laparoscopic cholecystectomy (Gallstone Removal)

I had laparoscopy on July 12, 2014 at St. Lukes Medical Center in Quezon City. Prior to that i was admitted at World Citi Medical Center for 3 days the reason for confinement was abdominal pain radiating to my back. It took them 3 days before they found out that I have gallstone. It cost 52,000(hospital bill + PF). Fortunately, i have intellicare but that is not the point. I had ultrasound 2 days after i was admitted and they already know that i had a gallstone but they still asked me to go on endoscopy and obviously result will be all normal. Doctors tried to convince me to had a surgery and luckily I had trouble with my intellicare which lead me to see more options. Surgeon in WCC said 90k + 30k allowance for open surgery and 150k-200k for laparoscopy. Since it cost me 52k for my confinement i only have less than 100k left for my intellicare because 150k was my maximum limit. Though, I'll choose open surgery I still have to shell some money. When i waa still thinking how to get money, I just tried to call St. Lukes to ask how much it may cost me to remove the gallstone, I spoke with Dr. Enrique Hilario Esguerra and gave me range of 110k - 130k for laparoscopy (110k total + 20k allowance). Me and my family realized that St. Lukes will be much cheaper but the problem was We don't have extra money to add for my operation. I also had a desperate plan, I was thinking since laparoscopy is cheap then why not have open surgery in St. Lukes? Right? But We talked to Mr. Esguerra again and he said "don't worry we will only use what's wanted for you". We asked help from our relatives and good thing they lend us money for my operation. I went to the clinic of Mr. Esguerra and he explained how big is my gallstone, the image from the ultrasound, set my expectation what will happen and many more. On our first meeting, I was really impressed because he educated me regarding my sickness and because of that I had an appointment for my operation. We went to St. Lukes July 11 in the evening for admission. I was amazed how pleasant people are in St. Lukes. It started from the admission office though it was late at night, people are still jolly. I got a room which is very cool because it has cable tv which WCC doesn't have the time I was confined, refrigerator which WCC doesn't have for my room coverage and many more. I was endorsed by the admission rep to a nurse named Evan who was really nice and friendly. Before I went to sleep I received a call from my anesthesiologist who was very nice to let me know what will happen the next day and during my operation. The next day, 8AM no more food and water allowed. I met another nurse who was very great! I swear sa WCC super hirap silang maghanap ng ugat to put the dextrose and 1 day lang tinatagal ng dextrose sa kamay ko but with that nurse named Juner was really awesome!!! Walang sakit pati skin test which i know super sakit nun. That morning, My anesthesiologist Dr. Annie Carvajal visited me. She's lovely superb! I had my operation at 4pm lasted for more than an hour. Went down to Operating room at 3pm and the only thing I remembered was the time I transferred to OR bed then that's it. I woke up at the recovery room and talked to another nurse who was so approachable, caring and sweet (sayang i wasn't able to get his name). I went back to my room before 9PM then continue resting. The next day, I had discharged slip. Imagine all is well that fast? Wow dba? However, my philhealth requirements ain't complete yet so I had to stay for another night in the hospital and met another friendly and caring nurse named Jeff. I was allowed to eat na so I tried hospital food(no salt and low fat) but it was great! Feels like not in the hospital talaga. The next day which is my last day in the hospital, We checked the bill and suprisingly hospital bill plus laparoscopy and professional fee just cost me 85,000. Swak na swak! Earlier after 5 days I had my follow up check up with Dr. Esguerra he was really cool, not just a Great Doctor or a Teacher but also a magician. Why? He gave me my gallstone it was really big but my cuts were really small. I'm still amazed how he managed to remove it from that small wound. Wew! And of course how did Dr. Enrique Hilario Esguerra and Dr. Annie Carvajal managed to lower down my bill.hehe Thanks St. Lukes for having these kinds of people (Doctors, nurse, etc).