2nd visit to Dr Bhat

Headed in to Dr Bhat for a 10am appointment.

We arrived early and got to witness a Lakshmi Pooja blessing that was going on at the clinic reception. There was chanting, prayers, offerings and an all over feeling of reverence. It's lovely to be here for Diwali. I love the symbolism of the celebration - the 'triumph of light over darkness' - how appropriate given why I'm here! 

Everything happened very quickly and very chaotically. Well, chaotic by my standards but an organised chaos for India.

I had my bloods taken as soon as the gentleman arrived (during the ceremony), he completed it very quickly and painlessly. The vial samples simply had my first name and age on it! That's it! This cost 3000 rupees and was paid directly at the time.

The appointment with Dr Bhat involved filling out paperwork relating to health. Previous fistula procedures, other medical procedures, medications...general health questions but far more casual than our processes at home. Dr Bhat just chatted about what to expect roughly and to make sure to keep an open mind about the whole treatment as it cannot be predicted. He stressed it was a team effort, we both play a vital role in the whole process and it's not an overnight fix. Doc has been practicing for 21 years and it's evident he takes pride in what he does and truly wishes to heal. All the gifts and messages are evidence of his kind nature.

I was given a referral for the TRUS exam with Dr Shankar tomorrow. I also was sent straight upstairs to have an ECG. This required exiting the clinic and heading up an elevator from just outside the building, Bear in mind that shoes are not worn in the clinic, so heading out on the street even though it was only for a couple of meters was quite dirty. If you are concerned at all about this, I have heard of others bringing socks to the clinic. 

Next was the chest x-ray (also had a referral for this) which was completed at a diagnostic clinic which seemed to be in hospital type place. It was about 500 meters away from Dr Bhat's. We had a driver but it is walkable of course. I paid 350 rupees at reception as soon as entering the building and was sent off to another floor. I pretty much went in straight away, had one x-ray done which took a couple of minutes and that was it. As per Dr Bhat's advice I took the film only and headed back to the hotel.

That's it. 

Within an hour and 10 minutes I had an appointment with Dr Bhat, bloods taken, ECG and x-ray. I'm sure that's not necessarily how quick it always is, but I doubt it's ever as drawn out as it is back home. No red tape. So good.

Dr Bhat has a fish on his desk which I believe was gifted to him...my dear friend Jen who is with me for the start of this journey has aptly decided fishies name should be FISHTULA!!