BajaNomad

My first hospital experience

kimberleygd - 9-19-2015 at 08:56 PM

I've been here since August 10th and loving Ensenada. The people are so friendly and forgiving of my non existent understanding of the language (I am trying)
Last week I was stung by a scorpion on my finger. It was actually the first time I had ever seen one being from the northeast. It was 5:15 am and after I caught the little sucker and flushed him down the toilet I realized how hellish painful the sting was. I proceeded to get ready for school and called my cab for work. By the time I got there my arm was throbbing and my hand had turned really red. I had no idea what I should do, so I asked an English speaking teacher who told me we needed to go to the hospital right away.

She walked with me the block to the hospital. I am from Canada and I have never ever walked into a empty hospital. We walked up the halls and the only person there was someone sweeping the floor who proceeded to fetch a doctor and nurse.
No waiting at all. We went right into the examining room and she explained my situation. The doctor spoke English quite well. He was so through I couldn't believe it. He put my own doctor back home to shame. (He also told me I should have been accompanied to the hospital with the said scorpion to verify species.)
Next came two shots in the butt, one for anti venom and one was a steroid for the pain. He wrote a prescription for some painkillers, and gave me his phone number to call if there were any further complications and I was on my way.
I had hoped I wouldn't have to visit a hospital, (who wants to?) but any worries were really put to rest.
It cost me 500 pesos which I consider well worth it. (I do have insurance through the school, but none of the administrators had come in yet, so we weren't sure which one to go to) so we went with one close to the school.
From then on I check my shoes, shake everything that's been on the clothesline, raid around my windows and check my bed every now and then. Exterminators came to spray the outside of the building a couple of days later, but I can assure you I had a few restless nights following. All is good!

Bruce R Leech - 9-19-2015 at 09:16 PM

what hospital did you go to?

kimberleygd - 9-19-2015 at 09:54 PM

Sanatorio del Carmen, Dr. Joshua Diaz (had to check my receipts)

Edit to add the address
Calle 11 No. 1105 Zona Central

(I remember it's a left on Ruiz before my school)

[Edited on 9-20-2015 by kimberleygd]

Bruce R Leech - 9-19-2015 at 10:09 PM

good to know thank you

Ateo - 9-19-2015 at 10:19 PM

You were put in a sanitarium? Sounds like a Metallica song.

I'm kidding.

This is a great story of human beings watching out and protecting other human beings. From your teacher to the doctor.

Tioloco - 9-19-2015 at 10:19 PM

Glad to hear about such a positive experience. My experience in Sonora was similarly positive, with the doctor giving me his cel phone number in case of questions or problems.

bajabuddha - 9-19-2015 at 10:44 PM

Check into talking to your personal physician, and getting a prescription for carrying an Epi-Pen... sounds like you may be more than just allergic, but hypersensitive to multiple insect stings. You should talk..... ;)

kimberleygd - 9-19-2015 at 10:59 PM

Well I won't be back home for probably another year and my doctor of 38 years just retired. This young gentleman was kinda cute and he did see my butt (just kidding) so maybe I'll make a point of getting back to see him.

bajabuddha - 9-19-2015 at 11:04 PM

K, all seriousness aside... if you did have that kind of reaction to a simple (easy to say, eh? I've been stung twice) scorpion sting, you have a potential serious situation. They're no worse than bees, but bees can kill some folk. I also recommend a high octane of Tequila (or your choice) to keep the toxins in check.

Buena Suerte. :cool:

kimberleygd - 9-19-2015 at 11:10 PM

Very good advice, will do. Thanks!

BajaBlanca - 9-20-2015 at 04:21 AM

Thank you for sharing your story....that was a good ending to a bad beginning. Have a scorpion free rest of the year!

and who knew there were different types of scorpions here ? not me.

Bob and Susan - 9-20-2015 at 05:44 AM

epi-pens

we have a ton here but they aren't exactly what you need ...they do start the heart

liquid BENADRYL is way better if the reaction isn't bad

you need something FAST so you don't stop breathing

David K - 9-20-2015 at 08:10 AM

A few years ago, we asked about getting epi-pens in Baja... and there was none in Mexico (we were told, about 10 years ago). Benadryl was the closest to deal with bee sting allergic reaction.

bajabuddha - 9-20-2015 at 08:23 AM

There are several types of scorpions in the desert Southwest, and some are more venomous than others; but most are no more than a bee to a wasp sting, depending on site of sting, and how many times they nail you. Unlike a bee, they can keep whacking at will. I've played with a few with welder's gloves on, and when trapped, they not only 'bip' you with the stinger, but will push and drill with it too (yowwie!).

