"Original Testimony:
Dr. Almanza and his staff are wonderful. I had prepared myself with a lot of research before going to Mexico and don't regret being aware of what was going on a bit.
When I arrived at the San Diego Airport, I was met by two chaperones from Emmanuel Medical Center who were very courteous. Eduardo spoke excellent English and Tony spoke fair English. Our first stop was the lab where they drew blood then on to the clinic. When we arrived at the clinic the cardiologist was waiting to run a 12-lead EKG. Vital signs were taken, forms signed, yada, yada and they prepped me for surgery.
Emmanuel Medical Center is clean to a tee. I wish their janatorial staff would come to my house! It is a smallish facility when compared to an American facility but well appointed and full of wonderful staff who focus on you.
There are a few differences from healthcare in the US, but nothing I would consider dangerous (I have been a certified paramedic since 1982).
The surgery went without a hitch and I spent two nights at the clinic with around the clock nursing care. When they released me from the clinic they took me to lunch (yum, chicken broth!) and out for a little shopping. Very little because after about 20 minutes I wanted off of my feet!
The residence house for the next two nights was great. Emmanuel Medical used to put patients at a hotel for two nights but recently (we were the first to stay there) opened a four bedroom condo in a gated community. Dr. Betancourt literally lives on the other side of the road in case of emergencies. The residence house was beautiful, I got to interact with other patients and felt perfectly safe and sound. It even came with a house man who waited on us hand and foot.
After two nights at the residence house, the chaperones drove me back to San Diego to catch my flight home. I arrived home yesterday and had already scheduled a follow up appointment for today with my personal physician. I relayed everything to her, she looked me over and said it all looked great. She understood the whole insurance won't pay thing and can't afford it in the US issue.
Would I do it again??? You betcha'.
"
