Be prepared for illness

As I lay in Miami in intensive care I thought this is a good time to write my story. My wife and I love negril so much so we have been spending winters there the last 10 years. We went down for a quick 2 weeks after a crazy farm season. 10 days into it I had a pain I thought was constipation I waited till the next day to call nurse Beth ( yes keep her number available ) . She arranged an appointment with Dr Grant for me who wanted to do an ultrasound but only do at 4 pm. I was in so much pain they couldn't determine what was wrong with me and said to get back to Dr in the US. The next day we were on a flight to the nearest hospital ( Miami ) I live in New Hampshire. I was wheelchair edge in to the emergency room and immediately was on the surgeons table at Jackson memorial with a burst appendix. It had burst two days before ! I am on day 9 and will be in recovery room for another week. Had I had travel insurance I could have been flown by private medical jet and saved a lot of time. I would like to give kudos to Dr Grant and nurse Beth as well as my buddy tallman for their assistance but they could only do so much . I will be okay but it has been a tough 9 days here so far but am thankful to be alive . Of course we will be back down for the winter but much more ready for something like this .
Still loving Jamaica and happy to be alive
Farmer

My prayers are with you , farmer.
Regards,
Bob

Ohhh Farmer...we are truly glad to hear that you are recovering well...how crazy scary for you & Likkle Farmer.
L&R

Best wishes for a full recovery!! We wouldn't travel anywhere out of the US without travel insurance for medical evacuation. Insuremytrip.com is a great site to compare policies and prices!

Get well soon farmer!

-Seamuis

Farmer,sending prayers for your quick and complete recovery!

Thinking of both you and Likkle Farmer....

Sincerely,

VVHT

Thanks for sharing … all the best for healing and further enjoyment of life.

A burst appendix nearly killed my former boss on the day of his greatest triumph and he was here in the states when it happened. He was ~70 and obese so the combo made for a very long recovery. The issue of emergency medical care has been a topic on the board of late. Seems there's quite a few seniors in Negril these days. At our age we get to stay for extended periods, but we're all nervous about our health. Thanks for sharing your situation with us farmer. Best wishes for a quick recovery and return to Negril! --Marblehead

Wow, Farmer. I'm so glad you are recovering! You will need the recuperative power of Negril just as soon as the Doctors say you are ready. I hope to see you soon!

I agree with the real-experience advice to purchase evacuation/medical emergency insurance!!

I'm sorry to hear you had to go through this while on vacation. So what travel insurance would you and anyone else on this board recommend to buy before travels?

I heard a story similar to yours about 10 years ago. Talking to a gentleman on a shuttle bus between Mobay and Negril, he had been there 2 weeks prior, when he had a pain in his stomach. They called a Dr. and he sent him to the hospital in Mobay. It was appendicitis, and they wanted him to evacuate to Miami, because he was told "you don't want to have that surgery here". His wife had a heck of time trying to gather their belongings in enough time to take the trip with him. They had to max out all of their credit cards in order to get him out of there. Luckily for him, he was back a couple of weeks later as the resort he was staying let him use his unused vacation. That story always shook me.

One other time while in Negril, I became severely de-hydrated, too much sun and alcohol, and got really sick, I do believe I had heat stroke. I thought I had to make the trip to Mobay, but DH found some meds in the gift shop (of all places) that covered my symptoms. Thank goodness, but it still was a very scary situation for me.

We had friends who went for their honeymoon this summer. She was sick the whole time, had to have the nurse come in and give her IV's to the tune of $4,000+. Luckily they had insurance, placed a claim and were reimbursed.

I now purchase insurance whenever I go, but hope and pray I never have to use it. Thank you for sharing your story. I can't imagine what you had to go through and how frightening it must have been. Wishing you a speedy recovery.

Get well soon Farmer!

If there is time...they always strongly suggest that you go back home for medical care so as not to be a burden on the health care system here...as well...it's always better to be in your own country for recovery, costs and to avoid the international red tape.

Check you health insurance also. I work for the federal government and my health insurance has international providers and provides evacuation to the nearest hospital that can manage your care under the same standards as in the US.

I always buy Travelex insurance because it offers medical evacuation as well as care while there and it is primary. My daughter had appendicitis symptoms when we were on a trip to Alaska several years ago and Travlelex covered everything directly with no out of pocket to me, which was amazing. She didn't have appendicitis, as it turned out, but they still covered the initial doctor visit and the surgical consultation that doc referred her to.

They also sell a $49 "Transportation Pak" add-on that covers rental car collision insurance (CDW) IN JAMAICA which most credit cards do not cover.

I have Travelex again for our upcoming trip. They offer 3 plans with different amounts for medical evacuation, medical care, cancellation, baggage loss, etc. Ours was like $115 for all 3 of us.

why............... is it so hard to diagnose a problem with an appendix...really
not just in jamaica ... but >>> u could die..waiting

Great post Farmer and glad to see you are on the mend. I myself also get travel insurance anytime I leave the States, as you never know what could happen, case in point.

My wife came home with Zika in August and I was going to write a similar post to remind people to not skimp on the bug spray, however I did not want to create any unnecessary panic since she is the only case that I know of.

