Korean Job Discussion Forums

[citronella49]

I really don't want to talk to anyone at work about this, but I just noticed I have a UTI. I know it will get really bad over the next few days since I have had far too many of these. I am sure it is because I am not drinking enough water and stopped taking cranberry pills... Everyone told me not to drink the water and I don't like cold water from the fridge... I know I have to get used to it though...

Anyway, I am still waiting on my insurance card. I asked two Korean women I worked with how I should see a doctor without my ins card. One said borrow one of the other Female American teacher's card, and the other said I could go now, pay for it and then get paid back when I get my insurance card. They both seemed to think their ideas were accurate, but I want to know what more people think.

Do they sell uristat here?
Do they sell cranberry pills here?
Can I get antibiotics quickly?

I live near Kangnam Station so anywhere close would work fine. Any information you can give me would be helpful. Also, does anyone know it the birth control nuvaring is available here, and if so do I need a prescription?

Thanks a lot in advance.

[Fresh Prince]

[kermo]

I think I can be of some help here.

Pure cranberry juice is very rare here, and the pills haven't been clinically shown to be effective (you'd have to order them in anyway.)
I don't know what "uristat" is, but anti-biotics are very easily available.

In Korea, you can go to a small clinic or a large hospital and see a doctor almost immediately. If you go on a Monday, there will probably be a long line-up of people who were ill on the weekend, but otherwise you might be in and out in 15 minutes! (If you're used to the Canadian system this is nothing short of miraculous.)

Some doctors are very considerate, speak decent English and will treat you properly. A few are complete knuckleheads. For eg.,

My first year, I had a UTI and my Korean friend took me to a doctor. I had swollen glands, and the typical symptoms of a UTI. He didn't do any kind of urine analysis, but after a cursory inspection of my neck, pronounced that I had "blocked lymph nodes" and a "kidney infection." What a goof. Then he gave me an injection in the backside and a brief prescription, which thankfully did the trick.

Since then, I've been back for the same problem, but other doctors have been much more reasonable, i.e., doing urine analysis to confirm the problem (usually getting the results within an hour). Some doctors will give you a series of pills, and others will give you a shot of anti-biotics in your upper buttock.

The shot can be a little painful afterwards, and you can decline it if you want to, but it'll probably speed up recovery.

Ask the pharmacist to look at the prescription with you because Korea-style prescriptions will often include an anti-inflammatory, a pain-killer and a digestive aid as well. If you like taking pills, then go ahead, but it probably pays to be aware of what you're swallowing.

The cost will be very low, especially when you've got your insurance card. My last visit, for instance, was less than 5,000 won (including urine tests, pap smear and antibiotic injection), and the pills cost just a bit more! I'm quite recovered, and pretty damn satisfied with the Korean medical system at the moment.

[jeffkim1972]

you can find cranberry juice at Costco.

[kermo]

[jeffkim1972]

[dogshed]

Take someone elses health card. It's not a big deal here. They don't keep records like they do in the US.

[KYC]

Uristat only relieves the symptoms temporarily...you need antibiotics.

[tzechuk]

Both of your Korean co-workers are right. You can either just borrow a card, and use that; or you can pay for it full, get a receipt, and claim it back later once you have the card.

Either will work.

[Boodleheimer]

is there anything OTC?

[kermo]

[Boodleheimer]

am now going to guzzle water.