Alan R.
Some Tips If You Are Having Surgery In Peurto Vallarta, Mexico With Dr. Joya
I had my surgery with Dr. Joya on Dec 2ed. Everything went just fine. The doctors and the staff were all very attentive. The hospital (I was in San Javier) was small but had everything they need should any complications arise. The doctors all speak fluent English how ever the nurses do not. If you have a laptop, bring it. There is wifi in both the hospital and the hotel and google translate will help with the nurses. The hotel is awesome. Make sure to ask for a "tower 10" room. They are the newest and offer a great view as well. Post op be sure to try one of the sugar free lime Popsicle's ( a clear liquid) available in the gift shop at the hotel, I found it very soothings to my new tummy. When you go to get your meds, wal-mart (right there by the hotel and hospital) is the best option. Just give them the list Nathalie will give you and they will hook you right up. Look at the quantities and make sure you are getting enough of what you need and not to much of what you don't. Also, buy a box of 4" bandages as there will be some additional drainage where your drain tube was.The pharmacy is all the way in the back of the store. Ask them to give you the price in dollars so you know how much you are actually spending. They accept US currency as well!
All in all my experience with Dr. Joya has been excellent. Be sure to ask questions and he will happily answer them. Nathalie is also great before and after the surgery. When you go to check in the hospital, go to the emergency room. They don't tell you that in your arrival letter, but that is where you will meet Nathalie. She will go over everything with you, have you fill out some forms ( you have them all in your handbook that Gerald e-mailed you) and she will show you to your room. Immediately they will start an IV and take blood for your labs (1 needle for both!). You will then sit and wait for several hours for your lab results. In that time you will be seen by the internists, psychologist and Dr. Joya. If all is well your surgery will be in the afternoon. There is plenty of English speaking TV and Internet available for your wait. Utilize them and don't get inside your head!
After my surgery the only real pain I had was from the Co2 they pump into your abdomen. That was pretty bad. If you experience the same, get up and moving asap. It will make the gas pains go away.
For the next day, you just hang out and watch TV and sleep. The nurses (always in teams of two) will check on you periodical. On the second post op day they will take you back down stairs and give you a leak test. All this is, is an xray while you drink a nasty tasting dye. Over in no time. If that is OK, they will give you some ice. If you tolerate that OK, they take your IV and drain out. That is a little weird, but not painful. Then you are off to the Kristal to chill for two days.
Try to get out and walk around. It helps and the hotel grounds are beautiful. The restaurant by the pool will make you a bowl of clear chicken broth if you feel up to it and the gift shop has lots of juice if you don't get it from wal mart.
One other note: When you arrive in PV, after you go thru customs there are TWO rooms of leaches that will tell you anything to get your attention. They all look and sound official, but are trying to sell you a time share. Just walk right through BOTH rooms until you see someone with a sign bearing your name, that is your ride! Don't rent a car! The local police look for rental cars and fine you for anything and suggest cash payment on the spot. Cabs are cheap and everywhere. Do however get the price for the trip in advance. If you feel up to it toward the end of your stay, take a cab ride in to the old town. It is worth the trip even if you stay in the car!
You will be fine and treated very well at the hospital and the hotel!
Let me know if you have any questions!
Best of Luck And Have Some Fun Too!
Alan
