Osteoarthritis Treatment in Hospitals in South Korea

I had heard many laudatory reviews about Korean medicine from friends, so I finally decided to try it myself. For the treatment of a herniated disc, I chose "Uridil" because they specialize precisely in such problems.

My doctor's first recommendation was a disc prosthesis installation, but then we agreed on a simple herniation removal. I liked that the doctor listened to my opinion and chose a more gentle option. Overall, the attitude towards patients was very respectful: it doesn't matter if you are Korean or a foreigner, financially limited or not.

The work is organized perfectly, like a seamless conveyor belt. Yet, despite the high throughput, you feel care and attention. Patients are always under the supervision of either medical staff or interpreters.

We went to Samsung Hospital for a consultation. I liked the consultation, the interpreters were professional and answered my questions very quickly. I had spine surgery; the operation lasted 2 hours, and the total hospitalization was 4 days. After discharge, I flew home on a plane wearing a corset.

With the help of the service, I visited the QIMS clinic of the international medical service of Kyung Hee in Korea. As it turned out, it is an ordinary clinic. I didn't see anything special. After the doctor prescribed good medications that reduced the pain in my knee joint, my condition improved. During the visit, I had very good interpreters. Since I had insurance, the clinic provided a 50% discount.

I turned to "Uridil" because this clinic specializes in orthopedic diseases.

I had long suffered from pain related to a herniated disc, and doctors painted bleak prospects: expensive disc replacement, six months of sick leave, disability. In Korea, I learned that all of this could be avoided.

"Uridil" offers treatment programs with minimal surgical intervention, so we immediately ruled out disc replacement. The doctors said there were no indications for it in my case. The herniation was removed the very next day after arrival, in just 1.5 hours. On the same day, they fitted me with a brace, allowed me to walk slowly, and later - to sit.

Upon discharge, they gave me a CD with test results, recommendations, and educational materials about the spine, its structure, and the specifics of my condition. 

Now I have forgotten the pain, for which I want to thank Dr. Chang Di Su and the international department of the clinic.

I was bothered by severe lower back pain. An MRI revealed that the disc between the 2 lumbar vertebrae was destroyed. Despite this, I received conservative treatment, which predictably yielded no results.

I had to turn to the Korean clinic "Uridil", where they immediately suggested disc replacement.

The doctor not only consulted me but also showed me exactly how the surgery would help using a 3D model and a spine mock-up. After that, I had no doubt that the doctors here knew exactly what they were doing! The rehabilitation went very smoothly, and I quickly returned to Russia. To ensure the success of the treatment, the doctor monitored my condition remotely for another six months. 

In Russia, I had spinal surgery with an implant, but it led to complications: thrombosis began, and it became difficult to walk - my knees wouldn't bend. This couldn't go on, and I decided to continue treatment abroad.

After calculating the costs, I realized that Korea was the most cost-effective option, and I went to the "Severance" clinic. It's simply astounding, not a hospital but a whole city. 6 huge buildings with their own infrastructure, shops, cafes, pharmacies. It's beautiful and clean inside, the rooms have a TV with Russian channels, internet, a shower, a nurse call button - they respond within 30 seconds. Food is brought, and you can choose the cuisine! Portions are large, there was always enough for me and my companion. By the way, a companion can stay in the hospital for free.

Before the surgery, the professor's assistant looked at my MRI scans, explained what the surgeon would do, and the possible consequences. In the end, everything was successful: both the treatment and the rehabilitation. Here you can even take a walk in a wheelchair around the territory and floors. In total, I spent 22 very productive days in the clinic.

At the end of 2014, I was diagnosed with "protrusions of the lumbar spine". The following spring, my condition worsened, my legs began to go numb, the prescribed massage and physical therapy stopped helping. I started going to doctors, but the effect of the treatment was temporary. By summer, it became very difficult for me to walk.

My husband's colleague told us about treatment abroad. The "Uridil" clinic agreed to take on my problem. I sent MRI scans to the doctors, and the conclusion was unequivocal: only surgery.

When I arrived in Korea, I could no longer walk. Now, in 2017, I live a full life, I can run and dance.

Thanks to the surgeons who performed the operation for their professionalism and care!

Treatment and rehabilitation in Korea took almost a month: from early June to early July in 2017.

I came there with a diagnosis of degenerative changes in the L2-3 intervertebral disc, herniated L2, 3, and 4.

First, I turned to "Uridil", but they couldn't perform the surgery due to my asthma - it's a specialized clinic that doesn't have a pulmonologist. Then the medical coordinator helped me transfer to "Inha". There I underwent both a course of asthma treatment and surgery. I won't describe it in detail, I'll just say that I am amazed by the professionalism of the entire staff.

I was firmly determined to treat my bilateral coxarthrosis (hip joint osteoarthritis) abroad: the statistics for joint replacement in Russia were not encouraging.

I chose Cheongshim International Medical Center. I was attracted by the clinic's high overall level, the surgeons' qualifications, and, not least, the reasonable price.

The experience was fantastic. The center is on the shore of a lake, with an excellent view from the hospital room window. The staff is very attentive: they met and conducted an initial examination despite my late arrival; they prepared movies in Russian. The next morning, I underwent a full examination, and in the afternoon, I had surgery to install a metal-ceramic endoprosthesis. Its warranty is 20 years.

After that, I was under constant supervision by nurses. Korea has an extremely sensible approach to pain relief: small doses of anesthetic are administered continuously for 2 days, and an additional injection can be requested if needed. This greatly contributed to an easy recovery.

I recovered quickly and now feel wonderful. My main advice to everyone going abroad for treatment: bring all your images and doctor's reports, even old ones. It helps the doctors!

I am endlessly grateful to all the staff at Cheongshim International Medical Center for their help, professionalism, and genuine care.

I have very warm impressions of everyone who met me in Korea, worked with me, translated, and, of course, treated me. Wonderful, very bright and positive translator Inna Kim, charming nurses, and incredible orthopedic surgeon Jang Woo Suk, who instilled in me confidence in a 100% successful surgery. I also want to note the work of rehabilitation therapist Yu Young Eun—despite her young age, she proved to be a first-class specialist. I felt the care and sincere involvement of all the clinic's specialists!

After installing the most modern model endoprosthesis, I successfully completed the recovery period and returned home to Russia in a wonderful mood.