Philippine Trip – Episode 6

The next six days, Wednesday—Monday was a time of testing. I was incapacitated. I had difficulty walking. There was increased swelling, pain and discoloration in both my legs. How does this fit into God’s plan? Was this interruption of God? Was it of the enemy or was it a result of my stubbornness not to check in earlier with the doctor? I think it was probably the latter. Regardless, the Lord seemed to say, “Don’t second guess the reason why? I’m in charge. Just trust Me and rest in My love.”

Friday, at 11:00 p.m. I finally went into the emergency room at St Luke Hospital, the same hospital where Ron and Norman, two of our sons, were born over forty years ago. Extensive test were administered—laboratory work, an EKG, x-rays, ultrasound on both legs to determine any blood clots in my veins and arteries. There was a blood clot in both my right and left leg. I was immediately admitted to the hospital, attached to an I.V. and assigned to one of their top heart specialists. During the first day and a half, blood was drawn every hour.

The accommodations were first class—a large private room with a sitting area, a good size private bathroom, a safe, a full size refrigerator and a large TV screen with at least twenty channels including U.S. news and sports. Every night they televised the New York Yankees. (Ug). Why couldn’t they have televised the Minnesota Twins? The friendliness and hospitality of the Filipino nurses and aids was outstanding. Almost every hour they would enquirer if they could in anyway make my stay more enjoyable. It was like being on vacation and having at my disposal beautiful Filipino nurses pampering and spoiling me good.

I was sure that Medicare would basically cover the cost. Was I ever mistaken! Medicare does not cover service performed overseas. Now what? I expected the bill to be somewhere around $10,000, that is if it was half the amount that would be charged in the States. Was I ever pleasantly surprised--$1320 including two specialists. Unbelievable! President Obama’s administration should study the streamline approach of hospitals in the Philippines. I was impressed from the time I checked into the emergency room until I was discharged Monday afternoon. By the way, my Blue Cross, Blue Shield supplement policy took care of 80% of the charges. Praise the Lord!

One of the highlights of my time in the hospital was the extended time I had with two dear Filipino brothers ( Philip Flores and Romy Salvador). I along with other Navigator staff had ministered to them over forty years ago when they were still in their teens. Now they are in their early sixties, aggressively following and serving the Lord in advancing the Kingdom of God. What a blessing and challenge they were. More about them in the next five episodes.