In Reply to: Swine Flu to be continued posted by Samandmuz1 on Sunday, 26. July 2009 at 11:42 Bali Time:
I feel I have been misunderstood; my intention is not to criticise BIMC or Sanglah Hospital I believe my husband received the medical attention he required.
We were treated with the greatest respect by all nursing staff. The system was difficult to understand. Tourists need to be aware that anyone who presents to a doctor with any symptoms of flu will be transported to Sanglah Hospital and will be treated as suspect Swine Flu. Of course as someone pointed out we had no choice because Muz needed medical attention due to his difficulty breathing.
When we arrived at Sanglah hospital we didnt know what all the fuss was.
We did not know Muz would have to stay for 7 days. The doctor at BIMC did tell us that the hospital would do further tests to determine whether it was swine flu or pneumonia. At no stage did I or Muz think it was Swine Flu. I was not aware that after I left the hospital that day I would not be able to lay eyes on my husband for 7 days. Isolation was exactly that.
Each day I would arrive at the hospital with clothes and some food and drinks for my husband. The nurse would greet me fully masked and ask me if I would like to see my husband when I said yes she would say "oh no isolation" This happened everyday.
Each day I asked for his test results only to be told they were not back yet.
To further clarify my husband did not spend a night at BIMC, he was only there for a very short time, having the blood test and and xray.
My husband was too sick initially to make any decisions and I felt what we did was for the best. The doctor at BIMC did say we could sign a waiver to say we did not wish to follow medical advice and not go to Sanglah Hospital however, my husband required medical attention.
When we entered the isolation ward we met other Australian tourists - a mother, her 11yr old daughter and her aunty. Initially they presented to a doctor because the daughter had a spiked temperature they were unable to control due to cutting a new tooth; Their doctor suggested they attend Sanglah Hospital for further testing. At no time were they told about being placed into isolation for 7 days. They agreed that at first it was a bit of a hoot being in the ambulance and the greeting of the media but suddenly things were not as amusing. The notable difference between our circumstances was my husband did require medical attention. By now he was receiving oxygen.
The mother and the aunt were told that the daughter must stay in the hospital and they could take turns staying with her only to find that when the aunt returned to take over from the mother that she was not allowed to re-enter the ward.
The Australian embassay was contacted and they said they were unable to intervene as this was a government directive that had to be followed. If a negative blood test came through after 3 days then they would be able to assist us. The Embassay was happy to forward information packs to the hospital for the patient to read. This arrived on the Saturday.
I need to point out that my husband had arranged our travel insurance with travelinsurancedirect.com.au this was underwritten my Mondial. This was the best $74 my husband has ever spent. The insurance company was very reassuring, they took care of changing flights and arranging accommodation for me. They couldn't do enough, I certainly felt that I was not alone in this situation. Each time I rang them I spoke to a friendly person who answered all my questions.
My daughters left Bali on the Tuesday the day before Muz went to hospital, my son was due to return on Friday evening with my husband and some friends. My friends accompanied my son (14) back to Australia, it was a relief to know he was home and safe.
I attempted to speak to the doctors at Sanglah hospital to see what it was they were doing for my husband. The only information I was given was the tests were not back yet.
I was able to give my husband (via nursing staff) his mobile phone and charger. This way I could at least speak to him. Each day when I arrived at Sanglah Hosp I would knock on his window (frosted glass that he could not see out of and I could not see in) then I would give the nurses his stuff, sit myself down on the white tiles call him and chat.
On day one after three attempts they gave up on the antibiotic IV, on day two they gave it a try again and managed to connect the drip. The drip remained in place for four days. Running at various speeds, Muz told me at one stage it wa flowing very very fast and he drew the nurses attention to it. The nurse slowed it down and asked him "that better?" Muz said the food was difficult to recognise initially however after day three and four he was feeling a bit better and he gave it all a try. One toilet for all patients in the 5 bed ward.
No curtains between patients, nurses cleaned the room and then took temps and obs. (no change of gloves between patients, toilet, sink and bins)
The Mother and the daughter made their escape on Saturday, they were told that the daughters blood test was negative. The media was of great assistance in the breakout as they were ready with the cameras as the escape was being made.
Today we laugh about these events I guess it is certainly better than crying about them. It is said that what doesn't kill you makes you stronger; or at least gives you interesting stories to tell your grandchildren.
My husband has been fully checked out by a doctor back here in Perth, we still do not know whether he had swine flu or not. His lungs are clear now although he does still have a cough. He just needs plenty of rest.
I want people to be aware that presenting to a doctor in Bali at present may lead to a situation similar to what we experienced. Of course if you require medical attention you have no choice.