05. SCHEDULE, COSTS, ACCOMMODATION
I won’t focus much about my personal experience although some parts are inevitable - I think that deserves a separate post, where I’ll be also stressing how important it is to keep in mind that everyone’s experience is different. For now I’ll just leave information that might be of use, and 2 topics that I got most asked about, besides Schedule aspects: Costs and Accommodation.
3 Oct 2021: Arrival at 18:00h. Hotel.
4 Oct 2021: Pre op exams day and meeting with Dr. Sevinç - Liv Hospital, Istanbul.
8:30am @ Hospital Liv to do a PCR test, take blood samples, quick chest x-ray (anesthesia purposes) and consult with Dr. Sevinç; Did a bladder ultrasound with him. Results were ok, he found nothing abnormal (as I expected from my previous ultrasounds). A translator was with me the entire time except when I was having the consult with the doctor. Also, payment is done upfront and I filled some forms and signed the hospital papers. Your medical history is collected, naturally, and you’re asked about any medication you’re currently taking, allergies, etc. I left the hospital around 10:00am. Did some sightseeing in the afternoon. Made sure to get to bed very early and get solid hours of sleep before the procedure day. I’ll actually advice anyone to do the same, if you manage to, of course, because sleeping well before a procedure is beneficial. I was also not allowed to eat or drink anything after midnight.
5 Oct 2021: Procedure day.
Woke up at 4:30am and was at the hospital by 6:00am. No food/drinks. The translator was missing but they have others permanently at the hospital and google translator was enough until the another translator stepped in, later in the day. Was taken into my room, given the most fashionable anti embolism socks and clothes (not) :) My blood pressure was taken several times, answered more questions, and followed other completely normal pre op protocols.
By 8:00am I was taken to the operation room and the next thing I remember is waking up - about 40 minutes later - in my room and feeling very cold (normal). As the anesthesia grogginess disappeared I was feeling ok, already had the catheter but felt no discomfort whatsoever; nurses frequently visited and I started IV medication (3 big bags of fluids, a painkiller, and what I think 2 rounds of IV antibiotic that day). Don’t ask me which because it’s an IV one they give you post-op only and then you’re done with it. I was able to eat lunch, and Dr. Sevinç came around to check how I was feeling and explain what he saw and did. Again, I will leave that information for later, as I want this post to be just about potentially useful information to others. Your results will naturally be different than mine and there’s actually a lot to say about that.
I spent the rest of the day resting, ordered extra bottles of water on top of IV fluids and the urine quickly turned from bloody/orange to clear. Water is mostly alkaline in Istanbul so this was great for me. Dr. Sevinç came a second time, later in the day; I got a bag full of medicine to bring home. Whoever you decide to bring with you will be able to sleep in the same room and the hospital stay covers meals for both. No sugar (of course) for who had the procedure. Nurses would come regularly to check my IV, empty the urine bag and see if I’m ok. Amazing staff and hospital accommodations.
Didn’t sleep more than 5hours; Early breakfasts. Dr. Sevinç came and explained everything about the medicine I’d be bringing home though you’ll have that written too. Any adjustments to your particular case, for example specific antibiotics you are used to and/or respond best will be taken into account and given to you. It was time to remove the catheter and see how I was doing. I’ll just say at this point, that I was feeling ok, and that people who come to the procedure without horrible active symptoms/infections tend to stay that way, he said - and I am one of them.
[On a more personal note, I’ve seen some saying that people who don’t have 24/7 symptoms are “lucky”. I did a separate post about my history and not only I’ve already been there, but the last 11 years of my life have been everything but lucky when it comes to my bladder health and the impact it had in so many aspects of my life (post03). I wouldn’t be here if I got it easy, and please, downplaying other peoples symptoms is of no use nor beneficial for anyone. In fact, that’s what urologists did with me, and overall look where the continuous disregard brought us].
You’re advised to not go immediately to the toilet once the catheter is removed, because you’re empty once they remove it - it’s a false alarm. To wait around 30 to 45 minutes and then go. Not to push or make any effort, have patience, relax and take my time. I was still very much under painkiller effect and in my case it went smoothly, but that’s not how it goes for everyone. Of course there is pain and soreness and a “weight” feeling but nothing compared to an active UTI - again, this was my experience, I feel the need to stress this part.
I was asked to send a picture of my urine to Dr. Sevinç :) In my case, after many fluids and water bottles in 24h, urine was clear and he actually laughed at my “water game” and said it was his best toilet photo so far. I got discharged around 15:00pm, walking slowly and carefully and feeling a “numb soreness” despite the painkillers, but it’s to be expected. Went back to the hotel and decided to rest as much as possible.
7 Oct 2021: Spent the morning resting at the hotel, had lunch there and went to meet Dr.Sevinç @ hospital around 15:00pm. Post op consult went well, he is lovely and we came back to the hotel again.
8 Oct 2021: Flight back home. Toughest day on the bladder.
This will be highly personal and it really depends where you’re coming from (flights) and how much you’re willing to pay for accommodation - the main cost besides the procedure and flights.
Procedure: In October 2021, 3000€ with everything covered (hospital stay, exams,meals for me and who came with me, PCR test, etc).
Flights: Do your online search and do a simulation; I flew from Europe, with Turkish airlines. This will be a big factor on your budget in addition to accommodation.
Accommodation: Again, do your online search for hotels in Istanbul. Can’t say prices as these constantly change, like flights, but this will give you an idea. It’s important not to be outside a 15-20minute-by-car radius. Spot Liv Hospital Ulus in Istanbul on google maps. Set your destination to these 2 examples I’ll give (“Vital Hotel Fulya” 4 stars ; “Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus” 5 stars). See how these are distanced to the hospital by car, and don’t go beyond them on the map while looking for hotels. Memorize that “visual radius” and always simulate a car trip between your chosen hotel and Liv Hospital. Have in mind that Istanbul traffic is chaotic and slow, inside the city alone there are 15,5million people, let alone the ones who come to work every day. Hence it’s important to stay near and expect some delays according to traffic hours or accidents. Another aspect I’ll point out is to have in mind that Istanbul is a much cheaper city than most in Europe, and you want to be in a safe and decent/clean environment when you come back to the hospital. But, of course, adapt to your budget. You might be able to find cheaper hotels than those I gave as an example, although these 2 were already used by many who did the procedure in Istanbul. Do a simulation in the 4 star one I mentioned above for 5 nights and you’ll get a fair idea.
Other costs: For a 15-20 minute drive from the hotel to the hospital costs were 2 to 3 euros, by taxi. Meal prices will vary a lot depending where you go like anywhere in the world but I ate a complete, very good &healthy meal, while sightseeing the first day in a totally normal street restaurant, for 10 euros. You can go cheaper and still eat well, and of course go higher too. To give you an idea I saw diesel prices of 0,6cents/liter (do your math).
(as an European non-English native please feel free to correct me) Take care 🌿
