Successful Spinal Surgery at Hospital CIMA and a Rapid Recovery Under the Sun in Samara
We had been living in Costa Rica for nearly a year. Our home back in the USA had been successfully rented with great tenants.
Our retirement funds were liquidated and being transformed into our new dream home here in paradise. We had made the plunge and our dreams were rapidly coming to fruition. We were ready to hang the hammocks, grab the guitars, and enjoy a tropical drink.
Then, one sunny afternoon after mowing the lawn, my back “went out.” I started with the usual regimen; ice, relaxation, stretching and waiting. This time however, it did not get better after a few days. The pain became unbearable and nothing would make it any better.
Walking became very difficult and the only thing that brought relief was lying down on the cold, hard concrete floor. The pain continued to intensify and my dreams of living in paradise were replaced with the fear that the pain would never abate. The days became weeks. I finally surrendered and found the phone number of a general practitioner in San Jose.
Thus began my introduction to the Costa Rican medical system. We entered the sparkling CIMA Hospital and were immediately impressed with the facility and the professionalism and education of the staff — from receptionist to specialist. Our new doctor did a thorough examination and I noticed he seemed to treat me as if I were his only patient.
Our initial exam lasted over an hour. He truly cared about my condition and me. I was directed to complete X-rays and a MRI. The lab work revealed that the discs named L4 and L5 had deteriorated completely and were tormenting my sciatic nerve causing the unbearable pain.
I was referred to a neuro-spinal surgical specialist Dr. Eduardo Huertas. His diagnosis was immediate and he indicated a surgical intervention would be necessary. A few more tests would indicate whether a minimally obtrusive “scope” procedure would be sufficient or if a more aggressive intervention would be called for.
Much to my disappointment, aggressive intervention was called for and we planned major surgery to clean the area and manually fuse L4 and L5 into one modified disk with the help of a 3.5″ titanium cage that would be screwed into place.
“Needless to say, I was frightened!”
I knew I was in good hands with my surgeon Dr. Eduardo Huertas and his team, but I had no health insurance in either the USA or Costa Rica. This surgery bill would come directly out of my pocket. The estimates to complete in the USA were well over $110,000. We chose our Costa Rican surgical team and CIMA Hospital. They scheduled us quickly and within a few days, checked into CIMA.
The surgery went perfectly. I awoke free of pain! I stayed in the hospital for a week and then began the long recovery process of learning how to walk again. When all was said and done, we spent less than $35,000!
We returned to our lovely home in Samara where my recovery was rapid. I was up and walking in no time and soon was swimming in our pool and at Samara beach. It felt like things were under my control again and I was getting my life back.
In the weeks and months that followed I walked, bent over, picked up my son’s toys from the floor, and slept, all without pain. My life was slowly returning, as were my dreams of being happy and content living here in Costa Rica. We still live in Samara and today almost three years after the surgery I now swim, surf and work for hours in the garden. I would call that a success!
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Written by VIP Member Steve Phillips.
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Andrew Makarik
to@welovecostarica.comAndrew Makarik is the main editor of WeLoveCostaRica, a fan of this sunny country. He is also a loving husband and a has a lovely daughter. By being a devoted family man and the biggest Costa Rica fan, he wants to make more people feel at home there. WeLoveCostaRica unites people and helps them find new home or a new travel destination. This website is a friendly community where everyone can find not only information, but also new friends and travel pals. Andrew is also passionate about IT and programming, so he himself maintains a friendly atmosphere in this cozy environment of WeLoveCostaRica.com.
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Does one have to be a resident to have access to the medical services in Costa Rica?
Does any doctors do M6 disk replacement in the neck and lower back area ? Any information would be help full and do you have to be a citizen or permanent resident .