BajaNomad

Medical Transport Solutions

wilderone - 6-10-2024 at 01:59 PM

I attended a presentation today by MASA Medical Transport Solutions. Coverage is pretty impressive: repatriation from foreign country; ambulance denied by insurance; grandchildren covered; companion return transportation coverage; Quarantine expenses; Vehicle/RV return; mortal remains transportation and a lot more. No limit. No deductible. If you live in Baja, Ca., you need a stateside address, and I think he said there is a $50,000 limit on emergency transportation to US. There are lifetime, 5-year, annual, and monthly plans for MASA Emergency Shield membership. A lifetime membership for a family is $5,500; $4,500 single (would have been reduced by $600 if I signed up at the seminar). San Diego rep is Tim, 800-643-9023.

Udo - 6-11-2024 at 09:27 AM

Quote: Originally posted by wilderone  
I attended a presentation today by MASA Medical Transport Solutions. Coverage is pretty impressive: repatriation from foreign country; ambulance denied by insurance; grandchildren covered; companion return transportation coverage; Quarantine expenses; Vehicle/RV return; mortal remains transportation and a lot more. No limit. No deductible. If you live in Baja, Ca., you need a stateside address, and I think he said there is a $50,000 limit on emergency transportation to US. There are lifetime, 5-year, annual, and monthly plans for MASA Emergency Shield membership. A lifetime membership for a family is $5,500; $4,500 single (would have been reduced by $600 if I signed up at the seminar). San Diego rep is Tim, 800-643-9023.



Very informative!

pacificobob - 6-11-2024 at 08:39 PM

Every time this topic appears on BN, i await the post where someone describes being injured in a remote location, where a helicopter swoops in and wisks the injured party to the waiting medevac Learjet and a short time later arrive at a state of the art stateside medical facility. Still waiting.

JDCanuck - 6-11-2024 at 08:58 PM

I'm going to weigh in on our medical insurance experience when my wife broke her hip in Baja. Hip was replaced in La Paz within 3 days, great at hospital and after discharge care by local physiotherapist and surgeon. They stated in no case should she be flown home within 6 weeks. Insurer demanded she fly home at their convenience in under 3 weeks as THEIR doctor stated it was just fine and otherwise she would not be covered for any further medical problems. They flew her with a 4 hour layover in LA rather than the direct flight to Vancouver, with improper seating position on the plane. Delayed and inspected in Vancouver for random Covid tests providing even more unnecessary jolting and movements. Ferry to Nanaimo via 2 hour ferry, more loading and unloading on/off stretcher. 3 hours after arrival home, her new hip dislocated due to wholly unnecessary stress movements on a far too early transit home.

Short story. Her second hip transplant is a mess and long term nerve damage from reassembly after dislocation has still not healed. Do Not let the insurer override the surgeons advice no matter how many threats they make or how many of THEIR doctors they quote.

oxxo - 6-11-2024 at 09:14 PM

I sincerely hope your wife has completely recovered and is doing well now.

JDCanuck - 6-11-2024 at 09:32 PM

Quote: Originally posted by oxxo  
I sincerely hope your wife has completely recovered and is doing well now.


SHE is a trooper and gets by without complaint, I'm the angry one. Thanks for letting me blow off some steam.

On the other hand, we had occasion to submit a claim with Baja Bound on a vehicle claim and they came through exceeding our expectations. Not all insurers are crooked, its just the 95% of bad ones that make all the rest look bad!

[Edited on 6-12-2024 by JDCanuck]

surabi - 6-11-2024 at 09:35 PM

I know several people who have had some serious medical conditions and were very impressed with their doctors, surgeons and other medical care in Mexico. They either had insurance or paid out of pocket.

Like anywhere, there are good and bad doctors, but people who think they'll get better care NOB may find that isn't true.

Have a friend who went through breast cancer and a radical mastectomy. When she had to go for chemo treatments, her oncologist in Guadalajara asked her where she was staying. She had rented an Airbnb for her time there, she lived in Sayulita. The doctor said, "Oh, I drive right by that area on my way to the hospital, I can swing by and pick you up each day."
Can you imagine a doc in the US or Canada doing that?

