Job Discussion Forums

drdo · Joined: 26 Feb 2005 Posts: 53

Hello. Has anyone ever had their tonsils removed in Japan (or their child's)? We aren't having much luck finding a place to do this in our area.

We live in ChibaPref; we have been to 2 hospitals, 1 clinic and 1 'ear-eye-throat' doctor in the past 5 months, as our 4-yr old has sleep apnea, sinuitis, and we thought enlarged adnoids and tonsils. Finally, after viewing x-rays, we see the adnoids are normal but the tonsils need removing. The "specialist" suggested for us to return to our home country for the surgery. (I would love to jump on a plane, but with no insurance in the US...to have surgery. We'd walk away paying over $10,000 for the trip, which we may have to do, in the end.)

I don't understand the lack of willingness to do this surgery. From what I have read, the procedure is "outpatient" these days and quite easy now with laser. The throat specialist said that the tonsils need to be removed in order for the child to function 100%. But when I hear these doctors here swaying back and forth with their voice, "Ohhhh, that's difficult...", I feel a bit uneasy.

Our child is miserable, not sleeping b/c there is little breathing-only through the mouth, has lost some hearing (chronically plugged) and has discharge from the nose 24/7. Plus, they keep giving us steroids. Grrr.

Have you had this experience? If so, what did you do? Do you know where we can go for this surgery? Do you have a suggestion as to other options?

Thanks.

Sherri · Posted: Mon Mar 26, 2007 6:03 pm Post subject:

Hi
I highly recommend this hospital for children in the Toyko area. Try bringing your child here.

http://www.ncchd.go.jp/English/Englishtop.htm

Best
Sherri

drdo · Joined: 26 Feb 2005 Posts: 53

Sherri:

Thanks for the information. The place looks colorful, open and almost fun. I have tried calling but their line is busy-busy-busy, but I'll keep working on it. Thanks again.

Sherri · Posted: Tue Mar 27, 2007 4:19 pm Post subject:

Hi
Try to get a referral from one of your child's doctors. This is how we got our daughter in. Many of the doctors can speak English and were trained in the US.

Let me know how you get on
Sherri

eslteach555 · Joined: 09 Apr 2004 Posts: 18

Try St. Luke's International hospital in Tsukiji in Tokyo. I know a fellow who had a hernia operation there and he went back there gladly 3 years later when he needed the other side done. They have lots of Englsih speaking staff and doctors.

It costs 3,000 yen to walk in the door but National Health and private plans like global are good there if you have any insurnace.

drdo · Joined: 26 Feb 2005 Posts: 53

Hi there,
Thanks for the ideas. I did notice at the Children's Hospital after reading info on-line, we'll save ourselves about 5,000yen if we have a referral, so thank you for confirming that. Makes me nervous, any way I look at it, surgery on a 4-yr old overseas. But good to know of St Luke's too.
Thank you.