Korean Job Discussion Forums

Hamlet · Joined: 18 Mar 2008

For some unknown reason, I've been suffering from terrible pain in my shoulder. I went to a Korean doctor who stuck me with lots of needles and sold me some expensive powdery stuff--when I asked him, "what is the purpose of this medicine," he told me that I didn't need to know.

Anyway, I'm still in serious pain, and I want to find a western style doctor--one who speaks English and is willing to figure out AND explain to me why I might be having such pain would be great.

If you know of any such doctor here in Seoul, could you please let me know?

Thanks

Also, if you know about fees and such (I have the Korean health insurance) could you please give me that information as well?

Thanks again!!

Straphanger · Joined: 09 Oct 2008 Location: Chilgok, Korea

afsjesse · Joined: 23 Sep 2007 Location: Kickin' it in 'Kato town.

You should contact Dr. Love who is a member of this bored. He speaks English and works at a hospital in Seoul.

I've also heard mixed reports about the care at the International Clinic in Itaewan. They speak English.

Sorry that I can't do more.

sarbonn · Joined: 14 Oct 2008 Location: Michigan

ppcg4 · Joined: 16 Oct 2008

I second the International Clinic in Itaewon:

http://www.internationalclinic.co.kr/

Dr. Kim is a good doctor. You likely won't get sweet painkillers. Depending on what he thinks, he'll likely give you an anti inflammatory and a stomach pill. He may refer you to a hospital if he thinks you need x-rays (which I think is a good idea).

It's easy to find. I'll be visiting him today actually.

polonius · Joined: 05 Jun 2004

I find the international clinic in Itaewon far too expensive. While you might get some stronger doses, and he does speak English well enough, and he probably will heal you, I believe that you would be best to seek out other options. Some of the better known hospitals do have international clinics with nurses that will guide you. Seoul National is great, but again, expensive. I hated Soonchoenhyung, although that was the maternity ward.

Dr. Love claims to have many different specialists. And from what I can gather based on prices of various things mentioned on this board, he is decently priced.

Jane · Joined: 01 Feb 2003

No! Not the International clinic in Itaewon. The last time I was there, everyone who came to see him was for innoculations.
He's a nice enough guy, but as for diognoses and such, I would not go to him. First, he's expensive. Second, there are MUCH better doctors in Seoul that cost the same, but are effective.

Try the Severance hospital at Yonsei, or the International Clinic at Seoul National University hospital in Daehangno. They will help you the best. The latter has specialized doctors so you're likely to get the best help there for your shoulder. Both hospitals require appointments, but they are both open on Saturdays as well as throughout the week.

dr. love · Joined: 09 Oct 2007 Location: Seoul

Dr Namsoo Cho at our hospital (East West Neo Medical Center, Kyung Hee University) is an orthopedic shoulder specialist. He took great care of my collarbone last year, so I can personally recommend him.

Call 02-440-7304 for an appointment.

runlikegump · Joined: 05 Nov 2007 Location: Seoul

CeleryMan · Joined: 12 Apr 2007 Location: Seoul

Unless you injured it doing something physically, I'd simply do nothing and minimize any movement in that area for a couple days. You probably slept on it weird and your rotators are sore...

G'luck

moosehead · Joined: 05 May 2007

might want to lay off using your backpack if you have one -

I've had shoulder surgery on one side and the other became weaker when it had to take over - sometimes if I use a backpack and swing it off on the same side, oh jees the pain -

backpacks can really mess people up over long periods of use - best to stop using anything at all on your back for a few days and see if that helps.

palpate the tissue area gently w/2 fingers and find the pain - massage gently w/ alcohol and ointment (try the drugstore - "apa" is Korean for pain; if you can find the blue and white ointment tube it's very excellent - mostly arnica based which is a natural anti-inflammatory ointment used by physical therapists all over the world) - really bad pain, try some ice (plastic lock top bag)

the other common cause of shoulder pain is repetitive stress syndrome from a computer mouse - switch off left to right from time to time so as not to overuse one arm all the time.

good luck and hope you feel better Shocked