that I wouldn't have had otherwise. This gives me a course of action.

Pam

[JoyIsMyStrength]

I don't think you're being a whiner...

I always knew there was a reason I liked you!

I had more to say but my msg got messed up and now my hands are not cooperating so... just saying thanks to everyone.

Pam

[Vhoenecke]

I kinda do fault them regarding the veins collapsing on you that quick. I am sure a better surgeon would have been able to tell that your veins needed stents. Just my oppinion of course. I also agree that the nurses there are the best vein finders in the world. Each time it was a one shot deal for me too. Blood tests and IVs were very well done. I was there in April and i am doing very well post treatment but I had Simka and Ludyga.

Val

Val

[QueenMum]

Thanks all for your thoughts, comments & answering my questions.
It is all very much appreciated!!

Mum

[JoyIsMyStrength]

Just a quick follow-up to say... oops! My daughter pulled out my MRV results envelope and looked at the print-outs of images with me. She felt something extra in the envelope and I discovered not one but two CD's in the bottom! Duh! I am so sorry I complained about not receiving CD's. My hands are numb and clumsy so I somehow missed them... I got tons of images and feel quite satisfied with them! I edited my original post.

Pam