I’m a little behind with my postings and daily count up since arriving in Japan. You can be assured that it is mainly because we’ve been busy enjoying life.
Since the middle of last week I’ve been experiencing some visual disturbances. A quick check online had me assuming the worst retina problems, and treatment with a gas bubble leaving me unable to fly. Simon suffered dreadfully with this last year.
I sought advice from Jean, an expert who knows about these things and so much more. Although very reassuring about what the condition probably was, she obviously couldn’t make an accurate diagnosis by remote control so advised that I had an eye check.
The easiest thing seemed to be to go to a hospital. The first state of the art newly built one didn’t deal with eyes, but a very helpful English-speaking triage nurse pointed out the correct hospital and even rang ahead so they would be expecting us.
After a short wait where the most important thing seemed to be that our insurance and means to pay were verified, I was seen by an excellent young opthalmologist who was extremely thorough.
His diagnosis – floaters. Spot on, Jean! Thank you.
The cost 8250 Yen, about £50. Irrelevant, but which happens to be our travel insurance excess.
What a relief…
Gosh that would be a bit of a worry. Glad to hear that the diagnosis was as you hoped/expected. I'd never heard of the term and just looked it up. Best wishes for a speedy recovery. £50 seems very reasonable for such a level of care.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Craig. we were expecting to pay more. We didn't have to wait long either, although I suspect we may have been escalated through the queue!
DeleteGlad your eyes are sorted, you don't need that sort of worry on holiday x
ReplyDeleteThanks.x
DeleteVery glad it was Jean's diagnosis and not worse...
ReplyDeleteand the cost of a meal out is really very little....
to be seen and re-assured by an expert.
But a boat and train journey across Russia would have been an adventure, too!
Thanks. Rather you than me on that journey!
DeleteFortunately when these symptoms occur the answer is nearly always floaters -- annoying but not threatening and able to be managed. It's a relief to get a proper diagnoses though. I'm glad it was no worse and now you've had an interesting experience :-)
ReplyDeleteThank goodness, although the symptoms weren't anything like Simon described so I didn't think the retina was detached.
DeleteGlad you managed to sort out the problem quickly. Being unwell away from home is not good! I had floaters several years back and it is very annoying but thankfully not a major problem, but worrying when you do not know.
ReplyDeleteTake care and enjoy the rest of the trip. Diane x
Thanks. Do you just get used to them?
DeleteHi Gaynor - Thanks for your comment. I am glad that you like my blog. We have spent the Easter break in Holland - not as exotic as Japan. Hope you enjoy the rest of your break. Joan (www.aviewtothefells.com)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Joan. Looks like you had a good time in Holland. We've had a few very nice holidays there. In fact Holland is my favourite place to cycle... ;o)
DeleteI'm glad it was a simple case of floaters after all.
ReplyDeleteI once had to visit a doctor on a skiing holiday in Austria - I had mumps! Curiously his bill was exactly the same amount as the excess on my travel insurance, too! Do you think they know in advance what to charge?!!
I'm sure they do!
DeleteI have emailed you re your comments. Hope all getting sorted.