I happened to be on a Facebook page for ladies living in the Ajijic area and found a great post. It was from a fellow expat who was advertising a "Ladies' Health Package" via the local doctor's office here in town. The package included transportation by a private driver to and from Guadalajara City's medical center, a digital mammogram, a breast ultrasound, a PAP smear and a bone density test. When I saw the price listed, I thought it was a typo at first. Only 1500 pesos?! Wait! That's only $81! How can that be?
Needless to say, I called Dr. Leon's office and spoke to Marlene, his English speaking nurse. She assured me that the package price was indeed only 1500 pesos and scheduled me to go the next week (this package is offered twice monthly). The receptionist told me that the driver would leave at 9:30 a.m., and the trip into Guadalajara would take about an hour. After all my tests were completed, I would be driven home in time for lunch....amazing!
My next stop was a bone density test. This was my first one so I was a little curious/nervous about what it would entail. It turned out to be completely painless. I had to lie face up on a table while an x-ray type machine scanned me head to toe from above. That test only took about five minutes.
I was then escorted to my breast ultrasound. The tech was very thorough and even had a flat screen HDTV mounted on the wall for me to see my ultrasound being done in real time. I, however, chose not to look at it. I have too many "lumps-n-bumps" that it would freak me out to see her stop at each one to measure and record it (shudder!).
My final station was the vaginal exam and PAP test. This test is always my least favorite but all the techs during my exams were female and very professional. They made sure I felt comfortable and informed. Before I knew it, I was getting dressed again and my driver was waiting for me in the lobby.
At around 1:00 p.m. I was returned to Dr. Leon's office in Ajijic and the receptionist told me that my results would be available to me the following week. Then Dr. Leon told me that if there were any concerns I would hear from them in 48 hours or less, which gave me peace of mind.
The results? All is good with my "lady parts" and my bone density test showed no signs of early osteoperosis, which I attribute to my years of running and weight bearing exercise. Whew! It was a relief to get back such a good report and to have it done and over with for another year.
I would highly recommend this health care package to any ladies in the area. It was an unbelievable price for a state-of-the-art experience in a first class medical facility.
Next appointment I am overdue for? Colonoscopy. Fun times ahead for me, right?
~Lori