What a nightmare your wife went through, JDCanuck. I would have been so disgusted and furious with the insurer. That's a story some CBC reporter would have liked to cover, I bet.

JDCanuck - 6-11-2024 at 09:44 PM

The Physio in Baja exceeded our expectations too. Our therapist would drive from La Ventana to La Paz just to take 1 1/2 hour to treat my wife after he relocated and asked her what day she would like him to come up. The charge was stupid cheap. Here you get a visit of 20 min once every 2 weeks if they can fit you in for about 4 times the cost.

surabi - 6-11-2024 at 10:02 PM

I damaged my back about 9 years ago. Screaming pain sciatica 24/7.
There is an American woman in PV who was a nurse and set up a business for herself in PV arranging medical care. She gets paid by the hospitals and doctors she recommends and books for you.

She got me in for an full MRI of my back within 36 hours. The MRI was 2000 pesos at the time. And paid 500 pesos for the neurologist, who went over the MRI with me and gave treatment recommendations and some pain and inflammation scripts. All told he spent an hour with me, pre and post MRI.

I wasn't that impressed with his recommendations (physio and surgery- I couldn't do physio, because any movement was excruciating, which I don't think he fully appreciated) and I just ended up doing pretty much nothing until eventually it healed.

But I was definitely impressed by how quickly one could access medical services, how I didn't get left sitting in a waiting room for 30 minutes only to spend 10 minutes with the doctor (why are they always "running late" in Canada? You'd think they'd know by now how many appts. they can handle in x amount of time), and how inexpensive it was.

[Edited on 6-12-2024 by surabi]

JDCanuck - 6-11-2024 at 10:16 PM

I suspect medical access and costs in Mexico will always be far better along with seniors care. Our medical system is falling apart here at a disgusting rate. I and my wife and 2 of our kids were all working in the medical system here and watched it decline until we either quit or retired. We watched it fall apart as the various governments drove out the independent hospitals and clinics to turn it into a bureaucratic mess. After years of chasing nurses and doctors out, they now claim they can't possibly find anyone willing to come into the mess they created. So if you need timely care, you go elsewhere to obtain it.

oxxo - 6-12-2024 at 04:26 AM

Quote: Originally posted by surabi  
I You'd think they'd know by now how many appts. they can handle in x amount of time), and how inexpensive it was.


They do! GENERALLY SPEAKING general practitioner doctors are scheduled for 20 minute appointments (3 per hour). However, some patients require more time (doctor orders tests, examination leads to other problems, etc.) and some patients less time (just a quick check-in to monitor progress). For doctors it is hectic trying to keep ALL their patients happy because that patient expects (and deserves) to be the highest priority all the time.

Doctors have a lot of responsibility including trying to maintain a schedule given the unknowns that come up each day. And yes, some doctors are better than others, especially in keeping "all the balls in the air."

JDCanuck - 6-12-2024 at 05:29 AM

These days in our area, its very unusual to actually see a doctor at all. My doctor now calls me by phone to prescribe additional meds without an in person visit based on what the latest computer generated data for my age and prior history tells her. 50% of the people have no family doctor, but now rely on walk in clinics or hospital emergency dept's for diagnostics. These of course are totally overloaded and actual time in person with a doctor is well under 10 min. after waiting to hit the top of the priority list in the waiting room.

Hospital beds per capita continue to shrink by design to the present level under 40% of what they were in 1981, so the priority is now getting the patient through the exit door as fast as possible, no longer client focused best outcomes treatment. Was it any surprise we were rapidly overwhelmed by Covid when it came by as we hit a new low in 2019?
Some of this is based on demographics changes created by an aging population, the closure of public Multi level care seniors facilities, but the rest was caused by public demands of restraints in health care spending as a percentage of GDP just as the percentage of seniors requiring enhanced treatments was increasing.