If you have a hypersensitivity or allergy to the venom you can go into anaphylactic shock; your face, neck and throat will swell and your airway will close off, and can be fatal. Epi pens are intro-muscular injections of epinephrine and other medicines to counteract severe reactions, and are pretty instantaneous. They should ONLY be used in extreme emergencies. The 'shot' is administered usually in the meaty portion of the thigh. Benedryl is fine IF the afflicted can swallow; if not, it's too late for it. I carried Benedryl and Clortrimeton in my first aid kit for 30 years (still do). Both Benedryl (diphenhydramine) and Clortrimeton are over-the-counter antihistamines; Epi-Pens are by prescription, and are serious medicines.

If you know you have a severe allergy and carry an Epi, you should teach those around you how to administer the shot; not just family, but neighbors and friends too. If you get stung the onset can be very fast, and your life can be saved by that knowledge of others. Epi's also have an expiration date that should be checked and refilled when necessary.

If you have topical swelling at the site (abnormal) and can still swallow, you can take up to 4 Benedryl (25 mg ea) orally, and expect to take a loooong nap. Repeat if necessary with 2 every 4 hours and seek medical help if it doesn't subside, or symptoms worsen. You can also take Sominex or Sleep-Eze, or other OTC sleep aids that have diphenhydramine in the ingredients.

Whale-ista - 9-20-2015 at 10:49 AM

Kimberley= thanks for the update and "review" of the hospital. Good to hear things are (on balance) working well for you.

Agree that type of allergic reaction is a bit unusual, tho it could also be you are still adjusting to your new home, and the new local bacteria, in addition to scorpion venom. Keep those medications mentioned in other posts available.

(I've had similar reactions to insect bites when travelling far from home: more swelling, pain, redness compared to local critters)

Also agree the doctors in Ensenada take very good care of patients. When I lived there, I found the doctors much more willing/able to spend time with patients compared to docs in the US.

That said: Hope you don't need to see another one any time soon!



Bob and Susan - 9-20-2015 at 11:50 AM

if you play with epi-pens you need a "trainer"

epitrainer.JPG - 157kB

bajabuddha - 9-20-2015 at 12:07 PM

Exactly. Epi's are for total emergency anaphylaxis, very strong medicine. One of my EMT instructors told the story of being jabbed by a student with a live pen, the kid thinking it was a 'trainer' pen; almost put him in the ER. My point to the OP is, consult with your Dr. and see if keeping one handy would be wise. Otherwise, oral antihistamines are the way to go IF you can swallow. Also, take at least 50 mg's / Benedryl to start; I was taught you can take up to 100 mgs as a loading dose if symptoms are fairly severe.

[Edited on 9-20-2015 by bajabuddha]

Black lights

AKgringo - 9-20-2015 at 02:01 PM

Kimberly, I don't know how long you have been following this forum, but it has been brought up before that scorpions will glow in the dark when light up with an ultraviolet light. They make flashlight sized ones for spotting them.

My dad, a rockhound, first showed me that in Cabo in 1986

[Edited on 9-20-2015 by AKgringo]

Bob and Susan - 9-20-2015 at 02:31 PM

blacklight flashlight

BEST 10 bucks you can spend
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p205060...


blacklight.jpg - 14kB

4Cata - 9-20-2015 at 02:41 PM

Thanks for black light advice and link. Ordering asap as I am susceptible to scorpion bites.

The ounce of prevention

AKgringo - 9-20-2015 at 02:44 PM

Thanks Bob or Susan for posting the link. I really should try to do that myself more. But then, this is why it is a community thing.

monoloco - 9-20-2015 at 06:01 PM

Unless you are allergic to the scorpion venom it's likely that your treatment was totally unnecessary.

lizard lips - 9-22-2015 at 09:13 AM

Spent 5 days at Hospital Del Carmen several years ago and had excellent care. The doctor gave my wife the prescriptions and bough the medication at the pharmacy. When the bill came after 5 days it was about $450.00. Couldn't believe it. The nurses are great and the room very clean. Couldn't ask for more....

bezzell - 9-22-2015 at 09:18 AM

Quote: Originally posted by monoloco  
Unless you are allergic to the scorpion venom it's likely that your treatment was totally unnecessary.


so was flushing the offender down the toilet. But so many folks are ** ******.

[Edited on 9-22-2015 by BajaNomad]

Osprey - 9-22-2015 at 11:06 AM

bezzell, that little post puts you at the top of your "So Many Folk" list.

Time for another Will Rogers moment "We're all ignorant, it's just about different things."

[Edited on 9-22-2015 by Osprey]

[Edited on 9-22-2015 by Osprey]

bezzell - 9-22-2015 at 01:43 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Osprey  
bezzell, that little post puts you at the top of your "So Many Folk" list.


