I was staying in Whitehouse at the South Sea View Guest house back in 2001. On my birthday, I decided to climb down the ladder into the sea to snorkel. Well, the ladder broke and cut my leg (side note- be careful on ladders from the sea. I bet they generally rust quickly, and don't last long). Not life-threatening, but it was obvious that I needed to be stitched up. Luckily, I was traveling with a friend who was raised in Bluefield's Bay, Jamaica - but lived in Athens, GA, like me. We jumped in our rental car and he flew to the Black River Hospital.
I signed in, and waited in the ER with several Jamaicans. It seemed like they gave me special treatment, as I didn't have to wait that long. I remember them asking for me before some of the Jamaicans that had been sitting when I arrived. But, there may have been other reasons for that. Specifically, they called me before a child with a burn injury. I declined, and they took him first. Shortly after this, they took me back, stitched me up, gave me a tetanus shot, and prescribed me an antibiotic. It was way more clean and professional than I had expected. And more efficient than in the US.
Then, I was given a bill and my prescription and told to go to the pharmacy (on site). I got in a line, handed in my prescription, and waited. They called everyone back up to tell them what the meds would cost and see if they wanted to fill the scrip. I was shocked that my medication only cost about $13.00 US. And, when I went to pay the bill for the surgery, it was about the same!
I had seen Blue cross sign in the billing office window, and contemplated whether my insurance from the US would be accepted there. But, when the whole thing cost me around $26 US, I was amazed. On the way to the hospital, I thought I was about to spend the reminder of any money I had for the trip. Overall, I was very impressed with the care I received. In a strange way, I am glad I was injured, so that I could have the experience.
I remember the hospital sitting right on the sea. There are several long buildings that sit out behind the main building, and overlook the sea. Whenever there is a hurricane threatening Jamaica, this image pops in my head, and I think "What do they do with all of the patients in those buildings during the storm?"
Had my share of bumps, bruises, cuts, Jelly Fish stings, sea rash and Black Sea Urchins.
But my last trip in 2008 was interesting...
Developed a sore on the top of my foot (don't know how or why), but it became progressively worse as the vacation continued. Probably because I wasn't going to slow down and let it heal.
Last full day on the Rock and I'm in tough shape recuperating at The Canoe Bar and Grill. All the Boardie Ladies are fussing over my bandages and what not, Patty serves me an awesome fish lunch, Kirby mixes me one of his famous Five Rum Punches that not only kills the pain, but almost kills me!! LOL
Sucks being hurt in Paradise.
Enjoy,
VVHT
[FONT=comic sans ms][SIZE=2]Staying a an all inclusive,afternoon shower afer some rum punch's slip in the shower,fall OUT of the shower onto the toilet bowl. The toilet bowl is now knocked off its seal and water coming up from the floor,,,,,, Wife asks,"you O/K honey?" ??????? I respond,naked from the floor in the toilet water "yeah man,no problems here" in my best Joe Cool voice ????I then call the front desk and say "Hey man,we have a leak in the toilet and I need a new room"?It worked.
Ever wake up and UM,have a cut,some blood,A bruise? A ripped shirt and UM you're like "how did that happen?"
read this...its the last half of vol 6 of our First Trip.............http://negril.com/forum/entry.php/64...ol-7?goto=prev
for the whole story go to the link listed below
"One of the laundry gals pipes up ,,"LOOK AT DA BLOOD"
"YES,THAT WOULD BE MINE" I said as my leg that at first gave no pain, started dishing it out in large bunches........"
want more read our blog? our first trip.........http://negril.com/forum/entry.php?58...-The-Beginning
friend from chicago just came in for a 2 week vacation and were on the road and didn't see a drainage ditch,she fell against the upward slant with her right ankle,breaking it,then she tried to soften her falling to the ground,by catching herself by her hands,breaking her wrist too.they took her to sav.in the back of a pickup truck sitting in a chair.got her fixed up and the whole thing cost $300.00 US.including all pain meds .
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2 years ago i thought it was a good idea on our 2nd day to go for a late supper at Jah Bs across the road from Rooms where we were stayin after drinking all day on the beach, after dinner and a few more redstripes i decided to run across the road in my bear feet, the pavement was very rough and i stubbed my big toe, i look down and there was major blood, told my wife lets go to our room and check out the damage, well, there was a huge flap of skin hanging and part of the toenail was gone,she bandaged it up and the next morning off to the pharmacy at the west end to get gauze, liquid bandage and 5 pairs of latex gloves, each morning i bandaged the toe up and cut off a finger of a glove to cover up the toe, many people asked if it was a condom on my toe , l.o.l, soon come
no major incidents for me; plenty of mosquito bites, blisters, scrapes, bruises. I pack first aid supplies so I can deal with those.
I am ever mindful of the slippery tile floors and the famous uneven Jamaican stairs and random little steps installed for no reason! Usually bruise my shin at least once per trip on the bed corner.