Dr. Joya Mexico (long)
I wanted to post about my experience in Mexico with Dr. Joya. I should preceed this with the fact tha I am
a former nurse, and am currently a doctor practicing Hospice/palliative care. I say this because I have a
different perspective because of my medical training. I am sure my malepractice insurance would like me to add that I am not referring or reccommending surgery, or Dr. Joya. It was a positive experience, and I thought that people could benefit from my experience.
For starters, dealing with Gerald (DrJoya.com) was great. He is quick to get back with you and coordinates things well. I chose Dr. Joya because of his expertise, more days of follow up post op, and location (not in an area that there have been travel concerns). I know that some people have voiced concerns about Dr. Joya's complication fund. My take on it was this. Surgeons know their personal complication rates. I am sure that Dr. Joya is aware of fears on the part of the patient of financial issues should a complication occur. Choose it, or not; but don't be afraid that it means he has a high complication rate. It probably means the opposite.
The Krystal is the hotel that you will be staying at. It is older, but well kept up overall. Check in and check out can be slow though. There is a supermarket about a block from the hotel- turn left when you leave the hotel. You can stock up on water, and buy a cooler there. Getting ice in the hotel was a bit of a challenge. Only one or two ice machines were working on any given day. If the one by you isn't turned on; try a different floor. The Krytal encourages it's all inclusive option, which you (and your guest) will not be in. My Husband ate there twice and the prices were high and food was not as good as he got from some local places. There is a quieter pool by the sushi bar which was great. That might not be an issue for you. We were there during spring break. One caution: you will see broth on the menu. Someone else posted about disgusting fishy broth. I read that broth in Mexico is actually a recipe that they have that consists of chicken broth and fish. You will check out of the hotel for the two days that you are in the hospital. Bring a smaller bag to take with you to the hospital, and check your big luggage with the bell hop.
The Hospital- Is a facility that is run to American standards, but I think they out did most hospitals that
I have seen here in the states. It is immaculate, and the staff are all great. The nurses are compassionate, and professional. When you turn on your light, they are there in less than a minute!
They are also quick with any meds that you might need, such as for pain, or nausea. ALL of Dr. Joya's
staff were great. I had no language issues with anyone, even though my Spanish is limited. My room had two areas. The room where my bed was had a sofa and a lounge chair. There was another area of the room down the hall with the bathroom in between. That room had another sofa, a refrigerator, and a desk area. The internet at the hospital was much better than at the hotel.
It was a positive experienc over all. If anyone has any questions, please feel free to contact me.
Vanessa
I was self-pay in the states for the band and will be self-pay again for revision surgery should I go this route. It scares me that I am considering Mexico but reading about people's experiences is very helpful.
Thanks again for your post!
Melissa