Tioloco - 6-12-2024 at 07:36 AM

Quote: Originally posted by JDCanuck  
I'm going to weigh in on our medical insurance experience when my wife broke her hip in Baja. Hip was replaced in La Paz within 3 days, great at hospital and after discharge care by local physiotherapist and surgeon. They stated in no case should she be flown home within 6 weeks. Insurer demanded she fly home at their convenience in under 3 weeks as THEIR doctor stated it was just fine and otherwise she would not be covered for any further medical problems. They flew her with a 4 hour layover in LA rather than the direct flight to Vancouver, with improper seating position on the plane. Delayed and inspected in Vancouver for random Covid tests providing even more unnecessary jolting and movements. Ferry to Nanaimo via 2 hour ferry, more loading and unloading on/off stretcher. 3 hours after arrival home, her new hip dislocated due to wholly unnecessary stress movements on a far too early transit home.

Short story. Her second hip transplant is a mess and long term nerve damage from reassembly after dislocation has still not healed. Do Not let the insurer override the surgeons advice no matter how many threats they make or how many of THEIR doctors they quote.


Sorry to hear she had to go thru that. Best wishes on a speedy recovery.

oxxo - 6-12-2024 at 07:43 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Tioloco  

Sorry to hear she had to go thru that. Best wishes on a speedy recovery.


LIKE

oxxo - 6-12-2024 at 08:25 AM

Quote: Originally posted by JDCanuck  
These days in our area, its very unusual to actually see a doctor at all. My doctor now calls me by phone to prescribe additional meds without an in person visit based on what the latest computer generated data for my age and prior history tells her.


This is true. Phone and/or Video visits are the wave of the future - virtual medicine. This is lowering the cost of insurance and medical care, which is what the public wants. However, what can be done through a virtual visit is limited and will continue to be limited. Most of the time a "hands on" visit with your doctor is required to assess a medical condition.
Quote:
50% of the people have no family doctor, but now rely on walk in clinics or hospital emergency dept's for diagnostics. These of course are totally overloaded and actual time in person with a doctor is well under 10 min. after waiting to hit the top of the priority list in the waiting room.


Again, this is correct, especially with those people who are lower income and have no insurance. It is not unusual to wait 2 to 4 hours to see a doctor in Urgent Care. Patients are prioritized according to need. Someone who is seriously injured in an auto accident is given top priority while others who come for a medication for their sniffles goes to the bottom of the list. A friend of mine, who is like my granddaughter, is an Emergency Room Doctor in Brussels and she speaks FIVE languages fluently. She loves her job, but it is long hours and high stress most of the time!
Quote:
Hospital beds per capita continue to shrink by design to the present level under 40% of what they were in 1981, so the priority is now getting the patient through the exit door as fast as possible, no longer client focused best outcomes treatment. Was it any surprise we were rapidly overwhelmed by Covid when it came by as we hit a new low in 2019?


Hospital beds are shrinking is correct, but your reason for that is incorrect. There are fewer hospital beds than 20 years ago because the general population in the developed nations is becoming much healthier as a result of advancements in medical science and technology. A rapidly increasing average lifespan in developed nations is indicative of that.

And YES, the medical profession was caught by surprise in the Covid pandemic as a result of inept management by the US Fed Govt. in managing it. No one was "at home" in the White House. This resulted in a lack of available hospital beds and insufficient staff.
Quote:
Some of this is based on demographics changes created by an aging population, the closure of public Multi level care seniors facilities, but the rest was caused by public demands of restraints in health care spending as a percentage of GDP just as the percentage of seniors requiring enhanced treatments was increasing.


I disagree with this statement. Multi-care facilities are INCREASING in the US as the result of private industry getting into the business and making it very profitable. The need for Senior health care and "enhanced treatments" is DECREASING for the reasons stated above. US Govt. is trying to get out of the health care business at all levels and turn it over the private industry as a result of "less government" politics. Be careful what you wish for, and vote for, because you may not get the desired result you hoped for!

cupcake - 6-12-2024 at 11:11 AM

Quote: Originally posted by JDCanuck  
I'm going to weigh in on our medical insurance experience when my wife broke her hip in Baja. Hip was replaced in La Paz within 3 days, great at hospital and after discharge care by local physiotherapist and surgeon. They stated in no case should she be flown home within 6 weeks. Insurer demanded she fly home at their convenience in under 3 weeks as THEIR doctor stated it was just fine and otherwise she would not be covered for any further medical problems. They flew her with a 4 hour layover in LA rather than the direct flight to Vancouver, with improper seating position on the plane. Delayed and inspected in Vancouver for random Covid tests providing even more unnecessary jolting and movements. Ferry to Nanaimo via 2 hour ferry, more loading and unloading on/off stretcher. 3 hours after arrival home, her new hip dislocated due to wholly unnecessary stress movements on a far too early transit home.

