Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Shane_in_VA]

Hi everyone,

It looks as though I'll be coming to Korea (Daejeon, specifically) sometime in August and I have a specific medical question. I've looked through the FAQs and a few other pages, but have been unable to locate information on this particular medication.

I've tried to get a year supply of Coumadin/Warfarin from my family physician (I have a mechanical aorta valve and thus need a blood thinner), but he doesn't seem willing (or maybe he's just unable) to prescribe that amount. I suppose that means I'll need to see a Korean doctor at least once or twice so that I can obtain a prescription. Does anyone know if I will have any difficulty getting this from a Korean pharmacy? I know there must be quite a few Koreans on the same medication, but I'm not sure if it exactly equivalent to what is prescribed in the US. I actually had to substitute for a different medication (forgot the name) that was supposed to be an exact equivalent once when my local pharmacy was out of Coumadin (and the generic Warfarin) and it didn't work as well (my pro-time/INR levels were completely messed up the next time I went to get it checked). Also, are there labs (like Quest Diagnostics or LabCorp) in Korea where I can get my blood checked once a month like I do here in the states? Or would I likely get it done in my doctor's office? I realize I'll likely have to pay out of pocket, but it can't be any worse than here in the US (only about $30 for a once-a-month test).

Also, I know this may sound COMPLETELY stupid, but I also have a pacemaker (I had quite a few heart-related issues when I was a child, but am fine now) and was worried about the Korean health check. Is there a high probability that some people at the hospital will speak a little English so that I can explain to them that I have a pacemaker so as to make sure they don't accidentally walk me anywhere near an MRI machine or other large, magnetic devices? I'm certainly going to learn as much survival Korean as possible before leaving, and I realize this fear is probably completely irrational, but when I'm about to take my first ever steps outside the comfy borders of the US, my mind has begun to run to the absurd. Thanks for any input you can give me; I appreciate it!

[bluelake]

I'm going to guess the reason your doctor was reluctant to prescribe such an amount for you was because, as you mentioned, your protime has to be checked regularly and the amount of coumadin adjusted accordingly.

Although not all Korean doctors speak English, many do and many were educated in the West. Large cities, like Daejeon, have many good medical facilities where I'm sure you can find a doctor who speaks English. Also, most any medicine available in the West is available in Korea, too (both generic and brand name).

Others in the Daejeon area may be able to give you more exact information related to health care in the area. Good luck!

[MMagidson]

[Shane_in_VA]

Ok, cool. Thanks for the info. I really appreciate it! I suppose I'm just a bit anxious now that I realize the departure date is fast approaching.

[Ruthdes]

I can't comment on your drug questions, but I'd certainly get some extra help when you go to get your medical check done. Maybe get a coworker to call ahead and get someone to write down your issues in Korean. I don't know what Daejeon is like, but even in Seoul, the medical staff at the hospital you go to for your check speak very little English. It is enough to get through if there are no complications, but for something complicated and potentially life-threatening, I'd take extra steps. Have a Korean speaking person who understands your situation on standby to take your call and interpret if you have any problems while you're at the hospital.

Good luck, and kudos to you for not letting medical issues control your life.

[Shane_in_VA]

Good advice, Ruthdes. I have a cousin currently living in Incheon (the only person I know in Korea). I'll be sure to send her an e-mail and see if she can help with the translation issues. Or, like you said, I'll ask someone at the school. Either way, I'll make sure I have someone to help out if the need arises for translation problems. Danke!

[jena2nsu]

Did you have any problems with the medical check? It's possible that I will be having a pacemaker installed soon and I worry about how it will affect my chances of teaching in Korea. Thanks again.