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Damn Doctors!
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dutchman



Joined: 23 Jan 2003
Location: My backyard

PostPosted: Mon Jul 28, 2003 4:39 am    Post subject: Damn Doctors! Reply with quote

Okay, I'm not one to complain much about Korea. But SOB am I pissed!

My son got a skin infection. My wife took him to a local doctor about 5 days ago and the guy prescribed some oral antibiotics, wrapped the infected area and told my wife to keep it dry and NOT WASH IT. We've been going back everyday and having him redress the infected areas. The doctor said in no uncertain terms that it was not contagious. We were concerned since we also have a one month old baby and my son goes to daycare. The infection spread to another area over the weekend. Doctor said it was no problem and keep doing what we have been doing.

Well, today there was a new infected area. I got suspicious and decided to check the internet (thank God for the internet). Found a description of Impetico. Found the translation and my wife said that is what the doctor said my son has. What did I learn from the internet?

a)HIGHLY contagious, keep away from babies especially and keep the child out of daycare and school.
b)WASH the infected areas often.
c)Apply antibiotic lotion 4-5 times a day (the doctor has been doing it once a day).

There was also a bunch of other useful info that this doctor apparently had no clue about.
My wife checked it out on the Korean sites and found exactly the same info. So what kind of effing moron is this doctor? It's one of those unbelievably frustrating moments when I wish to God I had studied Korean harder and could go tell that doctor what I think of him. My wife will never do it. So I'm left to stew or go there and chew him out in English.
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ulsanchris



Joined: 19 Jun 2003
Location: take a wild guess

PostPosted: Mon Jul 28, 2003 5:51 am    Post subject: hmm Reply with quote

I have been to the doctor four times in korea. The first time I had toncilitis. The doctor gave me three days penicilin (should have given me ten). Of course I still had it then i went back to him a week later and he says five days medication usually fixes it. Confused hmm Lets see here. He already knew that I needed more than three days medication yet doesnt' give me enough on top of this he was five days off on the length of medicine. What a fricken quack. BTW his office didn't seem to be all that sanitary.
The second time I went to a doctor I had a sprained back. He had a nice office and was able to give me good treatment.
Third time I went to a doctor I had a urinary tract infection(doctors office messy). He couldn't properly identify it at first. Said he didn't know what it was and didn't run anymore tests. AFter a couple more days went to a different doctor (office clean) who correctly identified it and treated it.
Doctors are a hit and miss thing here. From my experience I would stick with doctors who offices look clean and sanitary.

also when looking for health info go to www.mayoclinic.com
lots of health info
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The Lemon



Joined: 11 Jan 2003

PostPosted: Mon Jul 28, 2003 6:03 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Quote:
Doctors are a hit and miss thing here.

They are indeed.

A day before we left for our vacation in February, my wife and I determined that she was pregnant. We decided to check it out at the local Ob/Gyn clinic here, and to find out if there were any precautions to take (mosquito repellants to avoid, etc)..

Woman doctor FREAKS when we tell her we're headed to Malaysia, not because of any SE Asian environmental issues, but because she's going to fly on a place. Apparently many Koreans believe the "air pressure" in an airplane will kill an unborn baby. She DEMANDED we cancel the trip.

We went to my own doctor, who also expressed concern about the "air pressure", but to his credit he said, "let me verify that with an expert..". He called up his own ob-gyn friend, who said the belief is nonsense, and for us to have a great trip and not to worry. My doctor also recommended we see this friend of his, and she's been our baby doctor (an awesome one, too.. even a fair bit of English) ever since.

For the record, airplanes are harmless to pregnant women. Most airlines allow their flight attendants to work until quite late into their terms. There was some concern in the UK about solar radiation at high altitudes, but it was determined that this would only have been a factor had the women been sitting out on a wing. But in the cabin, protected by inches of steel and aluminum, there's no risk.
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Corporal



Joined: 25 Jan 2003

PostPosted: Mon Jul 28, 2003 6:22 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

The doctors suck. I was prescribed a combination of pills after my last doc visit for various symptoms. The next morning I woke up shaking uncontrollably. It scared the crap out of me. I mean I was really shaking, I couldn't hold the baby or anything, I was afraid I would drop her. I went back to the doc ASAP and asked what was going on. He smiled and said, "oh yes, I know, one of the pills I gave you sometimes has that side effect. Very rarely though. I will give you a different one."

??????????? and you didn't warn me of this BEFOREHAND BECAUSE.....?!!!!

dumbass.
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justagirl



Joined: 17 Jan 2003
Location: Cheonan/Portland

PostPosted: Mon Jul 28, 2003 6:55 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

The "3 days worth of pills" is the Korean way. All of us know that if you don't take all 10 days of pills, you will get even more sick, because the cold/bacteria/whatever will overcome the low dose of medicine and retaliate.

