RE: Re: Off to Belgium in March

[Guest guest]

Rosemary - Am so glad you decided to go to Dr. De Smet. He now operates

on all foreign patients(those outside the Netherlands and Belgium) at

the beginning of each month to facilitate bonding and to make Marc, PT

and Jan, Nurse's time more efficient. As a most recent patient from

this last February, I agree with everything Dr Steve gave you below.

Don't bring too much. I brought way too many clothes and ended up

wearing the same thing every day since my hip swelled so dramatically,

anything with an elastic waist no matter how large was uncomfortable.

Bring a couple very large draw string sweats, bathing suit, slip on

tennis shoes, long sleeved tee shirts and maybe one nice outfit just in

case you feel like sight seeing - then call it quits and anything else.

Granted some people did not swell as much as I did but you never know.

If you need to wash clothes before you leave Belgium, there is a

Laundromat within approx 1mile of the Holiday Inn, they have hair dryers

in every room, bring some snacks like crackers and cheese to keep in

your room between meals. Can't think of anything else right now - good

luck, you'll love Dr. De Smet, he's changed my life. Take care

Re: Off to Belgium in March

Rosemary, you'll be fine! Take really simple baggy clothes, roomy slip

on shoes and little else. Koen's brother-in-law Hugo will give you a

ride over from th hospital in his PT Cruiser! The hotel staff is very

helpful and all speak at least some English. They will give you a

doubled up mattress and toilet seat riser if you need either. The food

is great (don't tip more than 10%) with delicious breakfast buffet

included. Phone calls home are cheap! Taxis are free evenings and

weekends from the hotel into Gent and and they'll sell you a travel

voucher for a taxi to take you to the airport when it comes time for

you to go. You'll only have lots of cigarette smoke to avoid during

peak people times but it's a minor inconvenience. The lobby " gift

shop " has lots of neat stuff. The butterflies you have now are normal.

You'll be overwhelmed by the hospitality and friendliness of everyone

you meet.

Bon voyage!

Steve Vince

Bilat BHR De Smet Jan 6, 2004

> Hi all,

> I can't tell you what a source of information and inspiration

> reading all your messages have been to me whilst making my mind up

> on resurfacing. I only heard about resurfacing from my consultant

> last May who thought I would benefit from this procedure. Needless

> to say I came home and went straight on the internet to find out

> more about this BHR. I have since decided through various reasons

> to go to Dr De Smet in Belgium to have resurfacing. He has told me

> I will probably need a displaysia cup with screws because my hip is

> fairly bad but I am confident that I am in the best hands. Can I ask

> from the recent Belgium hippies if they have any further tips they

> can pass on when they are transferred from the hospital to the

> Holiday Inn Hotel, do you feel out on a limb there or is it ok?

> Hope to hear from you.

> Rosemary