My 7th thread change and paperwork to prepare before departing
I had a week off and spent Christmas with beautiful relatives in Dubai – a luxury not available to me when in Australia! Can’t just pop over to another country for a few days hey…
While it was great to have a break from potentially painful
appointments, I was admittedly disheartened by how limited I felt physically. I
was super cautious not to overdo it as I didn’t want to cause
irritation or lose the thread, but also I felt the true depth of how unfit and
sore I am because of this fistula. I realised how much I’ve adapted my way of
walking to compensate for the pain of this thing. As a result it’s caused pains
in other body parts and although I was aware of this, I really noticed it more
than ever. Before coming to Bangalore, I would suffer from days of pain and infection (abscesses galore) if I walked properly (ie took normal sized steps!) or walked for extended
periods. One time I walked for 30 minutes and had days of agony!! 30 minutes! Now
I’m mid-way through treatment and while I can’t wait to be able to walk like a
normal person again, I was saddened to realise just how long a journey that
will be in itself. Man fistulas suck! They take away SO much more than you
could even imagine and I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy. When I’m done with
this thing I’m going to party like it’s 1999.
After returning from my trip I was warmly greeted by my
fellow fistula fighters and headed in to the clinic (where I was warmly greeted
by the staff!) for my 7th thread change. Dr Bhat was still on leave
so I was taken care of by Dr Vipin. It was painful but not overly so, it
subsided somewhat quickly, and I was just kinda sore for the rest of the day. But
that was it.
Prior to coming to India
I probably should have put this information at the start of my
blog! My bad.
Bits and bobs about what’s required before coming…
Medical visa:
Ideally a medical visa is preferred (as a tourist visa
requires you leave India and return to renew it). Dr Bhat will provide a letter
stating how long you will roughly be required to stay in Bangalore and include
his details.
You can apply for a medical visa here:
It’s a finicky website so maybe have everything ready
otherwise it will time out and you will end up going through the process
numerous times! I did it at least 15 times! I think this was my first introduction
into how patient I had to be with all things India…
You will need: the letter from doc, passport, address of
accommodation in India and a photo of yourself.
It’s a very quick turnaround time – I think I waited 2 days
from memory. It’s valid for 60 days from date of entry into India and of course
will require a renewal if staying longer. There is a gentleman at reception
named Karthik who helps all the patients here with visa extensions if needed (a monetary
tip would be a nice gesture for his help). Again, it only took a couple of days
to receive the renewed visa. You are also allowed triple entry should you take a
trip out of India while here.
There is a visa available for an attendee if you will have
someone coming with you. I am not sure about that visa though so cannot advise
(Most people come here with a family member or friend to assist them at the
beginning – especially when recovering from surgery.)
Travel Insurance:
For obvious reasons!
Vaccinations:
If you choose to have vaccines prior to coming, obviously you
will need to check with your doctor for what you will require. I felt it
essential as I was coming here for health reasons and did not want to risk
further issues. My immune system is already struggling cause of this horrible
fistula.
The doctor back home did advise me I would require malaria
tablets which were to be taken every single day while away. I didn’t like the
idea of doing so for such an extended period and messaged Dr Bhat to get
advice. He told me Bangalore had been malaria free for many years! I was also
advised by fellow Israeli patients that they too were advised that malaria
tablets are not required. Slightly outraged at the misinformation received and
hugely relieved I thought to ask doc!
Medication list:
I obtained a letter from my doctor outlining existing medications.
Just in case. I haven’t been asked for it but thought it wise as I bought with
me prescribed painkillers.
Hard copies:
I had to show hard copies of my paperwork on arrival in
Bangalore. It’s wise to have hard copies of all your paperwork in general when
travelling anyway (eg passport/visa/international covid vaccine certificate if
applicable). I kept one copy on me and one in my suitcase.
‘Air Suvidha’ self-declaration form:
Prior to leaving I was required to fill out a self-declaration
form – but I am not sure if it applies anymore to passengers arriving from Australia.
The only information I was able to locate was on this site:
Apologies!
Passenger arrival form:
Prior to landing, staff on the plane will provide you with a
small paper to fill out. This includes providing your details, flight number,
passport number and accommodation address. Have it handy! And a pen.
Yep.
That's all folks.
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