People constantly ask us about medical services overseas, and truly, no one WANTS to go to the hospital or doctor- but sometimes, we have to. Malaysia is known for their medical services and there is a whole industry around body scanning, cataracts, and a host of other “voluntary” services. But shit happens, and after almost a week of coughing, (which I may have given her…) Kat finally visited the emergency room at Gleneagles Hospital. We didn’t think a hospital was necessary and first went to a clinic, where they gave an exam, did the routine testing, and even did an EKG for her heart. They thought she had pneumonia and suggested more tests and a chest x-ray. The bill: a staggering $21 and change. Wow. Unfortunately, we were there just before (Saturday) closing hours and the lab was closed, so that took us to Gleneagles Hospital.

The check in was effortless and after a few quick questions and a temp check, they escorted us in to a bed post haste, probably because they wanted to be very aware of her condition and age. For a “minor” emergency we would have had to take a number and wait.

Overall we were in the hospital about three hours, and they did all the customary treatment, put her on an IV, gave her two nebulizer treatments to help her breathe, and did the chest x-ray. They initially wanted to admit her and keep her overnight, but we insisted that we wait until the test results, which were good. The tests showed nothing life threatening, and their diagnosis was bronchitis and usually runs its course until done. We left with four different meds and paid the bill, which was $407 USD. Amazing.

We continually are dumbfounded and happy about medical services in the countries we have visited. This hospital had a 20 bed ER and the nurses showed unbelievable compassion, as did the doctor, along with efficiency. As we left in a wheelchair, we wheeled ourselves out, no one was there to “see us off,” we had no insurance papers to complete, and we were home before you know it.

Of course no one—including us—WANTS to go to the hospital, but its reassuring that if we need it, its there.

The final chapter is that she has recovered, I still have a bit of a cough, more irritating than anything, but thank you all for your kind thoughts