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Patient Demographics:
Name: Michael Mace
Residence: Kailua-Kona, United States
Diagnosis: Hip Joint Degeneration
Treatment: Hip Replacement Surgery
Treatment Cost: $12,600
Clinic: Dra. Brenda Delangel
Treatment Destination: Tijuana, Mexico
Facilitator: PlacidWay
When Life Was Easy and Pain-Free
Michael Mace had built a peaceful life for himself in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. A retired teacher, he filled his days with morning jogs, swimming in the ocean, and tending to his small garden. He loved spending time with his grandchildren, often taking them on small adventures around the island. Life was simple and full of joy.
But a creeping pain in his hip started to chip away at that happiness. At first, it was just a stiffness after long walks. Then, sharp pain during everyday activities like climbing stairs or standing for too long. Eventually, even walking to the mailbox became a painful chore.
“I used to think nothing could slow me down,” Michael shared. “But when even a short walk became a struggle, I knew my life was changing in a way I wasn’t ready for.”
Running Into Roadblocks at Home
When Michael sought help in his hometown, he was quickly disillusioned. The wait to see an orthopedic surgeon was painfully long. Once he finally got a consultation, the news wasn't much better: the surgery was going to cost far more than he could afford, even with insurance.
He tried physical therapy and medication, but they were only temporary band-aids. The real solution—hip replacement surgery—remained out of reach.
“Everywhere I turned, it felt like doors were slamming shut,” Michael said. “I felt hopeless, like I was being left to just live with the pain.”
Taking a Leap of Faith
One evening, after another fruitless doctor's visit, Michael started researching online for other options. That’s when he first stumbled onto the idea of medical tourism. Mexico, in particular, kept popping up as a country offering high-quality medical care at a fraction of U.S. prices.
Still, he wrestled with fear. What if something went wrong? What if the care wasn't up to par? Traveling abroad for something as serious as surgery was not a decision to take lightly.
“I kept thinking, ‘Am I crazy for even considering this?’” Michael remembered. “But deep down, I knew I couldn’t keep living the way I was.”
Finding the Right Help at the Right Time
During his endless nights of research, Michael discovered PlacidWay. Their platform stood out because it didn’t just throw options at him—it offered real support, connecting him with reputable clinics and helping him understand his choices.
It was through PlacidWay that Michael found Dra. Brenda Delangel’s clinic in Tijuana. Reading other patient testimonials and seeing her credentials gave him a sense of relief he hadn't felt in months.
“After talking with the PlacidWay team, I finally felt like I wasn’t alone,” Michael said. “They answered every question and really made me feel like I was making an informed decision, not just a gamble.”
Getting Ready for the Unknown
Even with his decision made, the journey wasn’t easy. Michael had to pull from his savings and lean on family support to afford the trip. Saying goodbye to his home, even temporarily, weighed heavily on him.
He also worried about language barriers and navigating an unfamiliar healthcare system. On top of everything, the fear of the surgery itself loomed large.
“The night before I left, I hardly slept,” Michael admitted. “I was scared, but more than anything, I was hopeful. I knew I had to give myself this chance.”
A Warm Welcome in Tijuana
Arriving in Tijuana, Michael was surprised by how comfortable and familiar it felt. The city was bustling yet welcoming, and Dra. Brenda Delangel’s clinic exceeded all of his expectations. The facility was spotless and modern, and every staff member he met was kind and professional.
Meeting Dra. Delangel in person was the real turning point—her warmth and confidence immediately put Michael at ease.
“She looked me in the eye, shook my hand firmly, and said, ‘We’re going to take good care of you.’ I believed her,” Michael shared.
Surgery Day: Facing the Fear
When the day of surgery arrived, Michael was filled with a mix of fear and anticipation. Lying in the pre-op room, he said a quiet prayer and focused on everything he wanted to do once he was pain-free.
The procedure went smoothly. The medical team’s attentiveness made a huge difference, treating him with compassion and keeping him informed every step of the way.
“The last thing I remember before the anesthesia kicked in was feeling a strange peace," Michael said. "I knew I was exactly where I needed to be.”
The Long Road to Healing
Recovery was tougher than Michael had anticipated. There were moments of intense pain and moments of loneliness, missing the familiar comforts of home. Some days, progress felt frustratingly slow.
But every milestone—standing up with less assistance, taking a few steps without crutches—was a huge personal victory.
“I’ll never forget the first time I stood and walked across the room,” he said. “It wasn’t perfect, but it was mine. I knew I was coming back to life.”
Coming Home, Stronger Than Ever
Returning to Kailua-Kona was emotional. Michael’s family greeted him at the airport with cheers and open arms. As he walked (unaided!) through the arrival gates, he felt like a new man.
Simple things—taking his grandkids to the park, walking on the beach—felt like priceless gifts.
“Every day, I feel grateful for the choice I made,” Michael shared. “I’m not just living again. I’m thriving.”
Words of Courage for Others
Michael hopes his story will encourage others facing similar struggles.
“If you’re scared about going abroad for treatment, that’s normal. But don’t let that fear steal your chance at a better life. Thanks to PlacidWay and Dra. Delangel, I have my life back. And you can too.”
Ready to Change Your Life?
PlacidWay connects you with top-rated clinics and trusted doctors worldwide, helping you find affordable, quality care. Don’t let obstacles keep you from the life you deserve—discover your options with PlacidWay today!
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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