Medical Care

Medical care in China is slightly different from that in the US. Yesterday, Jack had to have a medical test that is not available at the international hospital where I delivered Zeke. The process for such a test is as follows:

We had to go to the international hospital at 8:00 in the morning. We were met by a nurse who put an IV in Jack's arm and drew blood for a test required by the other hospital. We then had to wait for the results. Jack played his Nintendo DS to keep occupied. You can see he goes to great lengths to be able to play it. Even with one arm that wouldn't bend, he kept playing. We waited 30 minutes for the result of the test, then took a taxi, with the nurse, to the local hospital. After about an hour drive, we arrived at the crowded facility. The nurse led the way.

People waited outside for family members and friends. People arrived with food for patients. Patients lined the hallways, waiting their turn.

We had to stop at the cashier where the nurse paid cash for the services in advance. Nothing is done at these hospitals without payment up front. Next we followed the nurse to the radiology department, waited a few minutes, then followed the nurse into the MRI room. We were given ear plugs to protect us from the loud noise from the machine. Jack's IV was hooked up to the contrast medication and he was moved into the machine. It was a GE machine, just like back in the US but older. The radiologist sat at the computer, wearing scrubs and flip flops! They told us the test would take 15 minutes but it took 45. The doctor said on first examination, the pictures look fine and he expects there are no problems. We will get the full report on Wednesday.