My name is Alice J [from America].

I learnt about Healthbase while surfing on the Internet looking up medical tourism . My husband helped me take the initial step of actually calling the number and I talked to Moe.

The path just opened up for me . It was quite easy applying for the visa and after that I got the tickets and Moe was absolutely wonderful over the phone helping me expedite the whole process.

I think from my initial phone call to Moe at Healthbase it must have been less than 2 months that I actually am here in Chennai having had my hip resurfacing surgery .

It was a very good experience at the Apollo Hospital . I can't compare it to American hospitals because I haven't been to an American hospital for 30 years or so. The nurses were wonderful. I believe I was Dr. Bose 's 1,102nd recipient of Birmingham hip replacement [actually known as Birmingham hip resurfacing ]. Dr. Bose is the best. He is probably the most experienced in the world.

I am recovering. One of the best things I have gotten out of this is that I am standing up much straighter than I was before. Today is day 11. I am still using two crutches although I can use one.

My back doesn't hurt after two years of having a lower back ache because my back was compromised with my hip arthritis. So that's wonderful. I have more energy already. I am walking further. I am more flexible.

The reason why I decided to go outside of the US for this particular procedure is actually twofold. The US doesn't do the hip resurfacing procedure. And I think this one is by far superior to the one the States offers . And also, I don't have insurance. I was told that it would have been atleast $25,000 for one hip. And I am spending max $14,000-$15,000 which includes my husband.

The equipment and the technology is the same as I would have expected in the US. Some of the things were a little bit different like when they weigh you on an older kind of a scale which works whereas in the US they have a scale that costs $1,000 and that's what you are paying for anyway.

The hospital room - wonderful. Everything works. The bed works. I have a bed for my husband. We have a kitchenette with a microwave. The hospital rooms were fine.

I really had no problems with communication. After being here for over 2 weeks, my ear has developed a more and I can understand the East Indian accent a little bit more.

I spent a little bit time vacationing in India. Most of my time was spent getting into the hospital, being here and recuperating. Yes, we did go to the zoo and to the Bay of Bengal.

I would possibly consider coming back to India for treatment or vacation some time. Or I might consider another country, too.

I found out about Healthbase on the Internet when looking up medical tourism . Healthbase is great. And I will recommend Healthbase to anybody who needs advise about this hip business.

People tell me, "Gee, you are really brave going to India for medical procedure!" For me it really wasn't that much about being brave because I trust the universe. It was really fun being here. The people are wonderful. I love the fact that they don't slaughter cows and I have much respect for the Hindu religion. It was very interesting being in a totally different country.

The quality of care overseas was absolutely fine for me. Having had major surgery, I didn't have any pain. Discomfort - yes, but really no pain.

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