Health care in Puerto Vallarta

It is time to comment on the medical assistance that we have received since arriving in Puerto Vallarta. The day after we arrived John had a 1 1/2 hour consultation with a Cardiologist who assessed him and his medications. At that time John had considerable fluid retention throughout his body and his blood pressure was very low. The recommendation was to stop taking two new medications and add another water pill for one week. At no time did we feel rushed. He referred John to a Vascular Doctor on the same day. Total cost = $80.00.

Later that day we had a 1 1/2 hour consultation with the Vascular Doctor that included an ultrasound on each leg from groin to ankle. The examination was very thorough and not rushed. His recommendation was to continue with the water pills, exercise daily and purchase some compression stockings. Total cost including the ultrasounds = $200.

One week later John visited the Cardiologist again. The Doctor met us in the full waiting room, took his blood pressure and announced that it was normal. He spent 10 minutes talking with John about his health. With about 14 pounds of fluid gone, he reduced the water pill dosage for another week and a further reduction after that. Total cost = nil.

Yesterday we saw the Vascular Doctor again. He examined John's legs thoroughly, said that everything looked really good and recommended that John continue with exercise and wearing the stockings. There was nothing more that he could do. Total cost = $40.

It is possible that John would have received the same suggestions from physicians at home ...but, how long would he have waited and what damage could have been done in the interim??? We are extremely pleased with the speed of appointments, the cost and the attention from both physicians.

Meanwhile, as a Christmas gift, I gave John a gym membership and several sessions with a personal trainer in PV. Tito, the trainer, has put him through a range of activities, given him a list of suggested supplements and instructions on "how to walk properly". We tested his walking ability this morning on a 6 1/2km trek about town. It is still a struggle for him to coordinate his "swinging" arms with his "walking" legs!!.. but the main idea of "chest out, stomach in and head up" seems to have clicked. He returns sweaty from the gym and experiences some discomfort for a day but is totally dedicated to the effort. His weight is now approximately 20 pounds less than when we arrived three weeks ago. Bravo!