Read all about it, read all about it , shock and horror in HCMC
Anger and Hurt in Ho Chi Minh City
I do have some good news for those who have been kind enough to follow and offer up your prayers. I am inherently an optimist who prefers to look at the positives rather than the negatives in life, however, even for a crusty old optimist like myself, it has been difficult.
This blog will also give you a bit more info about the Vietnamese psyche, both good and bad. My underlying belief is that most people are good but my belief has been battered a bit over the last few weeks.
About 3 weeks ago I went to a hospital to have a small wound looked at on my chest. I was told it was malignant after a biopsy test. ( I had had a test prior to this and was told it was benign, however, because it was the "recognized" skin care specialized hospital, I went along with their evaluation.
This started a long procedure of testing my blood ( which had never been done before) and being told there was a "virus" in my blood without actually being told what it was. After many visits and tests at this and other hospitals at a great expense of time, I was no closer to any actual outcome. The only thing I was being told was the operation and stay in hospital would stretch over several days.
Frustration and fear set in, so I decided to go to another hospital, one of the ( If not "the") leading training hospitals with most of the doctors being qualified to the max. It was here that I found out that the reason for my tiredness and general feeling of being unwell over the last few weeks ( Since the biopsy, funnily enough) stemmed from a dirty knife during my biopsy.
To say that I was peed off is a mild exaggeration. I had been infected and still am with hepatitis B ( My drinking days are over) and while I know who and how it happened, the ranks have closed and apart from being (now) well looked after, I have no comeback.
The only good news is that I do not have cancer (Malignant) and my operation which is scheduled on Tuesday will be over in 15 minutes. I hate to think about what would have happened if I had gone ahead with the operation in the other hospital. This is from a country where (some) truck drivers (If they have had an accident) will run over a severely hurt victim as it is cheaper to compensate for a death than support an ongoing life.
On another positive note I am totally fired up and am determined to propel myself forward and nothing will stop my success.
I think that similarly to a car we have a big window and a small mirror in our business. The big window is to help us focus on the future and the small window is so we can see what is behind us but not focus on the past.
Zoopie
Recent Comments
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Oh, Stephen, I am so happy to hear that it's not that awful thin, thank Goodness! I am glad you're on the mend.
I understand your anger and I would be angry, too. And I, just as you, am always determined to go to the end. I detest people's disregard and ignorance!
Sending healing prayers your way!
Yes, it was the better option. Although it should not have been an option, ahh well.
Thanks
Stephen
Stephen I’m very glad it’s not cancer, the hepatitis is awful I feel with you … I caught a strain of hepatitis many years ago working at a meatworks was soo sick . If you need anyone to vent to I will always answer your txt, blogs whatever asap. Take baby steps nothing too big and plenty of rest. 🙏
I really thought it was C too, because I was getting so weak. Now I’m feeling better. After my small op I start in on the hep meds, so will be feeling a bit more flash then.
Thanks
Stephen
That... well to put it mildly, is horrendous Steveoi...
Sorry for what you have been through recently there... but happy that it isn't the big C..
Getting a second or third opinion is always beneficial from my experience, not as bad as what you have been through, but let me share a little story...
A couple of months after moving to Brazil I fell ill and couldn't stop being sick so, against my will my wife dragged me to a fairly reputable private hospital...
The doctor ran a few tests (I didn't have any health insurance at this point which the doctor knew so I was seen as a "rich" Englishman who would have to pay in cash for any procedures).
The diagnosis... appendicitis, we need to operate and remove your appendix immediately I was told!!
Mmm, I thought... I have had some friends who have HAD appendicitis and the symptoms were not quite the same... so I said no, and refused the surgery, signed some waivers, paid for the tests and checked out against medical advice!
Next we ventured to another reputable private hospital to get a second opinion... after a few tests I was told that I did not have appendicitis, just a case of food poisoning!
They gave me some fluids for a couple of hours a bit of medication and sent me on my way. The next day I woke up feeling right as rain!
Anyway.. sorry for going on a bit here, but a second opinion is always worthwhile, especially in places where they only see $$$$!
Stay positive my friend and I wish you all the best for Tuesday! :-))
What a story, Nick...that's just unreal. But I agree with your take on always get a second opinion. Yikes!
From experience... a second or even a third opinion is always worth the time it takes to get one Susan!
I hope you are well my friend and enjoying the weekend so far... :-))
I think you are definitely right, Nick...things are well and very hot today. Hope you're having a good one ;-)
I hope not tooo hot Susan!
We have just escaped the baking temperatures of the last couple of weeks and now, although not cold, things are much more bearable! :-))
That's more comfortable, I'm sure, Nick. Saw that on the news...I'm not too concerned here as I love the heat and it's short-lived so no complaints :-)
I don't mind a bit of heat Susan... as long as there is some water nearby to cool off in!
But here, swimming pools are at a premium (apart from my little balcony pool which is mainly for the use of my post pup, and me occasionally of course)! But we are about 250 miles away from the nearest beach!
And I do miss living close to the beach as I have done for most of my life!
Happy to hear that the extreme heat is short lived where you are! :-))
The same here, as soon as the white flashes before their eyes they believe it will be followed instantly by green. US dollars still rule here. That and gold. It is not official and it is not stated, but thems the facts.
Stevoi
Wow, Nick! I never would have had to lose my 65% of my right foot if they had only given me some antibiotics and not, instead sent me home ot soak the foot in warm water for four days. The doctors at the hospital told me that was a big "NO-NO"🙄
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Unfortunately the green seems to rule in most places Steveoi..
Thems the facts indeed my friend, I hope it all goes well for you tomorrow buddy..🙏
What Jeff! Instead of antibiotics they told you to soak your foot in warm water for 4 days as a remedy??
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I hope you sued them my friend!
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No money to get from them anyway, Nick! It was an Indian doctor, and they are usually real good, but he didn't act bothered by it when he told me to soak it in warm water, and they got my full deductible of $1,500 that year, and have still been trying to collect seven years later for another $100, they say I owe them!
Oh well, it is what it is!
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No, I don't think it is even worth the time or trouble to try for me, Stevoi! I'd likely have to get in line behind all the other litigants too. Besides, in a way, I guess it is a blessing as I had developed flat feet, and they took the one that was causing most of my back issues, so perhaps it was a blessing in disguise!
Best of luck to you in your situation, my friend!
Jeffoi🙏
I'm glad you got a second opinion. Sometimes they will confirm the first opinion, and other times like yours, they will give a different diagnosis. Either way, a second opinion is always reassuring.
I hope all goes well for you on Tuesday, and that fire within will propel you to new heights!
Thanks very much. Yes, it’s slowed me down but am looking forward to having the op over and done with. My god, anther scar…so far 120 plus stitches..lol.
A walking pin cushion.
Stephen
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Stephen, starting with what is most important, it is good to know that you are on the path to recovery.
Life in foreign countries can be scary, especially when it comes to health.
As a Traveller and even in our Caribbean islands, I am always mindful that matters of health could be somewhat risky.
I wish you continued recovery and will keep you in our prayers.
Cassi
Thank you Cassi,
Your thoughts and prayers are kindly appreciated.
Stephen
You are very welcome, Stephen.