Dr Lerida Rodriquez ordered bed rest and more tests

The cost of doctors and medical in Belize is an area that many people are interested in when they are researching the possibility of living here. Just like anywhere, it can vary greatly depending who you see and what is wrong. Overall I have been satisfied with my medical care here and thankfully have not required anything major.

It started over the weekend with mild discomfort and progressed pretty quick to where I felt like I had a full out war going on inside me. I made an appointment with Dr Lerida Rodriquez for her earliest available time Monday aft. Thankfuly Shirlee was at our place working with me on Belize Red Cross stuff and I scored a ride. Dr Lerida agreed something was not right and immediately ordered me for lab tests and gave me some pills – cost $95 bzd.

The next day I managed an iced coffee free start to my day and tacoboy drove me to the lab for 7:00am on his way to work. The guy drawing my blood did an excellent job and had  I not been watching I would not have felt the needle go in. Everything there went fast and easy and cost was $219 BZD for a bunch of tests.

The following Day I was still feeling worse for ware and like I had entered my own private version of hell, being hungry as normal but not being able to eat cause of the pain. I called the doctors office and the receptionist told me my results were back and asked where I lived saying if I could get there before noon she would squeeze me in. It was 11:30 and I hustled fast to make sure I got in before lunch.

The good news was all the lab work did not turn up a parasite or anything. The bad news is still major discomfort and not sure exactly what was wrong. Thankfully after Dr. Lerida examined me further she determined it could be an infection and took more tests. She was so nice and seeing I was distressed by the pain, Dr Lerida talked with me a bit doing her best to make me feel better. She totally understood how it is that life does not stop just cause your body decides too and how when you work for yourself it is often hard to find the balance. Cost of visit and 3 medications she prescribed $236 BZD, Dr Lerida’s words of wisdom priceless.

Although I am still in pain, after starting the meds she gave me I am confident she is on the right track. I go back tonight for an ultrasound to check kidneys and liver and to see what the results from yesterday were.  For now I am going to follow doctors orders and back going to bed to rest.

If you are ever in need of a doctor on Ambergris Caye, Dr Lerida has an excellent reputation and I know many people (locals and a few tourists) who would recommend her with a gold star. If you need an appointment call office number 226 2197 or in case of an emergency cell 620 1974.

She immediately knew something was not right and sent me to Lab for tests

Getting blood work done

New location of the on Middle street

Stopped by the Baker on my way home for an emergency sandwich I could not eat

I was happy to see small gravel on the road for a change instead of big rocks

Back to Dr Lerida’s the next day for more tests

Tamara and I were super happy to see 2 big loads of hardcore being dispersed on our street