Guadalajara Reporter

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Written by GR Staff
Saturday, 06 March 1999
Dear Sir, Mexican doctors, in my humble opinion, have been given a "bum rap." Many of us winter visitors are receiving excellent treatment every day. Still, the impression is left that we are better to go home should serious problems develop. In our case, a trip home would have been sure death. My wife Mary, 80, developed symptoms of heart problems a few days after arriving here from Toronto on November 20. I immediately contacted a Guadalajara cardiologist, Dr. Roman Garcia Garcia, through La Floresta clinic, close to where we live. After Dr. Garcia's examination, tests and diagnosis, it was obvious my wife should be hospitalized. A couple of days later we headed for the Mexican Hospital Militar Regional in Guadalajara where we have privileges through the American Legion via the Royal Canadian Legion. This facility is staffed by top qualified military doctors. Since the Hospital Militar does not perform heart surgery, we were transported to Santa Margarita Hospital. This hospital is a Roman Catholic institution administered by nuns, who run a hospital that is equal to any in the United States or Canada. Their empathy is palpable and conducive to early healing. Santa Margarita is equipped with the latest diagnostic equipment: CT scanners, MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), a Nuclear Department well equipped with the latest machines and all sorts of x-ray equipment with "state of the art" operating facilities. An angiogram was necessary for Mary in order to observe the heart in action. This of course was after ultra-sound examination, blood tests, x-rays, etcetera. During the angiogram procedure, I was called into the observation theater where the arterial blockage was in evidence on the screen. I was shown and told what the next step was to be. This same heart-invasive procedure was done in the United States two years earlier, with another angiogram done in Toronto less than a month later, when the problem should have been discovered and solved. The first operation Mary had here was successful. Unfortunately, another operation was necessary. Mary still had some pain and a problem with breathing but it was discovered from further tests (nuclear x-ray) that a vein in Mary's right knee was restricted and a source for small blood clots which rose to the lung and formed a thrombosis. In Canada, a nuclear test would seldom be considered because of the incurred costs. Mary's second operation here was necessary to clear the right coronary artery which was done with angioplasty and a second stint was inserted. The artery was cleared in two more places as well. At this writing Mary is home with an oxygen supply available when needed. She is making steady progress. Needless to say, we are indebted to our doctors and nurses who extended us professional care not exceeded anywhere in the Western world. Mexican doctors need not take a back seat to any other group of specialists. In our month-long adventure, we experienced first hand the warm, caring, competent and professional attention available to all, winter visitors included. At this writing, I think it is safe to say that there is no justification to fear Mexican medical care. We have experienced first hand the treatment of which I write and are truly grateful. Michael Haddon, Canada and Ajijic