However, I have never been able to get 10 days worth of pills (or even 7). Basically you have to go back after your 3-days worth are used up and get "re-evaluated." Then they might give you more. It really sucks when you have a nasty infection and you just want the antibiotic for long enough to actually kill it.

Does anyone know if Korea has that Z-pac antibiotic that is a 3 or 5 day pack of pills that is really strong? That would be nice info to hold onto, so we can just request something we know will work.

About the shaking--same thing. Husband and I had the same flu/cold, and we got a pill cocktail of perscriptions (6 different pills). No clue what they all did (except the one marked "Tylonel"). Both of us were queasy and shakey and dizzy, so we each left out one random pill each time until we narrowed down the culprit. Threw all the little, white buggers away and took the rest. Crazy. The pharmacists take the sheets the dr. gives, too, so you can't figure out the names of the medicines. I thought I'd translate them and search on the Net as to what I was taking, but can't even do that....
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Ryst Helmut



Joined: 26 Apr 2003
Location: In search of the elusive signature...

PostPosted: Mon Jul 28, 2003 10:31 am    Post subject: Beat ya Reply with quote

Where do I start?

First case, well, REALLY long...let's leave it at - I spent one month in the hospital and 8 million won for a shite job of a surgery....knee is still gimpy.

Second, well, Koreans LOVE to operate. Just watched a US show on Redding Hospital in PA (I think), and the head surgeon is a Korean. He convinced all these people that they needed heart surgery....BALDERDASH! Well, had a worry about a problem I had, went to the doctor after a few days (yea yea, I am a guy) and he INSISTED I needed emergency surgery. Said ok, then while being admitted, thought...'hold up.' Went to a PC bang, looked up my ailment, and found surgery is in no way needed. Took my schtuff, headed home and followed internet doctors' instructions.....good as new in 1 week.

Third, within 1 hour I went from normal (ummm, for those who know me, hush) to curled in my bedroom corner, not moving (ewww, getting nauseous thinking about it!) an inch as I'd hurl. Really REALLY sick. Cried like a baby for hours. Couldn't open my eyes, as even a baby crack of the lid would force chuncks. Couldn't reach the phone, same effect. Wife finally gets home and freaks when she sees me. Was gonna go to the university hospital (40 minute drive), but I couldn't take the movement, so opted for smaller hospital/practice.

!st place said I drank too much soju. God, I wanted to deck the sod! Holding bucket and hurling yellow stuff, then dry heaves....soooooo dehydrated. I pass out. I awake to have my wife say the doctor thinks it is my kidneys, possible failure. I say no way, must be ear infection....as this dizziness is still horrendous. Doctor says no, I say no, buh bye!

2nd place - probably midnight, a few kilometres from the 1st hospital to this one. Doctors wheel me around the hospital, while I hug my bucket. Hoist me up for an x-ray....their miffed, as they have to get rayed as well, I've not the energy to stand, let alone I fade in and out of consciousness! Last thing I remember was the x-ray....morning is about, doctors think there is something wrong with my lungs. Schmucks, I tell them it's my EAR! Unsatisfied.

3rd place, and go to my university's hospital, where I've taught most of the staff. I get in, and within 5 minutes I am diagnosed with extreme ear infection. Voila! Shots, anti-biotics, nurses' (yes, plural) sponge bath, and I am already feeling better...who wouldn't? A day or so later, good as new.

Then again, I tried the ride my bike the second morning after coming home, and I dropped my 750cc bike on me. Funier than heck, thank the Lord my students knew of my condition, saw, and aided me in lifting it up. I put the kickstand down, and SLOWLY walked to class.

I concur, it is a crap-shoot...

Shoosh,

Ryst (The Balanced) Helmut
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makushi



Joined: 08 Jun 2003

PostPosted: Mon Jul 28, 2003 5:09 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

As is the rule everywhere, always get a second opinion...and as the first poster pointed out the internet can be your friend.

We've had pretty good luck with Samsung Hospital in Kangnam. If you go to the foreign clinic you can't use your national insurance...but if you want quick, professional service...you will be happy.
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kimcheeking
Guest




PostPosted: Mon Jul 28, 2003 5:30 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

My advice is to go to the big hospitals or a place that specializes. My daughter also had some kind of mouth infection (not thrush), we went to a local place and nothing happened, it got worse. didn't stop crying and didn't eat (very little) for 3 days

Went to a childrens hospital near seoul station. 4 hours after giving her the correct medication she stopped crying and started eating again.
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kimcheeking
Guest




PostPosted: Mon Jul 28, 2003 6:23 pm    Post subject: that quack linton Reply with quote

I would like to add that you should not see that Quack Dr. Linton... he did nothing to help and costs a fortune.

