Chris had been feeling unwell of late and had been to the doctors while back in the UK recently, his advice was to go home and see how it goes! On returning to Calis she continued to feel really unwell. As we haven't been here for a year yet, we aren't eligible for the SGK Healthcare scheme and were a bit worried as we both felt she needed more than a visit to our favourite pharmacist in Fethiye. A friend recommended that we go and see Margaret, the English lady who works on the foreign tourist desk at the Esnaf hospital. We did so and discussed a wide range of options, (and there were lots) eventually we settled on a comprehensive health check called a VIP. This check takes place over one day (of your choice) and consists of Brain MRI. Blood tests for 16 different conditions, Mamagram, Ultrasound on all major organs including, kidney, liver, heart and breasts, ECG, treadmill tests, a range of gynaecological tests, eye test, hearing test, various X-rays, bone density and cardio screen.
We arrived at the hospital at 08.15 and were immediately shown to the MRI department, this was repeated around all of the other speciality departments and at all times Chris was escorted by the same English speaking health advisor (Yasin) who had originally booked her in and was really pleasant and helpful. We were given an hours break at lunch and then went to see a specialist registrar who went through all of the results in great detail. The afternoon followed a similar format culminating in a consultation with the Neuro-Surgeon and then the Gynaecologist ( who was mad busy assisting with C sections for all of the ladies who wanted a 12/12/12 birthdate)
All in all we were there for seven hours and apart from a short wait in gynaecology, the system worked like clockwork. We can't praise the Esnaf more highly, the facility looks brand new and spotlessly clean, the staff pleasant, the equipment looked really state of the art and all departments are connected by a great I.T. system so each consultant could refer to relevant test results and even the food facilities are nice.
The reason for the post is to say please don't worry, like we did if you think you have a health problem, call into the Esnaf and I'm sure they will help.
Oh, and Chris, they discovered two separate but related minor conditions that were causing her problems, she is now on medication which will effect a full recovery and has a follow up appointment booked to assess progress. She is also really happy that she knows that she is totally free of any major health problems, apart from maybe anything connected with chiropody !