Short story. Her second hip transplant is a mess and long term nerve damage from reassembly after dislocation has still not healed. Do Not let the insurer override the surgeons advice no matter how many threats they make or how many of THEIR doctors they quote.


I guess the insurance people were not capable of taking a look online by searching 'how soon can I travel after hip replacement'. Seems like a solid consensus to me. Like you, I would also be angry. Wishing your wife a good outcome.

AKgringo - 6-12-2024 at 02:24 PM

When I had insurance through my union in Alaska, they were delighted to pay for medical and dental work in Mexico, or another state. My plan covered 80% of a fixed amount that no medical facility in Alaska would accept, so my co-pay was about 50% of the actual cost.

When I had my first extensive round of dental work done in Puerto Penasco, they covered the entire cost with no co-pay!

oxxo - 6-12-2024 at 04:35 PM

Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo  

When I had my first extensive round of dental work done in Puerto Penasco, they covered the entire cost with no co-pay!


Where is the dirtiest place on your body? No it is not the obvious place! Scroll down.









YOUR MOUTH

I had some dental work done by a highly recommended Mexican dentist. It was sloppy work done for cheap. It seriously almost cost me my life in 2021 as a result of a serious blood infection contracted during cleaning my teeth. I had to have 8 hours of open heart surgery at USC Med Center to save my life!

Cheap is not necessarily better, especially when it comes to Dentists, especially in Mexico where you have no legal recourse.

AKgringo - 6-12-2024 at 06:00 PM

In 2005 I was working on a defense project in the Aleutian Islands, and a co-worker had an abscessed tooth. The only medical facility was pretty much limited to first aid care, so a medivac was ordered.

Unfortunately, there was no plane stationed there, and bad weather delayed the medivac long enough for the infection to turn septic and he died on the flight back to Anchorage.

The only reason I am posting this is to warn other Nomads to not ignore a toothache thinking you have some time to line things up!

Oxxo, I am glad you survived your infection. I just returned from La Paz after having three root canals and some other work done by a dentist I have been using for ten years, and will continue using.

surabi - 6-12-2024 at 09:24 PM

A young man I know from Canada was travelling in Mexico and decided he'd get all his mercury fillings replaced, as dentistry is cheaper in Mexico than Canada. He just walked into some dentist's office without getting any recommendations.

When he went back to Canada, and went back to his tree-planting job, he found he could only work for half and hour, then was totally fatigued, and had to go lie down. He was also freezing cold all the time and felt horrible. This was a 20 year old, previously healthy, strapping young guy.

It turned out he had mercury poisoning, as the dentist hadn't used a rubber dam and he had ingested a lot of mercury. He ended up going to Panama to get chelation therapy at a reputable chelation facility, which did eliminate the mercury from his body, but his feeling cold all the time lingered. His aunt paid for him to go to the mayo clinic, where they told him that when your body goes through a trauma like that, it can screw up parts of the brain, which now is telling his body it is freezing all the time. He asked what he could do about that and was told there was no cure- but that some people have found hypnotherapy helpful.

I haven't seen him in several years, so don't know if he still has that problem.

I have a very good Mexican dentist. The dental work isn't as expensive as it would be in Canada, but it is definitely not what I would call "cheap". The older dentist in the office is a licensed dental surgeon and implant specialist and I originally went to him to deal with an implant another dentist had botched. He does all the invasive stuff like root canals and implants, and the younger guy, who isn't legally qualified to do those things yet, does all the regular stuff like simple extractions, fillings, taking impressions for plates, cleanings, etc.

