What is your opinion?

I would be scared to death to have any kind of surgery done overseas.  What if something went wrong?  I realize it could go wrong anywhere but at least here I would be home with English speaking people.  

The only reason I would consider having surgery overseas is if there is no way to have it in my own country. Aside from the hassle of travelling in that particular state, I would hate to be far away from the support of my loved ones. I need them to help me get through situations like that. 

I never once considered having surgery abroad, but I have certainly read glowing accounts of it. I was reading one blog article about a man who went to Thailand to have heart surgery. The hospital that caters to Westerners sounded more like a spa than a hospital. His recovery was in a beautiful hotel, and the doctor actually visited him in the hotel for his follow-up. It sounded very positive and successful and it was a fraction of the cost.

I think Beverly and Trish have great points. 

I’d be really afraid if something went wrong in a totally unfamiliar environment, especially if the country I were in didn’t have English as a primary language. 

I think social support is essential following any kind of surgery.  I don’t know what I would have done without the support of my family and friends after surgery – they encourage me to keep going when I have a tough day. 

I hate that it is so costly to get medical care here, but I still wouldn’t go to another country to have a medical procedure done unless it was a last resort.  I hope that someday our medical system will function in a better, most cost-effective way.