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Using Caja First Time

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Pombinha
  9/26/2016 21:12 EST

Today it was my first time in the local Clinic here in Playas del Coco!
When we come from a country like Canada or US (or Europe) I think we should show some humility and submit ourselves to their system without criticizing them.
Of course things where we lived used to be different!
In Toronto, I just had to call my family doctor and book an appointment and cross the street for my blood tests, X-Rays, etc...
My husband didn't have to leave our home at 3 AM (like this morning) to get me an appointment because he had already got there at different days at 6 AM and 5 AM and yet he couldn't get one.
Finally this morning he was the first one in line!
They checked my blood pressure, my height, my weight and I showed them my medication from Canada for
my blood pressure.
They gave me new medication for free and they sent me to all type of tests. Since I had an hysterectomy 2 years ago (endometrial cancer) and I'm still being tested every 6 months, I was very pleased when he sent me for a Pap test but I told him that I had just had one in May in Canada and the next should be in November.
I also told him I had had a mammogram in April so he sent me for an electrocardiogram.
While there I even felt like crying because I was very touched by their desire to help me with something that people don't like to talk about: my weight!
I told the doctor that just by walking in the beach and eating more fruits and vegetables I had already lost a lot of weight. He smiled when I told him that even my taxi driver and my gardener had noticed it!
The locals that were there were very friendly!
It was a good day!
We are the ones who chose to come and live in Costa Rica!-We are guests here and we shouldn't put this beautiful country down just because things here are done a little different!
I heard about that controversial book about Costa Rica but I have no desire in wasting my time reading it!
If people want things exactly like they used to be maybe they should stay home!
When I immigrated to Canada I couldn't find code fish and sardines except in Portuguese stores and yet I didn't start a campaign against the country that had adopted me!
I just embraced their culture!
Here, I'm doing the same!
May the Lord bless this beautiful country and its people!

linlewhammond
  9/27/2016 09:37 EST

I couldn't have said it better. AMEN!

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rexngar
  9/27/2016 14:35 EST

I am so happy that you had a wonderful experience with the medical community in Costa Rica and that you had so many positive comments about living there. We are almost ready to make the move ourselves! Your account is exactly why I joined this group! So nice to read positive comments here as there are several people on this site that just want to get into a never-ending rant about politics and negative outbursts I sure hope we don't move to their neighborhoods! Hope your experience in living in Costa Rica continues to be positive!

Kohl
  9/27/2016 15:52 EST

Pombinja, glad you had such a positive experience and hope you continue to do so. We have found the CAJA staff very caring, considerate and helpful.

The problem that CAJA has, is not at this level of care, EBAIS, but trying to get timely appointments with specialists and surgery, if required.

We just returned from an early morning appointment with a specialist and was told to return in three months for a follow-up...but there was no available appointments slots for 5 months, which isn't too bad, since he isn't the 'primary' specialist.

Keep on walking...8-)

Pombinha
  9/27/2016 16:38 EST

Thanks Khol.
Thanks everyone!
I wish all the best to the couple who says they will be moving here soon!
Awaking up to the roosters melodies, the tropical birds, the monkeys and the little cat that lives here in the property meowing for me to open the door so that he can sleep on my bed is precious to me!
Then when Coco (the cat) gets bored he goes to a different condo!-In the evening he watches the raccoons drinking from the pool (from afar) and he catches small lizards even though my neighbor and I have Purina Cat Chow for him.
Now Coco has become part of our family!
Every time I'm walking on the beach
I thank God for giving me this opportunity to live in such a beautiful country.
Also: when you have gone through cancer you appreciate life much more!
God bless you all!

ILuvCR
  9/28/2016 07:29 EST

Nice report, thank you!

Pura Vida!

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Pombinha
  9/28/2016 14:34 EST

About Costa Rica:
I went to my daughter's Facebook to look for a comment she wrote in December when she was at the Liberia Airport waiting for the plane to go back to Toronto.
Here it is:
December 21, 2015 ·
Had an amazing trip, saw volcanoes, birds, lots of monkeys and lizards, soaked in the ocean and some hot springs, went diving, did a couple of road trips, had some good home-cooked meals and saw my parents, Mike touched a scorpion... What else could you want in a vacation? So long Costa Rica. Thanks for the good memories. See you again soon!

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