[Edited on 6-13-2024 by surabi]

oxxo - 6-12-2024 at 10:14 PM

Quote: Originally posted by surabi  


I have a very good Mexican dentist.


Be sure you take a prescription antibiotic before you have dental work, of any kind (replace a cap, teeth cleaning, or more extensive, etc.) whether it be in Canada, USA, Mexico, anywhere. Your mouth is full of Staph infection. I learned my lesson the hard way. Don't make the same mistake I did! Staph infection got into my blood stream through dental work in Mexico (it could have happened in the US although I forgot to take my meds with me to Baja) and destroyed my heart valves. I will be on antibiotics for the rest of my life, twice a day. :no: which results in reduced postings on BN ! :lol:

[Edited on 6-13-2024 by BajaNomad]

JDCanuck - 6-13-2024 at 02:06 PM

So far fortunately I am not resistant or have bad reactions to any of the antibiotics generally provided and in the past only needed them occasionally as my immune system fought off other common infections easily. My Baja dentist prescribes antibiotics after dental work, so I take them for the full prescribed term. I did notice she prescribes them for just a week, whereas my Dentist up here prescribes for a full 2 weeks. Have always taken antibiotics after dental work as I was aware of the need for them in this particular case.
Painkillers are another story, as I have never needed the painkillers she has prescribed and just get by with Ibuprofen even with major work. Note: All prescribed medicines in Baja were far cheaper than what we pay in Canada for the exact same meds.

AKgringo - 6-13-2024 at 03:32 PM

On my second visit to my dentist in La Paz, a tooth that was scheduled for restoration became infected while I was still on my way south the next year.

She prescribed antibiotics and a mild pain medication which I took for a week before she started work on my teeth. I also had to see another MD to get an OK to suspend taking blood thinners until after the work was completed

cupcake - 6-14-2024 at 04:53 PM

This has been an eye opener for me, as I have never had a dentist recommend I take antibiotics before or after dental work.

I haven't yet had a root canal, but I have had a number of crowns and a tooth extraction. I haven't yet had any problems from dental work, such as the previously described blood infection. From my life's experience, I believe I have a robust immune system.

surabi - 6-14-2024 at 05:19 PM

My dentist has prescribed antibiotics for extractions. I don't think it really matters whether you take them before or start taking immediately after- if there's no infection present for the antibiotics to kill beforehand, I don't see what the purpose would be.

I have taken the antibiotics for the extractions, but personally, I wouldn't take them for routine, non-invasive things like a cleaning or filling. To each his own, and yes, some people have a more robust immune system than others, and don't have to be quite as careful.

When my dentist has done cleanings and fillings, he has me rinse my mouth several times during the procedure with an antibacterial mouthwash, so I'm sure that helps to make sure no infection takes hold.

oxxo - 6-14-2024 at 08:03 PM

Quote: Originally posted by surabi  
My dentist has prescribed antibiotics for extractions. I don't think it really matters whether you take them before or start taking immediately after- if there's no infection present for the antibiotics to kill beforehand, I don't see what the purpose would be.


According to my US dentist, you must take a prescription antibiotic at least one hour beforehand for even for the simplest of procedures, i.e. a cleaning. Your mouth is the dirtiest place on your body. It is a hotbbed of staphylococcus virus! It is potentially deadly if it gets into your bloodstream, which can happen in a simple teeth cleaning. Been there, done that!
Quote:
I have taken the antibiotics for the extractions, but personally, I wouldn't take them for routine, non-invasive things like a cleaning or filling. To each his own, and yes, some people have a more robust immune system than others, and don't have to be quite as careful.


Good luck with that assumption!
Quote:
When my dentist has done cleanings and fillings, he has me rinse my mouth several times during the procedure with an antibacterial mouthwash, so I'm sure that helps to make sure no infection takes hold.


Good luck with that strategy. My dentist NEVER uses "mouthwash" for these procedures. If I haven't taken my antibiotic pills (4) an hour beforehand, he sends me home to to make another appointment when I do remember to take my pills. He does that with ALL his patients regardless of their immune system, which can't be measured!

