Korean Job Discussion Forums

[humanuspneumos]

Well- that makes 2 people recently who have been given something by Korean Dr.'s that led to lethal consequences. As many of you read a while back- one teacher even died and now one in a coma.


If things aren't what apologists would like us to think- it's not Korea- in the whole medical realm in relation to foreigners- then I guess it's up to us to be educated and know everything about what we can't take or perhaps a step further- what those around us can't take. Kind of like kids who go to school and fill out an allergies form to put on file or wear a med tag- those around them are in the "know."

[royjones]

I never have had to go to a Korean Doctor for meds cause I brought my own.. but I would definately tell him about my allergies. Also I have a medical alert for drug allergies. I think its an important thing when in a foreign country..

[Real Reality]

Korean doctors may or may not ask about allergies or allergic reactions.
How well do they explain the serious side effects of medications? Do they spend enough time determining the proper treatment?

Here is a quote from Corporal:
"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."

Here is something from Ryst Helmut:
First case, well, REALLY long...let's leave it at - I spent one month in the hospital and 8 million won for a *beep* job of a surgery....knee is still gimpy.
Second, well, Koreans LOVE to operate....he INSISTED I needed emergency surgery... headed home and followed internet doctors' instructions.....good as new in 1 week.
Third,...Really REALLY sick...
1st place said I drank too much soju... I say no, buh bye!
2nd place Doctors wheel me around the hospital, while I hug my bucket. Hoist me up for an x-ray...doctors think there is something wrong with my lungs.
3rd place ...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....
Post subject: Damn Doctors!
http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/korea/viewtopic.php?t=7789&highlight=malpractice

[Zyzyfer]

I tried to get some over-the-counter medication for allergies once, and it seemed to cause some sort of reaction with my heart, as it started racing and made me feel faint. So I'd be careful when dealing with allergies here.

Luckily, my allergies have subsided and I got through this spring nearly scot-free. Just some sneezing here and there.

[Homer]

Jesus its not that complicated....

If you are going to live in a foreign country...

1- Make of list of the medications you are allergic too before leaving.
Bring this list everytime you go to the clinic.

2- Tell the doctor about your allergies and ASK if any of the medecine he is prescribing has any side effects.

You would think a reasonably intelligent adult would havce figure that one out a while back.

There are incompetent doctors out there. There are also incompetent people who should know better.

[lush72]

Homer-

Your a hogwon teacher right? Well if you had a new student wouldnt you give that student some sort of test so you could determine what class the student would be best suited to? Or would you just throw the student into any class without asking the student about their ability?

Having said this, as a doctor its your responsibility to FIND OUT ABOUT YOUR patients medical history BEFORE you write a perscription.

Stop apologizing for the ignorant behavior of the local "professionals"

I have been here for years- I might have been asked if I was currently taking any medication or allergic to any medication once or twice. IMO korean "doctors" have the attitude that they are god and, as such, are above question.

Having said that I really get a kick out of asking questions when I am with the doctor, I couldnt possibly care less about the doctors proud korean ego. sometimes they get a bit angry but I just keep on asking. Its my life for gods sake! I have a right to know whats happening! Ego be damned!

[Gamecock]

From my experience with Korean doctors (granted, not all Korean doctors are witch doctors), I would perform surgery on myself before letting another one touch me. And I will never again take their medication.

[oneiros]

I've only been majorly sick once while I've been in Korea, and I was lucky enough to have a great doctor. I still asked lots of questions. Yes, the doctor has the responsibilty to make sure you don't have allergies, or are taking conflicting medication, etc. In North America, failure to do that is pretty strong grounds for a lawsuit.

Even in North America, you should be looking after yourself as well, though. These things happen back home too. How many stories have you heard about the guy who got the wrong leg amputated? Ask questions. Lots of questions.

Okay, I admit it. I have a doctor paranoia problem. I'm working on it.

[Ody]

where's the option for usually? that would be my experience.

[Real Reality]

stopwatch,
that is worth repeating (a special copy and paste for you).
"The only place I've felt remotely confident about the quality of medical care is at Samsung Medical Center,...
Even the best sawbones in Korea is almost certain to be a quack.
Nowadays, when I need non-emergency medical care, I leave Korea. I suggest Bumrungrad or Bangkok-Pattaya hospitals in Thailand, assuming you can't make it to Western Europe or North America."

Samsung Medical Center
http://english.samsunghospital.com/

Bangkok Pattaya Hospital
Outstanding Business
Most Recognized by Foreign Patrons
http://www.bph.co.th/project7/pages/main.html

Bumrungrad Hospital
http://www.bumrungrad.com/

Pattaya International Hospital
http://www.pattaya-inter-hospital.co.th/about.html

[royjones]

[Real Reality]

Should the medical alert bracelet in English or Korean?

Do you mean Medic Alert?
MedicAlert Membership.
For $35 the first year and only $20 a year thereafter, you will enjoy privacy and peace of mind.
http://www.medicalert.org/

Bracelet
http://www.medicalert.org/(2um5f1jfy3dotc45udyaqc45)/Home/HomeCatalog.aspx?Catalog=Standard

Recognized worldwide, your MedicAlert emblem provides medical personnel the same 24-hour Emergency Response Service even if you are halfway around the world. In addition, MedicAlert provides translation services in over 140 languages. No matter where you are, our call-collect number can be accessed anywhere anytime.

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[Homer]

Stopwatch, if you enter the ER unconscious then thats too bad isn't it.

What could you do anyway here or back home...since you are unconscious. That was a silly example.

Also as royjones pointed out...if you have allergies, wear a medic alert bracelet..it will 'speak for you while you are unconcisous', (its magic stopwatch...magic).

Lush,

I agree some doctors here don't do all they could concerning medications.
But, whats the option? Bitch and moan about it and then get an allergic reaction. Or just tell the doctor what your allergies are and ask questions about the medication.
Thats what I do and woulnd't you know it they answer my questions...go figure...thats nuts eh Lush?

If you ask nothing and don't mention your allergies then what happens is partly your reponsability. We are adults here with functionnal brains. Use your common sense.

[Demophobe]

[OiGirl]

You are all adults. I assume you have gotten sick back home and survived it. So you have a record of medications you have taken in the past and conditions you have had in the past. Ask or suggest to the doctor or the pharmacist about the medications you have taken sucessfully and safely in the past. If I have a yeast infection, I go to the doctor and ask for Diflucan. If I have allergies, I ask for Claritin or Zyrtec. If you can't take responsability for your own health, there might be negative consequences.