- Name: Ana Kovacs
- Residence: Belfast, Canada
- Diagnosis: Rotator Cuff Tear
- Treatment: Rotator Cuff Repair Surgery in Ensenada, Mexico
- Doctor: Dr. Heber Avitia
- Hospital: Velmar Hospital
- Treatment cost: $6,000 USD
- Facilitator: Raquel from PlacidWay
"I Just Wanted to Get Back to My Active Life" – A Struggle with Shoulder Pain
Ana Kovacs, a 42-year-old woman from Belfast, Canada, was always an active person. She loved swimming, hiking, and doing yoga, but a constant ache in her shoulder began to limit her activities. For years, the pain was manageable, but after a fall, it became unbearable. Ana struggled to raise her arm, and everyday activities, such as reaching for something on a high shelf or carrying groceries, became painful tasks.
The injury was gradually taking over her life. Ana couldn’t continue the activities that brought her joy, and she knew it was time to find a solution.
"I just wanted to be able to lift my arm again without pain. I couldn’t continue living with this constant ache, so I knew I had to do something about it."
Finding No Answers at Home – "I Felt Stuck"
Ana first visited an orthopedic doctor in Canada, hoping to find relief. After taking X-rays, the doctor diagnosed her with a rotator cuff tear. However, the proposed treatment options were limited and mostly focused on rest, pain management, and physical therapy. Ana was advised to wait until the pain became unbearable before considering surgery, but she knew she couldn’t continue living like this.
Frustrated and desperate for a solution, Ana began to look for alternatives. She wasn’t willing to wait for months or even years to get the surgery she needed.
"I felt stuck. The doctor was telling me to wait, but I couldn’t wait any longer. The pain was too much. I knew there had to be another way."
Looking Abroad for Hope – "I Needed a New Path"
Determined to find a solution, Ana started researching medical treatment abroad. She came across the idea of traveling to Mexico for surgery, where the costs were more affordable, and the care was known to be of high quality. As Ana dug deeper, she found numerous success stories from people who had traveled to Mexico for orthopedic surgeries, and her hope began to grow.
But she still had doubts. Could she trust a clinic in Mexico? Would the surgery be as effective as in Canada? Was it safe? She was unsure, but she couldn’t ignore the possibility of getting the surgery she needed in a timely manner.
"I was nervous, but I couldn’t keep living like this. Mexico seemed like the best option, but I had so many questions and fears about it."
Discovering PlacidWay – "Guiding Me Every Step of the Way"
Ana then found PlacidWay, a medical tourism facilitator, and reached out for assistance. Raquel, a patient coordinator, immediately responded with empathy and detailed information. Raquel listened to Ana’s concerns, answered her questions, and helped her find the right clinic and doctor in Mexico.
Through PlacidWay, Ana was connected with Dr. Heber Avitia, a skilled orthopedic surgeon in Ensenada, Mexico, known for his expertise in rotator cuff repairs. Dr. Avitia’s clinic, Velmar Hospital, had excellent reviews and offered a clear treatment plan that gave Ana confidence.
"I felt so supported by Raquel and the entire PlacidWay team. They helped me find the best doctor, answered all my questions, and gave me the confidence I needed to make the decision."
Preparing for the Journey – "Excited but Nervous"
Ana made the decision to move forward with surgery in Ensenada. The cost was within her budget, and with the support of PlacidWay, she arranged her travel and accommodations. Although she was nervous about traveling abroad for surgery, she knew that this was the best option to reclaim her active lifestyle.
On the day of her flight, Ana felt a combination of fear and excitement. She was about to take a huge step toward healing and recovery, and despite the uncertainty, she was determined to stay positive.
"I was a little scared, but I kept reminding myself that this was the right choice. I knew that I couldn’t go on living with this pain anymore."
Arriving in Mexico – "A Warm Welcome and Expert Care"
When Ana arrived at Velmar Hospital in Ensenada, she was immediately welcomed by the friendly staff. Dr. Avitia met with her to go over the procedure, and his reassuring demeanor helped ease any remaining doubts. The hospital was clean, modern, and well-equipped, making Ana feel confident that she had made the right decision.
"The moment I met Dr. Avitia, I felt like I was in the best hands. He explained everything thoroughly, and I knew I was in capable, caring hands."
The Surgery – "A Step Toward Healing"
Ana underwent rotator cuff repair surgery, and everything went smoothly. The team at Velmar Hospital was incredibly professional, taking great care to ensure Ana was comfortable throughout the procedure. The recovery process began immediately, and Ana was optimistic about her future.
"The surgery went well, and the team was there every step of the way. It was a huge relief to finally be on the path to recovery."
Recovery – "A New Beginning"
After surgery, Ana followed a clear recovery plan with the help of her doctors and physical therapists. Although the healing process wasn’t instant, Ana felt her shoulder improving day by day. The pain she had suffered for so long was gone, and she was finally able to regain her strength.
Within weeks, Ana was able to return to her daily activities and even enjoyed her first yoga session without the discomfort she had once felt.
"I can’t believe how quickly I recovered. For the first time in a long time, I’m pain-free and able to do the things I love again. It’s been life-changing."
Returning Home – "A New Lease on Life"
When Ana returned home to Belfast, her family and friends couldn’t believe the difference. She was moving with ease, and her shoulder was stronger than ever. Ana was finally able to return to her active lifestyle, doing all the things she had missed for so long.
"Coming home was emotional. I left feeling defeated, but I returned feeling stronger and more hopeful for the future."
To Anyone Hesitant – "Trust the Process and Go for It"
Ana’s advice to anyone considering surgery abroad is simple: don’t let fear hold you back. Trust the process, trust the doctors, and take control of your health.
"Don’t wait like I did. There are amazing options out there, and PlacidWay was the key to finding the right care for me. I couldn’t be more grateful."
If you’re ready to take the next step toward healing, PlacidWay is here to guide you through every stage of your journey.
Disclaimer: This is a personal story shared to inspire others considering medical tourism. Experiences and results may vary for each individual. Always consult a medical professional before making any health-related decisions.
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