[Edited on 6-15-2024 by oxxo]

SFandH - 6-14-2024 at 09:01 PM

Quote: Originally posted by wilderone  
I attended a presentation today by MASA Medical Transport Solutions. Coverage is pretty impressive: repatriation from foreign country; ambulance denied by insurance; grandchildren covered; companion return transportation coverage; Quarantine expenses; Vehicle/RV return; mortal remains transportation and a lot more. No limit. No deductible. If you live in Baja, Ca., you need a stateside address, and I think he said there is a $50,000 limit on emergency transportation to US. There are lifetime, 5-year, annual, and monthly plans for MASA Emergency Shield membership. A lifetime membership for a family is $5,500; $4,500 single (would have been reduced by $600 if I signed up at the seminar). San Diego rep is Tim, 800-643-9023.


see website

https://www.masaassist.com/

surabi - 6-14-2024 at 09:25 PM

As I said, to each his own. It certainly makes sense for you, as you said you had a blood stream infection from dental work.

Doctors stopped handing out antibiotics like water because bacteria started to build up a resistance to them.

When you said to start taking them before dental work, I thought you meant a day or two- an hour makes more sense, as if any bacteria entered during the procedure, the antibiotics would already be in your system to ward it off. Just like you're supposed to put on sunscreen before going out in the sun, not just after you get to the beach.

Not sure why you would poopoo an antibacterial mouthwash- if, as you claim, our mouths are full of staph, why would you think rinsing your mouth with an antibacterial solution is pointless?

And no, we can't measure our immune systems, but we have some idea of how strong it is. I can work out in the garden, without gloves, my hands covered in dirt, get a cut or a scrape, not go clean it right away, and it never infects. But if I get poked with a thorn, I definitely go clean it right away, squeezing it to try to get any dirt or bacteria out, and dousing it with hydrogen peroxide, because puncture wounds, which can push bacteria into your body, are far more dangerous than a surface wound, which you can keep an eye on.

I also never get colds or the flu and have never gotten a flu shot. And I can be around people with those illnesses and never get sick. But I'm not smug about those things- when Covid hit, I certainly got vaxed and took masking and distancing precautions.


oxxo - 6-14-2024 at 09:57 PM

Quote: Originally posted by surabi  

Not sure why you would poopoo an antibacterial mouthwash- if, as you claim, our mouths are full of staph, why would you think rinsing your mouth with an antibacterial solution is pointless?


my dentist in the US poopoos mouthwash. He is a medical professional and I follow his directions. An antibacterial pill gets into your bloodstream within an hour where Staph can cause potential lethal problems. A mouthwash doesn't get into your bloodstream.
Quote:
And no, we can't measure our immune systems, but we have some idea of how strong it is.....I also never get colds or the flu and have never gotten a flu shot. And I can be around people with those illnesses and never get sick.


Roll the dice if you wish, but I feel safe is better than sorry. I've had 7 Covid vaccinations, to combat new strains, in the last 4 years - I feel like a pin cushion! :wow: My PCP tells me I should get a Covid vaccination every year now, until a cure can be found.

surabi - 6-14-2024 at 10:20 PM

Well, most people have confidence that the medical practitioners we choose to use know what they are talking about. But for every medical professional who says X, there's another who says Y.

If I had just blindly followed the advice medical professionals had given me throughout my life, I would have gone through some unnecessary procedures and taken some unnecessary or dangerous pharmaceuticals. Unless it's some emergency situation, I do a lot of research, weigh risks, get second opinions, and make my choices. And I'm still kickin' with zero health issues.

wilderone - 6-15-2024 at 07:18 AM


The brochures I was given reference MASAmts
www.masamts.com search brings up masaccess.com

https://www.masaaccess.com/

MASA MTS "a division of MASAGLOBAL"

"MAS Global, MASA MTS, MASA Assist and MASA TRS are registered trade names of Medical Air Services Association, Inc. ..."

cupcake - 6-16-2024 at 02:12 PM

Quote: Originally posted by oxxo  

He does that with ALL his patients regardless of their immune system, which can't be measured!


There are a number of blood tests for determining how well one's immune system is working.

