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Laura - One client's diary
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When we learned that our client
Laura (not her real name) was keeping a diary, we asked if
she would share her thoughts about her experience with us
on our web site.
She was delighted to do it, and
graciously took time out from her family after Thanksgiving
to finish the story.
Here are Laura's thoughts and words
as she was planning her trip, while she was in Bangkok, and
her feelings afterward.
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August
While I was stationed in Iraq, a friend of
mind told me about how she was going
to Thailand to have cosmetic
surgery. When she returned to Iraq about a month later I was
very impressed, especially with her quick recovery.
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I was convinced I was an even better candidate
and contacted a Cosmetic Surgery
Travel (CST) consultant via email.
I had gone to the website previously and
looked at different packages but none of them included all
the procedures I wanted done. I let my contact at CST know
exactly what I wanted and she provided an estimate
of the costs for everything.
As the time grew closer for my surgery
I was both excited and nervous. I was concerned about everything
going smoothly because this would also be the first time my
family would see me after my one-year deployment in Iraq.
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November
Left Iraq, arrived home in Maryland for a couple
of days, and then got back on the plane for Thailand.
Day 1 - Sunday
I arrived in Thailand very late (11:30 pm),
still jet-lagged. I was met at the airport by a driver arranged
by CST and then driven to my hotel.
Day 2 - Monday
First thing in the morning I received a call
from Daniele, my CST medical concierge, who gave me instructions
and my schedule for the next day. I was very impressed with the
support I received. I had never been to Bangkok, and I felt at ease
and safe.
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Later that same day I met Daniele in the
lobby of my hotel. She explained exactly what was going to
happen and what I should expect.
I had appointments later that afternoon
with my surgeon and
Ob/Gyn. I had all the necessary lab work for the intake
process. I remember thinking that everyone was so nice.
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I had to spend that night in the hospital because
the procedures were going to start early the next day. I checked
into the hospital - still unable to sleep - guess I was a little
anxious.
Day 3 - Tuesday
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The first procedure was on my lower
eyelids. I was under local anesthesia, and this was the
most uncomfortable of all of my procedures. The second procedure
was my breast augmentation
- I don't remember anything after that because I was knocked
out! (General anesthesia) I knew that I would be getting liposuction
of the waist, after which the Ob/Gyn would follow with
his procedures
– mole removal and pelvic floor repair.
The nurses
on the ward were a great crew! They were all so attentive
to my needs and were so gentle as compared to the nurses that
I have encountered in the U.S.
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Woke up at 8 p.m. that night after my surgery.
Daniele was there to make sure I was all right and resting comfortably.
I was not in as much discomfort as I thought I'd be.
Day 4 - Wednesday
Spent the day in bed. Very comfortable. Both
doctors were outstanding from beginning to end, genuinely concerned
about me and how I was recovering. I felt assured I was in good
hands with them.
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Day 5 - Thursday
Day of my release! I got up, washed and
dressed myself. Daniele took me back to my hotel.
Day 6 - Friday
I met Julie, the CEO of CST. She remarked
that my eyes weren’t too bad only three days after surgery.
I was sore and moved slowly because of my gynecological procedure
but I had a Thai foot
massage anyway - lasted for 70 minutes! It was the best
thing I could have done after my surgery.
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Day 7 - Saturday
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Julie took me to see the surgeon who removed
some sutures. Felt much better.
After a nap at my hotel we went to the
British Embassy Christmas Charity Fair. It was very nice!
Had my fortune told! Bangkok
is a beautiful place and the Thai people are very friendly.
Only four days after my surgery and I'm out walking around,
shopping and having a good time! That evening I went back
to the hotel and took it easy.
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Day 8 - Sunday
Appointment with my plastic surgeon to
remove the sutures from my eyes (it was painful). He also
gave me detailed instructions for massaging my breasts - very
thorough with his instructions and care.
Next stop was to see my Ob/Gyn for the
lab results of my mole. He actually asked me how I felt –
this type of care
is so different to what I'm accustomed to. After my appointments
I returned to my hotel and then went shopping!
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Day 9 - Monday
Took it easy. Julie took care of making my
final appointments for Tuesday.
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Day 10 - Tuesday
One last appointment with my plastic surgeon
to confirm my recovery and to ensure everything was okay.
I would be leaving for the U.S. early the next day. My surgeon
took the time to really talk with me and to make me feel comfortable.
This really added value to the whole procedure - my past experience
with American doctors has been that they don’t take the time
to really talk with you.
Went to my last appointment, which was
the dermatologist.
I was again impressed by the care and how
much you get for the price you pay. I could not have gotten
the treatment I received in one day anyplace else. In one
hour
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I had laser hair
removal, skin lightening,
sclerotherapy,
comedone extraction, and topical medicines – all for less than $1,000!
That is unheard of in the U.S.!
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Day 11 - Wednesday
On my way home. From the beginning to
the end of my trip to Bangkok, the care that I received was
very positive and successful. It has not been two weeks yet
and I feel 80% recovered! I am so glad I followed through
with this. It is the best service and it provides you great
return on investment! The staff of CST is outstanding. I would
love to see them expand to include more services. I never
dreamed that I could afford to accomplish the procedures I
requested!
Read more testimonials
from our clients.
Follow in Laura's footsteps. Plan
your own medical travel vacation.
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