If you say so Gramps.
Don't feel bad ... you're not alone as part of the older generation completely oblivious to the inherent destruction. Now get out there and slay some more fish a la Hemmingway! :lol:;)

Osprey - 9-22-2015 at 02:28 PM

"Inherent destruction?" Of what, pray tell. No sabe.

SFandH - 9-22-2015 at 02:40 PM

I think he's talking about the scorpion the OP flushed down the toilet.

It takes all kinds.

[Edited on 9-22-2015 by SFandH]

AKgringo - 9-22-2015 at 03:13 PM

Quote: Originally posted by SFandH  
I think he's talking about the scorpion the OP flushed down the toilet.

It takes all kinds.

[Edited on 9-22-2015 by SFandH]


Hopefully that is the last of it's kind! (the 'Troll', not the scorpion)

EngineerMike - 9-22-2015 at 05:49 PM

Mexicans know if you get stung to find the critter so you know what species. A friend was on the beach in LA Bay when a kid got hit. Scorpion was tiny & red. They threw that kid in a car & laid scratch to get him medical treatment.

Another friend got her second hip replacement in La Paz. Said it was worlds better than the one in the States. She was doted on, and the hip work was perfect.

Yet another friend had $4,800 (US price) worth of dental work done in La Paz. Dentist picked her up at her motel, dropped her off, bought her lunch. Two appt'mts over 3 days, and after motel & all other costs she pocketed the $3,000usd difference.

A full bore G.P medical degree & license in Mexico takes 5 years plus a year of community service, 6 total after high school (no intermediate degree req'mt just to weed out folks and cost your family money), and if you pay full bore tuition at a great school its $9kusd/year for 5yr plus room & board for 6yr. Call it $65,000. If you get a tuition scholarship its less than half that including room & board. Nursing is a fraction of that. Of course specialists take a few more years, but I believe you start earning a stipend at that point. With the cost of education so low the service is bound to be a bargain.

bajabuddha - 9-23-2015 at 12:03 AM

From the OP's original post (Kimberley) "... I realized how hellish painful the sting was. I proceeded to get ready for school and called my cab for work. By the time I got there my arm was throbbing and my hand had turned really red. I had no idea what I should do, so I asked an English speaking teacher who told me we needed to go to the hospital right away."

Those symptoms were enough to qualify for an ER visit, no doubt about it. A shot of epinephrine (or whatever) and a pain killer were in order for outpatient treatment. She did right, they did right, and happy ending (except for the bug).

E-Mike is spot-on about medical treatment in Mexico; you gets whatcha pays for. A guy in my last encampment (married a local Mexicana) got a hip replacement that was cheap in Mexico, and has cost him dearly in time, replacement, pain, travel, and suffering to finally get it done right NOB in Sandy Eggo. Ain't saying right or wrong, but you have to shop around and find the proper doc---umentation (PUN INTENDED).

The little horse-puddle here in my town I wouldn't let a few of these doctors perform an autopsy on me, but some have managed to keep me kickin' a few times so far. My PA at the local clinic is truly a healer archetype. Too bad she has to farm me out to quacks and 'insurance regulations'.

That's why they call it, "PRACTICING medicine". :cool:

EnsenadaDr - 9-23-2015 at 08:13 AM

Hospital del Carmen I believe is where Ron Hoff had a stupendous recovery after his near death attack. They did a phenomenal job. It is a private hospital, however, and I still urge all of you legal Mexican residents to apply for Seguro Popular as an extended stay can cost thousands of dollars, and with Seguro Popular treatment would be free.

EnsenadaDr - 9-23-2015 at 08:17 AM

$65,000 a year for a struggling student even with family support in Mexico is nothing to sneeze at. It took me student loans and working weekends to complete my medical degree and it was a challenge even for a US employed student to make it.
Quote: Originally posted by EngineerMike  
Mexicans know if you get stung to find the critter so you know what species. A friend was on the beach in LA Bay when a kid got hit. Scorpion was tiny & red. They threw that kid in a car & laid scratch to get him medical treatment.

Another friend got her second hip replacement in La Paz. Said it was worlds better than the one in the States. She was doted on, and the hip work was perfect.

Yet another friend had $4,800 (US price) worth of dental work done in La Paz. Dentist picked her up at her motel, dropped her off, bought her lunch. Two appt'mts over 3 days, and after motel & all other costs she pocketed the $3,000usd difference.