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/21196-immune-syst...
"Common tests that check the health of your immune system.
Healthcare providers often use blood tests to check how well your immune system is working. Specific blood tests your provider may order include:
Antibody test.
Complete blood count.
Complement blood test to check levels of specific types of protein in your blood, such as C3 proteins."

Overview of Immune Assessment Tests
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK230966/

[Edited on 6-16-2024 by cupcake]

cupcake - 6-16-2024 at 03:02 PM

Quote: Originally posted by oxxo  
Quote: Originally posted by surabi  


I have a very good Mexican dentist.


Be sure you take a prescription antibiotic before you have dental work, of any kind (replace a cap, teeth cleaning, or more extensive, etc.) whether it be in Canada, USA, Mexico, anywhere. Your mouth is full of Staph infection. I learned my lesson the hard way. Don't make the same mistake I did! Staph infection got into my blood stream through dental work in Mexico (it could have happened in the US although I forgot to take my meds with me to Baja) and destroyed my heart valves. I will be on antibiotics for the rest of my life, twice a day. :no: which results in reduced postings on BN ! :lol:

[Edited on 6-13-2024 by BajaNomad]


I am sorry to read of your heart valve condition.

I don't know your medical history and if there is some reason you were more susceptible to this type of infection.

My interpretation of what I read online is that in most instances antibiotics are not recommended in association with dental work. This is likely why I have never had a dentist suggest I take antibiotics.

There is much information online about this. I am linking just two articles, as they discuss dental work and heart valve issues:

'Why wasn’t I told to take antibiotics before my dental treatment'
https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-maga...

Antibiotic Prophylaxis Prior To Dental Appointments
https://www.actonsmilehub.com/blog/who-needs-antibiotics-bef...
"For patients with certain heart conditions, prosthetic heart valves, or a history of infective endocarditis, taking antibiotics before certain invasive dental procedure serves as a preventative measure to reduce the risk of bacterial infection. For these susceptible patients, the prophylactic antibiotics help safeguard their oral health and overall well-being. For most other patients though, antibiotic premedication before dental treatment is generally NOT recommended."

[Edited on 6-16-2024 by cupcake]

AKgringo - 6-16-2024 at 04:01 PM

In the situation I mentioned previously, i already had an infection that my dentist wanted to get under control before she started work. On no other visits has she prescribed antibiotics before starting on other procedures.

She does use a hydrogen peroxide-based rinse as needed though.

oxxo - 6-16-2024 at 04:10 PM

Quote: Originally posted by cupcake  

I am sorry to read of your heart valve condition.

I don't know your medical history and if there is some reason you were more susceptible to this type of infection.

My interpretation of what I read online is that in most instances antibiotics are not recommended in association with dental work. This is likely why I have never had a dentist suggest I take antibiotics.


Thank you, @cupcake. I have no predisposition to this condition.

It is up to everyone to do what they think is best for themselves. I thought I was making good decisions for myself, but it came back to bite me in the burro.

surabi - 6-16-2024 at 04:12 PM

For sure someone may have some underlying condition which makes them more susceptible to infections or other negative outcomes. They may not even know they have such a condition, if they have never experienced any symptoms of a condition.

There is an autoimmune disease that some children get as a result of having strep infections, most commonly strep throat, where the strep bacteria causes brain inflammation, called PANS/PANDAS. These kids suddenly start exhibiting extreme neurodivergent behaviors literally overnight. Bashing their heads against the wall, walking endlessly in circles, etc. Most doctors have little knowledge of this condition, and it is most often diagnosed as ADHD, autism, OCD, etc. That the parents say, "No, that can't be, my child woke up a different person literally overnight", gets dismissed as parents somehow not being aware of escalating symptoms over time, or being in denial, or "maybe something is going on at school that is upsetting him".

But these poor kids are suffering from a brain inflammation caused by strep bacteria that affects their nervous system. If it's diagnosed correctly early enough, it is treatable with antibiotics, if it goes on too long, it can cause permanent damage.
But it isn't known why some kids are affected this way by strep and some aren't. They think there may be a genetic propensity, as sometimes more than one child in a family has had this develop.

