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Myanmar- Popular Sights and even a few hospitals!

Myanmar- Popular Sights and even a few hospitals!

Old Jul 2nd, 2015, 06:30 AM
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Myanmar- Popular Sights and even a few hospitals!

Hi all,

First, I wanted to say thank you to all who helped with my questions on Myanmar before I left! I had a great time, but unfortunately had to come home earlier than expected. I was able to see Yangon (not as much as I would have liked!) Mandalay, Bagan, Kalaw and Inle Lake. However, while on Inle, I was struck by lightning.

I promised a trip report upon my return home, which was almost a month ago- sorry! I'm still healing and am starting to walk again! I will post my trip report in sections as often as I can, although I sleep most of the day still, so it may be a bit before it's complete.

Thanks for all of your help, and keep an eye out for installments below!

NMV
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Old Jul 2nd, 2015, 07:06 AM
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Oh, my goodness! I'm glad you are safely back home. I want to hear all about your trip, and I'm interested in your encounters with medical care in Burma. Did you have med vac insurance and did the insurance company arrange to fly you out?
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Old Jul 2nd, 2015, 09:02 AM
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Hi Kathie, yes, home safe!
I did have medivac insurance, however the Burmese doctors would not speak to the company on the phone until I had been in the hospital 24 hours.
(This was the second hospital, the one near Inle Lake would not treat me, as the doctor did not want to do the paperwork) The hospital was HORRIFYING. Stray dogs wandering the surgical ward (where I was), 100% unsanitary wound-cleaning supplies, dirty sheets, crumbling walls... I have pictures that I will post as well!

Thankfully, there was an ER nurse in my group from Canada who accompanied me to the hospitals. She confirmed my suspicions that I would get an infection if I had stayed overnight (Some of my burns had already opened). They were also trying to sedate me, even though I did not want to be. (Dirty needles!)
On top of that I had a flight back to Yangon the next day, of which my guide would be on. The company confirmed they would not send a translator for me, so I would be in the hospital without a translator (the doctors spoke VERY limited English), food, or cell service to call/text anyone. The medivac company/nurse (she spoke to them more than I did, I was sort of 'stunned') confirmed as I was not 'critical' it may take 2-3 days to get a plane there, and I would have to stay in the hospital until then, alone, susceptible to who knows what. So I made the decision to fly back to Yangon/home on my own.

I had an EKG done to confirm my heart was ok (with equipment from the 60's!) and left the hospital. I actually had to 'escape' (two doctors said 'No', a 3rd was pulled out of the OR- he spoke more English- and said 'I can not physically stop you from leaving, but it is illegal and you may be stopped in the airport' as it is against the law to leave within 24 hours of admission (which was not explained to me upon arrival). This meant I left without any documentation that I had been there. (Aka, my separate travel insurance will cover nothing) I flew back to Yangon with the rest of the group, and by that point my parents VERY generously booked me a business class ticket through Narita and O'Hare and in coach to DFW (longest 2 hours of my life, I was unable to bend my knees/ankles and was smushed in a 2-2)

I went straight to the hospital in Dallas where I was transferred to another hospital's Burn Unit, where I spent a few nights on morphine and having to go to 'the tank' a few times to wash out the burns/peel off skin (don't worry, it's actually worse than it sounds ).

All in all, I really enjoyed Burma, (not so much the last 1.5 days) and continue to recommend it to people! I think I may stay away for a few years but would like to go back at some point.
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Old Jul 2nd, 2015, 09:21 AM
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What an ordeal!

Just FYI, Bangkok has wonderful, world-class medical care. I would have opted for a stay at Bumrungrad before flying home, but some people feel they MUST go home. Nothing wrong with either decision, but just info that you hopefully will never need (but someone else might). You are quite right that the medical care in Myanmar is some of the worst in the world. There is an SOS clinic in Yangon that offers good care, but you needed a hospital!

I look forward to hearing about the rest of your trip.
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Old Jul 2nd, 2015, 09:50 AM
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Yes! The man sitting behind me when I was struck went to Bangkok for his two perforated ear drums. I came home mostly because I was due to come home 3 days later, and as the nurse told me (which proved true!) my burns would take 48-72 hours to fully blister. I had a large open burn right away, but they were much worse when I got back, so I figured I could get home in that window and then just sleep for a week- which I did!

I feel terrible for those who only option is the medical care there (the surgical ward was full!) I was at one of the 'Top 3' hospitals in the country, and the best way to describe it is as 'the perfect horror movie set'...
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Old Jul 2nd, 2015, 11:53 AM
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Wow, what an awful experience! What company was your insurance with?
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Old Jul 2nd, 2015, 01:18 PM
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So sorry for your horrific experience. I had heard their hospitals are very bad and to stay away. But hearing your descriptions really make it so real. What happened to you? Looking forward to hearing about the good part of the trip.
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Old Jul 2nd, 2015, 01:34 PM
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needmorevacation - I think you do! Need more vacation, that is!

What a horrifying experience! I'm glad you're healing, but how awful to have such a terrible thing happen to you, and especially in a place where medical services is so poor. I'm interested in hearing how this happened, too. And, of course, looking forward to reading what you enjoyed!
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Old Jul 2nd, 2015, 03:54 PM
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OMG - You picked the worst place in the world to be struck by lightning. So sorry for your ideal and thrilled you are okay.
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Old Jul 2nd, 2015, 04:03 PM
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Must have been very scary, lucky you had the nurse to help, although extremely unlucky the event happened.
I hope you recover well, think of the mileage you'll get out of this over the years to come !
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Old Jul 2nd, 2015, 07:24 PM
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Ugh - My phone changed "ordeal" to "ideal." I'm sure you know what I meant, but I wanted to fix the error as your situation was far from ideal. Were others injured besides you and the man behind you?
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Old Jul 3rd, 2015, 02:02 PM
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NMV
I'm SO sorry to hear about your horrific experiences. I too take out medivac insurance (MedJet Assist) but I'm not sure that would have turned out any differently. How bizarre that they wouldn't let you leave until after 24 hours. This story is a reminder that as much as we love traveling off the usual grid, there's always a risk. The main thing is…you survived, which is remarkable in itself. Hope you heal up totally soon.
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Old Jul 4th, 2015, 08:19 AM
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Omg - what are the odds of getting struck by lightening and how unfortunate to have it happen in such an underdeveloped country. That's a doozy of a story you've brought back to tell. So glad you are on your way to recovery back at home. Best wishes. I'll be waiting for the rest of your report!
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Old Jul 4th, 2015, 03:53 PM
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OMG, needmorevacation, you have the dubious honor of writing the most intriguing trip report I have ever read. Here's wishing for a speedy recovery, you are in all our thoughts and prayers.

Please tell us briefly how this happened, if you don't mind recounting.

Also, thursday mentioned a good point--I would not assume that your trip insurance would not cover your claim. Do you have a lawyer in your family? Sometimes all it takes is a scary letter, and they might pay your claim just to be done with it. (I would add the plane ticket home to the claim as well.)
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Old Jul 6th, 2015, 04:48 AM
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That is very terrible news. So much for your travel insurance. Sometimes policies are very unreasonable, they are made to act as a guide and not as a golden law.

We hope you get well soon. We know that you have so much more fun and exciting stories from your trip that you would like to share.
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Old Jul 12th, 2015, 11:41 AM
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Oh, NO NMV! I just saw this thread! I can't believe this happened to you. How terrifying. I'm so sorry. However, what an amazing story and you seem to be handling it so well. I'm impressed and amazed by your fortitude. And, your caring parents : )

I'm not surprised about the hospitals. We talked quite a bit about healthcare when I was there with my hospital administration background. My friend, who is a pediatric intensive care physician, was my travel companion. When we entered Mrauk U, and were told there were seven physicians for the entire Rachine state, we figured we had increased number of physicians by 12% by just her landing at the airport.

Now that everything is over, you have a story for the ages. Rest well, and I hope your recovery is quick and you are back traveling soon.

Question: were there threats of storms before they decided to put passengers on the boat? Was the storm sudden? That is seriously terrifying. Again, I am SO glad you are doing well.

Girl question: Were you able to get a lotus scarf before you were hit?
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Old Jul 13th, 2015, 01:21 PM
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how terrifying and what awful bad luck.

it sounds like a very good decision to get yourself home in the way you did but it must have taken a lot of determination, especially when you were injured.

Sad to say that I am just crossing Burma off my list [it wasn't very high up on it anyway, but it just got axed]. I'd still like to hear about the rest of your experiences though, when you feel up to posting them.
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Old Jul 13th, 2015, 01:36 PM
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I'm sorry to hear you've crossed Burma off your list, Ann. It's a remarkable destination.

Looking forward to hearing more about your trip needsmorevacation, once you are feeling up to it.
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Old Jul 21st, 2015, 06:35 AM
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Hi all!

Sorry for the delay, I had to go back to the hospital, due to a 'nasty' (doctor's term!) abscess under (on?) my burn. Antibiotics and I aren't friends so it's been tough to stay focused on much!

I'll try and answer your questions-

CaliforniaLady/Thursday-I talked with the insurance company more, and tried to provide all documentation I could surrounding my need to leave the country. They made no promises, as without documentation from Myanmar they 'can't prove I needed to come home', but said a doctor in the US who treated me could fill out paperwork saying as much and they would take it into consideration. Paperwork has been sent off, hoping/wishing/praying they will refund my parents!

Boston- Yes, there was a large storm over the lake when we set off from the (former) Jumping Cat's Monastery back to Nyuang Shwe. We asked but the guide confirmed that the boat drivers said it would be fine, just wet. We did not hear thunder/lightning when getting on the boats- but you also could not see the other end of the lake- it was just a wall of rain.
And yes- the second to last stop was at a Lotus Silk factory (amazing!) and I got one for myself and my Mom. Thankfully they were not burned in my backpack! (A beautiful white scarf I had purchased earlier in the day had been )

Annhig- Please don't cross Burma off your list! It is a BEAUTIFUL country and the people (aside from the crazy doctors) are the friendliest I've encountered in my travels. There are many amazing sights, and I do plan on returning (albeit in dry season!!) in a few years.

Barring any further hospital visits, I hope to update you on all of my fun times pre-lightning soon
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Old Jul 21st, 2015, 06:37 AM
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Also, as I was in a wheelchair/not able to think straight, I wasn't able to exchange my kyat before leaving- no banks will take it near me- anyone know what I can do? I've got about 100,000 kyat, so not a HUGE amount, but $100 towards my hospital bills will help! haha
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