How you doing Gwen? Haven't heard from you in a while....

i hope ur doing good..merry christmas to you & your family

Hi Gwen, I just wanted to let you know that I am thinking of you today - all the way from Australia. I hope you are doing well. I'm sending you a big hug for a super fast recovery

Did you asking Sandy to have Dr. Kelly call you? I know they protect Dr. Kelly's contact info. People could go direct if they share it. I can't speak highly enough about Dr. Kelly. Compassionate and Spectacular!

Let me know if you have his direct info. If not, I would be happy to email him to see if he's ok sharing his info.

Coordinators... Don't get me started! Need one because you can't get the # to the Doctor direct. You're scared to cross the border so it's nice to have their driver. BUT - that's all the value I saw in using their services! Sad - eh!?!

I heard from my coordinator that A Lighter Me is switching the hotel to keep the cost down. Ticuan seems nice and if you go on trip advisor they have reviews you can read as well.

My experience with Dr. Kelly and the Hospital were amazing. The cardioligist was bilingual along with my nurses. OR - Dr. Kelly was there so I really didn't pay attention to anyone else. He speaks perfect English. The bathrooms are dated but it's more of a boutique type hotel. Not too big, attentative and private. I really didn't have any discomfort. Took pain meds to sleep because I knew it was good for me. Dr. Kelly came and saw me everyday until we left Mexico. He also personally drove me to my second leak test.

I would do it again in a HEART BEAT! Lost 17 lbs 9 days Post-op! I feel I owe it to everyone to ease the anxiety and share my experience. You'll do great!

PART 2...Poor proper Spanish Nurses..didn't know what to think..It was the GAS....it had settled between my shoulders, thought a 400 lbs man was sitting on my chest..it hurt bad. I even questioned "WHAT THE F**K DID I DO TO MYSELF?". They kept comfortable with meds given in the IV..for pain, GAS and Nausea. About 4-6 hours later.I paged for RN, they came running with meds again...Ms.Tammy you hurting..NO I need to go to restroom.I got up.slow and easy.went to potty.then walked the hallways.felt so much BETTER after the walk. Everything was a lot better after that. A little discomfort..but not bad like the GAS pains. Had leak test, went to hotel, went shopping, came home.

I was picked up in San Diego by DR. RAMOS, he discussed the surgery with me on the way to Tijuanna. Pam (my companion) and I was very impressed that he spend so much time going over eeverything with us. Upon arrival, I was nervous. Looked like we had just arrived at a prison, high walls with barbed wire surrounded the hospital, and had a armed guard at the front gate. But once inside..there was a beautiful garden, flowers and an amazing hospital. Staff was very pleasant. Dr. Ramos-Kelly met me in the lobby. Had to sign legal papers, all in spanish however my companion is a RN and speaks Spanish, so she read them to me..and they were just as the Staff had said they were..word for word.Made me feel good.Got to room,changed into gown and started pre-op tests:urine,blood, x-ray..got iv started.cardiologist came for EKG and discussion.Dr. Ramos-Kelly came several times.just to check in on me. Had surgery about 4 pm...in OR no one spoke any ENGLISH...but DR, Woke up in my room...CUSSING like a Sailor fresh off the ship.LOL ..

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Well hello there, and welcome! Looks like you're brand new to the forum?