You have to pay him, even if you never see him. If your records are in his office but you see a specialist he still gets 30,000 won....
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Sliver



Joined: 04 May 2003
Location: The third dimension

PostPosted: Mon Jul 28, 2003 6:50 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

It is common for doctors here to give you some theophylline when you have a cold. A generally nasty drug suprisingly metabolised quickly by smokers so perhaps this is why it doesn't effect the average Korean man with regards to the shaking, palpitations, restlessness that theophylline commonly causes. Laughing

Secondly the "polypharmacy" here is terrible. Poly pharmacy means ten little tablets to be taken all at once or like the korean cold and flu tablets (one tablet with ten ingredients) so when you do get and ADR you have no bloody idea what drug actually caused the problem....... Rolling Eyes

Anyways most korean drugs have the same generic name as in America so you can check what your about to take as long as you can read korean (make the sound of the drug name) and then look it up on the net or use one the online info pharmicist guys.
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meatball



Joined: 15 Jan 2003
Location: Daegu

PostPosted: Tue Jul 29, 2003 4:20 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Well...as I sit here with my foot elevated. The bottom of my big left toe contains 7 stitches. Split it open due to lights that weren't on in the stairwell of my apartment (another thread).
My horror is this. I will forever remember this pain. Before they stitch you, they numb you. Well that needle hurt enormously, but they immeditely began stitching....THEY DIDN'T WAIT for the stuff to kick in. I felt the first 2 stitches been sewn. It was so painful, my fiance had to the ER I was screaming so badly. They didn't seem to realize why I was screaming so much. By the time the third one went it, I was numb or maybe in shock. At any rate, everytime I go back for them to change the dressing and get more meds...a new doctor with ZERO english tells me something different.
Its really frustrating, leaving for Canada in 2 days...will get them removed surrounding by English speaking professionals.
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marsha marsha marsha



Joined: 07 Feb 2003
Location: At the base of a very big pyramid

PostPosted: Tue Jul 29, 2003 4:07 pm    Post subject: My horror story Reply with quote

Went in for a "simple" surgery. Messed that one up but sent me home. 3 days later, all jaundiced, was told I need another "procedure". Said I would sleep and not remember it. Well, 2 years and many nightmares later, I do remember it. Freakin scariest time of my life. Well, messed that one up too then they tried to order some other stuff to make it better. I refused and healed on my own. Then they said, oh seems you now have hepatitis. Well, could it be from your stupid hospital not cleaning things properly!??! Luckily, I didn't have it, they just thought I did. Stupid doctors here! BTW, this was all at Yonsei.

International clinic in Itaewon is the worst! They said I had a broken arm but when I went to a real doctor, they said the fracture was just a blood vessel and the doc in Itaewon misread the films. DUH!
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rudyflyer



Joined: 26 Feb 2003
Location: pacing the cage

PostPosted: Tue Jul 29, 2003 4:28 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

these are the stories that scare me. I won't go near the little clinics, instead I go downtown to Choson Univ hospital complex. They seem competent. My wife has a chronic condition that requires her to go monthly and the dr she sees speaks good English and is current on treatments.

I go to the dental clinic monthly there I have really bad teeth and they seem to do a good job, have had it checked out while in the US. Also very inexpensive, root canals cost only 60,000 won

think if you go to the teaching hospitals you'll do OK
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crazylemongirl



Joined: 23 Mar 2003
Location: almost there...

PostPosted: Wed Jul 30, 2003 2:45 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I have a good story.

I has having a really bad asthma attack. I'm a stupid asthmatic that will wait until I'm having a whole heap of problems breathing before I go. Normal people have peak flows (the amount of air you can get into lungs) of about 600. At 200 you should be at the doctors, I've showed up with levels under 150.

Back home, I can just show up and get put on the magic asthma machine without any explaination. A few minutes on that and I'm a bit shaky and tired but in general I'm sweet as.

I did have written down in hanguel that I'm asthmatic. Also had a print out of a nebulizer and bought in the boxes of the drugs I'm on. As I having trouble talking.

Doc number 1 doesn't even do a peak flow reading (which in my stupidity I left mine in New Zealand) trys to give me a shot of something in the butt and three day dose of something brown and liquidy. Realising that this guy doesn't know excretment from sugar I head to a bigger place and I'm sorted out promtly.

Defintely not letting my asthma get that bad again here. I was actually considering calling an ambulance I was getting that desperate.

CLG
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makushi



Joined: 08 Jun 2003

PostPosted: Wed Jul 30, 2003 3:31 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

meatball wrote:
.THEY DIDN'T WAIT for the stuff to kick in. I felt the first 2 stitches been sewn. It was so painful, my fiance had to the ER I was screaming so badly. They didn't seem to realize why I was screaming so much. By the time the third one went it, I was numb or maybe in shock. At any rate, everytime I go back for them to change the dressing and get more meds...a new doctor with ZERO english tells me something different.
Its really frustrating, leaving for Canada in 2 days...will get them removed surrounding by English speaking professionals.


Screaming over stitches? Rolling Eyes

Anyway...remove em yourself wimp!
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