A full bore G.P medical degree & license in Mexico takes 5 years plus a year of community service, 6 total after high school (no intermediate degree req'mt just to weed out folks and cost your family money), and if you pay full bore tuition at a great school its $9kusd/year for 5yr plus room & board for 6yr. Call it $65,000. If you get a tuition scholarship its less than half that including room & board. Nursing is a fraction of that. Of course specialists take a few more years, but I believe you start earning a stipend at that point. With the cost of education so low the service is bound to be a bargain.

durrelllrobert - 9-23-2015 at 09:00 AM

Quote: Originally posted by bajabuddha  
From the OP's original post (Kimberley) "... I realized how hellish painful the sting was. I proceeded to get ready for school and called my cab for work. By the time I got there my arm was throbbing and my hand had turned really red. I had no idea what I should do, so I asked an English speaking teacher who told me we needed to go to the hospital right away."

Those symptoms were enough to qualify for an ER visit, no doubt about it. A shot of epinephrine (or whatever) and a pain killer were in order for outpatient treatment. She did right, they did right, and happy ending (except for the bug).

E-Mike is spot-on about medical treatment in Mexico; you gets whatcha pays for. A guy in my last encampment (married a local Mexicana) got a hip replacement that was cheap in Mexico, and has cost him dearly in time, replacement, pain, travel, and suffering to finally get it done right NOB in Sandy Eggo. Ain't saying right or wrong, but you have to shop around and find the proper doc---umentation (PUN INTENDED).

The little horse-puddle here in my town I wouldn't let a few of these doctors perform an autopsy on me, but some have managed to keep me kickin' a few times so far. My PA at the local clinic is truly a healer archetype. Too bad she has to farm me out to quacks and 'insurance regulations'.

That's why they call it, "PRACTICING medicine". :cool:


A friend from South Carolina got this letter of encouragement in the mail:
"Your food stamps will be stopped effective March 2015 because we received notice that you passed away. May God bless you. You may reapply if there is a change in your circumstances."
--Department of Social Services, Greenville , South Carolina

EngineerMike - 9-23-2015 at 03:10 PM

EnsenadaDr- That's not per year, that's $65k all in, full ticket, out the door full tuition + room + board + expenses paid for all 6 years (assumes no scholarship assistance). That's still a gigantic nut for an economically challenged familia. If you can't get a scholarship and the family income is manual labor level pay, you ain't going to med school.
We've had 2 doctors graduate on our Scholarship Program so far, one before my admin and one last June. Now we have a 3rd in med school in Colima, and her familia could never have afforded the burn despite the fact she was straight 10's in H.S. and 1st place in class all 3 years. Ditto with Dra. Emilia who graduated this summer. But it doesn't take much to bridge that gap, especially when you balance it against a quarter of a mil in debt for same education in the States.

Anyhoo, with the price of education so low, medical work in Mexico should continue to present a veritable bargain for some time. In fact, it would make great business sense for major hospital complexes to spring up along the border (south side I'm talkin), for all manner of treatment, not just plastic surgery.

EnsenadaDr - 9-23-2015 at 03:52 PM

I agree Mike, it is an insurmountable amount and actually my expenses were over $100,000 USD but I did have a daughter to raise, that was with working at a fairly good salary in the US. During my internship and social service, I couldn't work as I had to do guardias, or overnight shifts with the medical staff. I remember a girl whose parents sold tacos from a taco stand in Ensenada, and I wondered how she did it. I know UABC does give free tuition, but very few pass the entrance exam, and I started before that school in Ensenada opened up to medical school. If you don't have money then like you said, you aren't going to medical school.

I currently run a clinic in La Mision and cater to Americans that would like a doctor who is fluent in English. I supplement my income by working a few days consulting in the US. I enjoy my days home in Baja. The main problem Mike is that the standards of passing the United States Medical Licensing Exam steps 1, 2 and 3 are almost insurmountable. My school, Xochicalco, is recognized by the US government and therefore will allow you to take the exam, but the Mexican system doesn't gear its teaching to pass with a high score in the 90's and many do not pass at all. All in all, it's been a wonderful experience and even though I owe student loans, I wouldn't trade it for the world.

kimberleygd - 9-23-2015 at 07:50 PM

Quote: Originally posted by bezzell  
Quote: Originally posted by monoloco  
Unless you are allergic to the scorpion venom it's likely that your treatment was totally unnecessary.


so was flushing the offender down the toilet. But so many folks are ** ******.

[Edited on 9-22-2015 by BajaNomad]


Well, the doctor thought I may be allergic, hence the shot. Unnecessary? Maybe, but it sure as heck made me feel better. So now I have experience and stocked up on Benadryl.

And as for flushing, if he was just visiting and I came upon him I would have escorted the little ****** out the door. But since he took it upon himself to invade my bed and sting me he deserved to be flushed.

bajabuddha - 9-23-2015 at 09:19 PM

Kimberly, check your u2u.