Ecuador 5 – A visit to the doctor

Cuenca still – A visit to the doctor

Methinks I have done something to my shoulder – this pain isn’t going way and I now can’t lift my left arm in any direction and it’s stopping me from doing all sorts of things and it makes me feel ancient. At least once a day I yelp when one of my children yanks my arm obliviously. I am keen to sort it out.  I check into the hospital as soon as we arrive in Cuenca. This is a sizeable place with a large university and hospital and I know they have MRI facilities here. So the first thing I do is clock in with a Dr Romulu. Yes, he can see me first thing on Monday morning. The appointment is at 9 am. I am there first thing, waiting eagerly on the doorstep. I am not going to waste any time. Dr Romulu is a tall for an Ecuadorian, probably good looking in his hey day, but now rather slimy looking, greased back hair. He opens the door and does that quick look me up and down check me out look, and is quick to dismiss me – I am not accustomed to this  (the doctor attitude thing, not the being dismissed thing), I immediately feel wary.

He sends me off to have an MRI scan and I return at 5 pm sharp, envelope of negatives in my hand. I am pretty impressed with the service. Unlike the UK the MRI only costs £250 here,  a fifth of what  it would cost in the UK, although even that has blown two days’ budget… He leans back in his swivel chair and gets out my negatives… Hmm there’s not much I can do for you. He quickly turns to his desk and writes a prescription in that illegible doctor’s hand writing, which only pharmacists seem to be able to understand. He hands it to me, with minimal explanation, I am to take a vItamin B tablet and a paracetamol once a day. I am left devastated. I thought he was going to resolve my pain… … Answer all my problems…” Take these and come back back in a few days” he suggests., ” Is that ALL?. But what about physio ? maybe an ice pack? … Heat perhaps? Maybe a hot water bottle… any other suggestions for alleviating the pain? To help me sleep better at night.? “No reply, he simply waves me away in that controlling macho Latin way. Come back in two days time. He greets the next group of women knocking at his door with an ”  Hola mis reinas” . I leave with a silent huff and a puff, my head hanging low. Latin Men! I utter silently under my breath and immediately email my doctor brother in law and sister nurse in the UK   Help! what to do!,!? Three weeks, four appointments (though only one fee of $ 25), one cortisone jab later and still no changes and the pain continues. So another knock knock at his door, this time with Jemima And Millie in tow.   I am now greeted like a long lost friend with an ahhhh Señora. Kiss kiss ,even a hug all round, pat pat to J and M and he finally suggests a bit of physio therapy. Allelujah ! But too late Dr. We are leaving Cuenca the day after tomorrow. Kiss kiss, hug hug, goodbye