And on another note, one can't discount some medical practitioners covering their ass by recommending some precautionary medication on the slim chance that a patient could have a serious complication, like oxxo did.

cupcake - 6-17-2024 at 10:28 AM

Quote: Originally posted by oxxo  
Quote: Originally posted by cupcake  

I am sorry to read of your heart valve condition.

I don't know your medical history and if there is some reason you were more susceptible to this type of infection.

My interpretation of what I read online is that in most instances antibiotics are not recommended in association with dental work. This is likely why I have never had a dentist suggest I take antibiotics.


Thank you, @cupcake. I have no predisposition to this condition.

It is up to everyone to do what they think is best for themselves. I thought I was making good decisions for myself, but it came back to bite me in the burro.


My understanding was that you had made the right decision for yourself, to take antibiotics for dental work, but forgot to bring them with you to Mexico.

I know you had spent two years on an island in the equatorial region, in a thatched hut. I thought about Chagas Disease, but I assume you are aware of that and it has been ruled out.

[Edited on 6-17-2024 by cupcake]

cupcake - 6-17-2024 at 10:50 AM

Quote: Originally posted by surabi  


And on another note, one can't discount some medical practitioners covering their ass by recommending some precautionary medication on the slim chance that a patient could have a serious complication, like oxxo did.


I was thinking this as well. I also wonder if 'big pharma' would like every dental visit to require use of their antibiotics. Seems possibly self-defeating though, because of the likelihood of resistance developing.

From the American Dental Association website:

Antibiotic Prophylaxis Prior to Dental Procedures
https://www.ada.org/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics...
"Compared with previous recommendations, there are currently relatively few patient subpopulations for whom antibiotic prophylaxis may be indicated prior to certain dental procedures."

The statement, "previous recommendations", implies that there has been a change, that antibiotics recommended in the past for dental work are no longer recommended to the same extent.

surabi - 6-17-2024 at 11:11 AM

Quote: Originally posted by cupcake  



I know you had spent two years on an island in the equatorial region, in a thatched hut. I thought about Chagas Disease, but I assume you are aware of that and it has been ruled out.



While Chagas disease does attack one's organs, if medication controls oxxo's heart condition, as far as I'm aware, that isn't possible if one has contracted Chagas. If treated soon after infection, Chagas can be wiped out, but once it takes hold, there is a steady progession of all the organs shutting down and there is no cure.

cupcake - 6-17-2024 at 11:52 AM

I think oxxo is taking weekly antibiotics to prevent heart valve infection.

It might be unlikely that oxxo has Chagas Disease, but I thought I should mention it. Chagas Disease, in its chronic stage, can be identified with a series of two tests.

Chagas Disease is 100% curable in its early (acute) stage. Once it becomes symptomatic in its chronic stage it might not be curable. However, 70%-80% of people with Chagas Disease never develop symptoms, they remain asymptomatic for life.

Chagas Disease in the U.S.: What We Do and Don't Know
https://asm.org/articles/2021/april/chagas-disease-in-the-u-...

[Edited on 6-17-2024 by cupcake]

surabi - 6-17-2024 at 12:03 PM

People who live in areas where the beetle that carries Chagas exist should definitely be aware of the disease and be able to recognize that insect, which is quite distinctive, and also what the bite looks like (although the bite isn't what causes chagas, just alerts you to having had one of those beetles on you). I have occasionally seen them around my place and kill them when I do.
But I have found that most people have never heard of it.
https://www.paho.org/en/topics/chagas-disease

[Edited on 6-17-2024 by surabi]

oxxo - 6-17-2024 at 01:18 PM

Quote: Originally posted by surabi  
People who live in areas where the beetle that carries Chagas exist should definitely be aware of the disease and be able to recognize that insect, which is quite distinctive, and also what the bite looks like (although the bite isn't what causes chagas, just alerts you to having had one of those beetles on you). I have occasionally seen them around my place and kill them when I do.
But I have found that most people have never heard of it.
https://www.paho.org/en/topics/chagas-disease


I got bit by the most vile form of P-nche Chingaso beetle several times and I am infected for life! :lol: