Susan

Has anyone had experience with the hospital in Aruba. My father has heart problems and is a little apprehensive of going to a small island for a week's vacation.

Sooooz

Susan, <BR> <BR>There have been many posts regarding the good care people have received at Aruba hospitals on the Aruba-specific bulletin boards. You may want to go to www.visitaruba.com, www.aruba-bb.com or www.aruba-travelguide.com and ask the same question. <BR> <BR>Good luck! <BR> <BR>Sooooz

louise

Dear susan, I would advise you that depending what kind of heart condition your father has would determine my answer. If there is a question to his being stable during the trip, don't go. I am a PA_c who has taken care of alot of cardiac patients, and believe me when I tell you for some cardiac emergencies you want a major medical center that takes care of lots of cardiac patients. Also if he needs a cardiac surgeon (god forbid) i would not feel to good about one that practices on Aurba if they even have one. Air lifting back to the usa is expensive, not covered by insurance, and wastes valuable time. Advise him to go to FLA keys or even PR if he must go to the carribean. good luck.

susan

Dear Louise, my father is 71 years old--had his first heart attack at 51. He has had two by-passes. He recently went in for a routine check-up and failed his stress test. After having a cat done, we found out he has four blockages 80 - 90% blocked. He feels good, actually no indication. The specialist do not feel surgery is an option anymore. They have increased his meds. My parents booked this trip to go my husband and I and their two grandchildren. I hate for him not to go, but I understand my parents concerns.

louise

Dear susan, It sounds like your dad has significant heart disease. First, I would have him speak to his cardiologist regaurding activity, what the cardiologist thinks about him going and what he would recommend if he needed care . (the world of cardiologist is not as large as you might think, your dad's md might even know someone in the carribean. ) You mention his grandchildren going, I hate to bring this up but depending on their ages it may be extremly traumatic for them if something does happen on vacation. Don't get me wrong... I'm not saying don't go at all but talk about a plan before you go . It also sounded like your dad just wants to enjoy the time he has if that is the case make sure that his wishes are clear to everyone. Even though he is not a candidate for surgery there is still a lot that can be done medically if he runs into a problem. good luck. I hope I haven't upset you but sometimes we in medicine tend to always assume the worst will happen,plan for it and look stupid when it doesn't... Let me know what happens.

Joe

My wife had to visit the hospital in Aruba back in 1994 on our second trip there (we have been 3 times), but it was basically for strep throat, not something as serious as heart condition. They treated her well though she had a long wait. Also, they did not accept her BC/BS card and had to pay by cash or credit card.

anonymous

You might consider the heat and humidity of a tropical island when choosing a destination for a vacation with someone who has signifigant heart disease. Also make sure your travel insurance policy will cover costs and evacuation if necessary. Might be hard to get as this is a preexisting condition! Also ... take the cardiologist's reports with him and a copy of the lastest EKG. I doubt Medicare would even begin to pay - altho they do in some "foreign" countries! I would also schedule on regular airlines rather than the charter which may fly in and out only once a week. It would cost big bucks if your dad and someone with him had to return early! You pay thru the nose for those flights that are one way and not reserved in advance!! Recently an 80something woman died while snorkling/swimming in Anguilla! Good for her! She enjoyed life to the fullest and sure didn't sit home waiting for the Grim Reaper!! I would be a little more than a "little apprehensive" but with phones, faxes and emails the Aruba medical community can be in touch with the treating md in seconds! But, if he does need exptensive tx, the islands are NOT the place to do it! Just follow the his tx plan - make sure he hydrates well, watch that heat and humidity and don't over extend! And have a long talk with the md before so that you have a clear understanding of the options and possibilities!