Thank you so much Farmer. It was nice to meet you and your wife! As noted above, BELLY issues can be very deceiving. Bowel? Appy? Stone? You can do a manual test on the abdomen but isn't fool proof. My son also faced the same situation and they just couldn't be sure, but when they went in his appy was almost ruptured. My advice to go to the hospital would have saved some time getting you home but I know that didn't sound good to you, I understand. Your appy ruptured FAST....so what people know is you must take our advise, please. I am proud to say when I am called, I am cautious and try to keep your expenses down for everyone but we have to do what we have to do!! I am so glad you made it in time and are recovering!!! Keep my number folks! Nurse Beth

what is it>>> JustinCase

got it876-464-2894:cool:
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Originally Posted by ohliz

I always buy Travelex insurance because it offers medical evacuation as well as care while there and it is primary.

They also sell a $49 "Transportation Pak" add-on that covers rental car collision insurance (CDW) IN JAMAICA which most credit cards do not cover.

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Oh, that's good to know!!

My company provides a Life Insurance policy through Sun Life, and Sun Life provides a TRAVEL INSURANCE benefit through a company called Assist America that includes medically necessary evacuation, anytime I am more than 150 miles from home. Its good for a trip up to 3 MONTHS. Assist America also offers an add-on for EXPATRIATE coverage for $80 year/$120 family, it has to be renewed every year. I was able to add my daughter who is in Asia. The Expatriate add-on has to be purchased before the trip starts.

Oh my word, scariest thing ever, to have something like this happen on vacation, 2 years ago I fell, and cracked a rib, while it slowed me down some, probably a good thing..lol...
I was able to stay and finish out my vacation, it taught me one big lesson, to always purchase health insurance... I wish you a speedy recovery, and a trip back, asap !!! :) I'm going back in Feb, that's a pre-warning for you guys, Rob and Lisa...lol... :)

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Originally Posted by jojo p

Oh my word, scariest thing ever, to have something like this happen on vacation, 2 years ago I fell, and cracked a rib, while it slowed me down some, probably a good thing..lol...
I was able to stay and finish out my vacation, it taught me one big lesson, to always purchase health insurance... I wish you a speedy recovery, and a trip back, asap !!! :) I'm going back in Feb, that's a pre-warning for you guys, Rob and Lisa...lol... :)

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Haha Jojo...no problem...we have the doctors on speed dial...lol !

Just a note....the physicians do not live in Negril. On occasion you may have one around but don't count on this during the night!
This is why we collaborate via phone after I assess ....I assist to cover because they have full clinic days and I sometimes call them to the hotels ON TOP of their own calls! I have multiple physicians on my roster as well as ambulance services because we don't want an issue getting the you the service you need. There are more than one of everything, but we make a plan based on availability and what you need! Good things agwaan.....more to come Nurse Beth

Beth can you arrange flight evacuation also?

Thank you for sharing your story with us. It's a great reminder of why travel insurance can be so important.

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Originally Posted by Babalew

Beth can you arrange flight evacuation also?

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Just what I was going to ask!

And would these services be paid directly (without paying then being reimbursed) as was the case for us in Alaska? (I might need to ask the travel ins co that question but if you have experience with that I'd love to hear it also).

PS: farmer I hope you are recovering well. I had a ruptured appendix in the middle of NYC long ago and spent 3 weeks in the hospital. So I know, not a fun recovery!

Re: medical evacuation; Read your travel insurance Benefits/policy. They are usually involved as soon as you realize your need is significant enough to contact them, and they make the arrangements. One thing to know, your condition has to be stable enough to make the trip.

So I am just wondering. Why not go to Mobay to a hospital to deal with a situation like this? Other than cost and insurance not covering a procedure, is there another reason?

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Originally Posted by never2many

So I am just wondering. Why not go to Mobay to a hospital to deal with a situation like this? Other than cost and insurance not covering a procedure, is there another reason?

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You can get it taken care of here...but...as I wrote earlier...

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Originally Posted by Bnewb

If there is time...they always strongly suggest that you go back home for medical care so as not to be a burden on the health care system here...as well...it's always better to be in your own country for recovery, costs and to avoid the international red tape.

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It's also just simply better to be in familiar surroundings with family and friends to care for you...less stressful overall.

Well that sure sucks.... glad that you are OK. Get well.

Thanks for all the well wishes I finally got out of hospital 20# lighter will be back in Jamaica on January 16 to spend the rest of the winter recovering and with insurance!! :-)

Travel Insurance seems like a good deal!! (I have used Allianz) and I had a couple of small claims which they paid no problem.

Yay farmer, glad to hear you are recovering and heading back!

Glad to hear you are on the road to recovery. See ya at Whoopees. Bob & Pat

Great news Farmer! If I don't recognize you 20# lighter, please say hi!!
20# - yikes!!!

Yes. I have ambulance services on my phone roster, I know who is where and the best place for you to go....evacuation usually after evaluation! Beth

Yes. Many times even with NON emergency, you need clearance letter to fly after certain treatments. Every situation is different and again, it depends on the hour of the day, services available...we make the best plan we can! If it is questionable or there may be any delay...I always suggest a trip to hospital (depending on the day/time and who is closest one open!) In this case it was Plan A- go to hospital for quick service/evaluation or wait to go to Dr Grant when Ultrasound was open at 4pm....a time delay can eliminate the need of a flight out, like this situation. I know a hospital visit isn't what people want, but I will always tell you when I feel it may be needed in the end!! Nurse Beth

You could but Sometimes you don't have to go to Mobay... There are other places to go to in Sav depending on the time of day, or I can call in physician if NON emergency or even Mobay 24 hour mini clinics...AND some people JUST won't go to the hospital due to conditions or bad previous experience....I make a plan with you and suggest what I think and go from there. Sometimes I don't think people should ride without EMT or RN under certain circumstances.....what happens if something happens on the road?? Driver will pull over and then what? Nurse Beth