''Oh what a strange trip it's been"!! Very early Monday morning, i was taken by ambulance to St. Maarten Medical Center, with kidney stones. I climbed into bed Sunday night, and all of a sudden i had such an attack of pain, i literarly could not move a muscle. Waited a while to see if pains decreased, and when they did not, security here at Royal Islander called ambulance. Worst ride of my entire life. Between the bumpy roads, the speed bumps, and probably the lack of shocks in the ambulance, the ride was torture. Even the heavy duty drugs i was given didnt seem to work at all, and I really thought i was going to be gone by the time we made it to the ER. Luckily, they weren't too busy at hospital, and was seen immediately. Had a quick CT scan, that confirmed stones, another couple of drugs were administered, and about eight hours later was sent back to the Islander to recoup. next three days, didn't leave our unit. Thankfully, the drugs seemed to be doing the trick. Obviously will follow up with my own urologist when we get home Thursday. I do have to say, that the ambulance staff, and the ER staff at SMMC were all wonderful, caring, and seemed to know their stuff. Far cry from some of the horror stories that i've heard over the years. Ambulance, ER, CT scan and meds came to just under 3,000 bucks. Lesson learned this trip, and i can not stress loud enough, that before we ever travel again, we will make sure we have complete travel insurance, which we never did buy before!!
Anyway, Thursday, rejoined the world of the living, but spent the days at the pool at the Islander. Didn't want to venture out to far, after the previous few days. We didn't venture far from our place for dinners either, and glad we didn't. Had one of the best fillets of my life at Sublime Friday night. I didn't think it could be as good as it was last year when we were there, but i was proven wrong. Our meals were both fantastic, and loved every bite. Saturday night, again, stayed close, and went to LaRosa for dinner. Once again, they put out a great meal and service was prompt and attentive. The veal parm was delicious, and my wife had some sort of pasta dish with smoked salmon and capers, that she just about licked the plate!! Tonight, we decided to keep it casual, and couldn't believe that we were on island for over two weeks, and tonight was our first trip to Mark's Place this vacation. Once again, it was fantastic as always. I ordered my annual lasagna, and my wife ordered grouper. My wife is a huge fish eater, and usually gets some sort of fish or another. She absolutely LOVED the grouper at Mark's, and commented that it was one of her favorite meals of the vacation. it also was the cheapest. The fish was huge, and i think it cost 15 bucks!!! Once again, kudo's to Marks Place. Also, have to give kudos to Driftwood Boat Bar, since most of our lunches were take out from there while i was stuck in the room. Food there is amazing, love the ribs, chicken and calamari they serve. and even take out is great, but not quite the same ambiance. Again, great food and service for a very reasonable price.
and....lastly, today we spent the most amazing afternoon at Rendez Vous, for the jazz brunch! Wasn't sure they would have it today due to the holiday, but sure enough, they did, it was crowded, and the entertainment was through the roof!!!! Every year, it seems to get even better than the previous, and that folks is hard to do. Did get to see our own TTOLer WendyK once again. Always a pleasure to see her!!!
once again, even with a few bumps in the road, time flies so freakin' fast on this island!! Already have been here for over 2 weeks, and unfortunately Thursday will be here real soon. Looks like we aren't getting in as much as we originally planned for this year, but will still make the most of the next few days!! As we keep telling each other, we'll make up for lost time next year on our return!! Will try to keep you all posted soon on the rest of our vacation escapades, but they will be low key. Haven't even ventured back to our favorite beach for over a week, but will on Tuesday and probably Wednesday. Due to Easter Monday, i think we will skip the beach tomorrow, and avoid the local crowds. For all that celebrate, hope you all had a great Easter weekend.
Ed--I remember seeing in the Daily Herald not that long ago, about the SMMC getting a CT machine, so that sounds like it was a very good thing, for you. Sounds like you are getting better, which is a very good thing. For several years now, we have gotten full travel insurance, including medical evac, even though we never used to take out any insurance. Unfortunately, as we grow older, stuff happens!
Ed...well recovery wishes. Thought re Rendezvous but wanted beach time...so next door to Dinghy! Mark's Place? Must check! Will say we loved Roma Saturday night.
Carol...what travel insurance do you get? We do have from Moose club.[img]http://[/img]
singbeach--Regarding travel insurance, we just go to TTOL sponsor Insure My Trip, check through various options and coverages, and pick what meets our needs.
Ed. Sorry to here about your ER visit but happy it's behind you. When I had my ER visit back in 2005 it was a similar ambulance ride. Be sure you submit your charges to your health insurance provider when you get back home. They reimbursed me 100%. Good luck.
He can certainly try to submit the claim, but don't be surprised if it's not covered. Medicare has zero coverage outside the US. My supplement pays 80%, I think. Regardless, we always get medical insurance and evac insurance.
i will submit to both medicare and y supplemental insurance and hope to see at least some of this money covered. Either way, lesson learned. This getting older stuff ain't easy. LOL
Hello Ed..........I only know you by your posts but I have also suffered from kidney stones in the past and I can completely empathize with you..The pain is unreal....
When I was treated in the ER on a previous hospital visit, one of the nurses, who had 3 children, told me that she had a kidney stone attack and the pain was worse than child birth.....
Hang in there and make sure that during your attack you drink glasses and glasses of water to help pass the stone.....
I hope you passed it and got back to Nirvana.......
Can I ask a personal question? Did you pass the stone(s)? I ask because I hope you don't have another attack when flying home. I certainly "feel" for you. Had the same thing only had to be operated on to get stone out. Too big to pass and wouldn't break up.
don't think i passed it.....but this wasn't my first rodeo with these. last time they went in. so far though, i think they moved.....have been off meds last couple of days and feeling fine. am leaving thursday for home, and have an appt set up with my urologist for next week. I'm hoping to be fine at least till then.
Always good to see both of you, Ed. I hope you enjoy your last day (?) on the island, and that you get a clean bill of health when you see your doctor at home.
Medicare or your supplement will probably not cover your out of pocket expenses. I am glad you were well taken care of and back on your feet quickly. It is a problem for expats on SXM and many go to the USA once or twice a year to get health issues taken care of with medicare not being available out of the USA
Again, great food and service for a very reasonable price. 
