Chris Y from USA had a hip replacement surgery at Fortis Hospital, Mumbai, India facilitated by Healthbase. Following is his story about his experience with medical tourism abroad for hip replacement surgery.
About 5 weeks ago I went from the USA (Raleigh, North Carolina) to Mumbai, India, for hip replacement surgery. I have been home for a while now and am happy to report I am making great progress toward total recovery.
My hip problem was with me many years, but only showed itself during the past one year. In that year my gait went from normal to limping to a sort-of painful hop on only my good leg. Clearly I was in need. So I researched greatly many options both in the USA and abroad and found that more hip operations were successfully performed overseas, specifically in India. Through my research I connected with Moe, who is Healthbase’s Customer Support Manager. He patiently answered each of my questions, even when I would call again and ask new and different questions. Moe arranged for a 3-way conversation with the surgeon of my choice, who, also through my research, I chose to be the world-renowned hip resurfacing/joint replacement surgeon, Dr. Kaushal Malhan. After consideration, I realized that Healthbase, Dr. Malhan, and Fortis hospital were the right choices for me.
About 3 months later I was ready to take a trip to Mumbai, India to become whole again. Being adventurous, I arranged for my own airfare, while Moe arranged for my hospital stay, and the date of my surgery. My stay in the hospital was for a total of 12 days and 12 nights, which went by very quickly.
I hopped on the plane, (actually 3 planes), and was met at the airport (at 1 am) by Bharat, who is Fortis hospital’s International Patient Relations Manager. That same night I was brought to my room, where my check-in went fast and easy.
Let me tell you about my room. It was spacious (it was actually called a suite). It was well lit and very clean. I had all the amenities I could want – a TV, a computer, a phone, a refrigerator (stocked with complementary juices), a large easy chair, hot water-maker for coffee, lots of pillows to lounge with, and a very big bathroom area. Every day during my stay the cleaning crew came to clean everything (even the bathroom) and to change my linens.
The day after my arrival was devoted to surgery prep, which went like clockwork. It was obvious the staff had plenty of experience. I was scared, as I had never had surgery before, but was reassured at each step by every one of the staff member’s professional demeanor. The next day was my surgery, which apparently went very well. (In addition, I also needed bone grafting – this had been explained to me the day before the surgery). I felt well and strong almost immediately after the surgery. For a few days after the surgery I was given, it seems, just the right amount of pain medication, since I felt no pain, yet could easily read a newspaper, had a normal sleep pattern, and a good appetite.
Doctors, nurses, and dieticians would stop by my room daily to ask how I was feeling, did I need anything, and would I like to have anything different foodwise. The meals were always very tasty, as I could choose daily from a menu book, which had a wide variety of Indian or Continental cuisine. I could specify anything I would like to eat for any meal. I did eat a large amount each day, and had fresh fruit plates at least twice a day. Also, the kitchen was just a phone call away, so I could ask for anything at any time, day or night.
I am now moving about several hours each day without crutches or a cane. My gait is coming back, and I am exercising using the routine I was taught while in the hospital. I am completely free of medication, and foresee a time in the near future when I will be able to once again take up long-distance bicycling and walks on the beach. Dr. Malhan’s skill as a surgeon has made this possible, and his minimally-invasive techniques have definitely aided in the speed at which my recovery has progressed.
So here is the bottom line. My being a patient in Fortis Hospital was a good decision, a smart financial decision, and from a surgical standpoint, a very wise decision. My room was big and clean, the care I received was very good, the food was absolutely great, and the physical therapy I received was specific to my needs, intense but not overbearing, to which I also attribute in large part my very rapid recovery (they claim the Physiotherapy Department as ‘World Class’ – I can attest their skills truly make them such).
Anyone who is considering joint resurfacing or replacement should seriously consider the many advantages of having Healthbase as their medical tourism facilitator. In addition, I highly recommend the staff at Fortis Hospital in Mumbai, India, and especially Dr. Kaushal Malhan, whose world-renowned surgical expertise continues to create successful outcomes in patients such as myself.
Thanks Healthbase!
Related links
Medical Tourism Blog, Surgical Tourism Blog, Overseas Medical Travel Blog - Healthbase 