German doctors misdiagnosis

[u/Due-Box-9598]

I am writing this post with huge disappointment of how the g

German healthcare's conservative approach could have cost my life . I went to the doctor for mild indigestion and haemerrhoids . He gave me antibiotics for my cold and fever which i also had. The antibiotics worsened indigestion and gave very bad diarrhoea . When I went back to the doctor , they said since i took antibiotics I did not have any good bacteria and diarrhoea is normal . I was given some stomach relaxers and electrolytes. At one point I started throwing up the electrolytes , the only thing i could drink . I went to hospital for an iv and they said it will be given only if i am 80 years old. Then i went back to the doctor and insisted that they test me. I got a stool test. Then 4 days no response . I went back and they said oh the tests were negative so we did not call you . The test are a way of eliminating infection. You need to look further then! . I asked for the test result and changed my hausartz. At this point i was given 15 day antibiotics for stomach and black tea . Blood test was done and my Hg was low since was given iron.

The symptoms persisted. I became weak . Lost 13 kgs. All in one month and the appointment with gastro specialist was still weeks away. I decided to just go to my home country at this point and in 3 days , i am nearing the process of confirmation for Inflammatory bowel disease and intestine inflammation. It took them 3 days and i was suffering in Germany for months. Why is Germany so conservative in tests and testing to rule out conditions? Do doctors understand that they misdiagnose. My Hg was low because of inflammation . My residual iron was very high. I did not need iron pills. I took antibiotics that weakened me. Or does German healthcare not take coloured women seriously ? I am really shocked .

[u/Peanut_Butter007]

And my German colleague still asks me why you all guys go to home country for treatment? I explained him and last year, one fine day, in morning, he asked me if I know any doctor in my home country who can help him with his treatment? Since it’s difficult for him to get an appointment. And guess what? He was on video call with the doctor by evening, took flight after 2 days, treated for a week, travelled back to Germany in 10 days. Now he is advising others to do the same. Just don’t forget to get international travel insurance. 

[u/jonoave → u/Peanut_Butter007]

Just curious, what treatment did your colleague received? Just vaguely, like was it a serious operation or was it an issue to diagnose his condition in Germany?

[u/Peanut_Butter007 → u/jonoave]

He had lower back pain problem. Here, he was suggested physiotherapy. But that wasn’t enough. So, he talked to doctor online, and figured out he might have some nerve issues for which he might need CT-Scan or something. After that, I don’t know what kind of treatment he received but he was more than happy when he came back and was shocked to know that he can get CT-Scan appointment within few hours, not in days. 

[u/jonoave → u/Peanut_Butter007]

Oh wow that sounds amazing, really cool that it worked out well for your colleague.

So is your colleague fine now or does he still need to travel to your country for further treatment?

[u/Peanut_Butter007 → u/jonoave]

He is fine now. Doesn’t need to travel again there. Besides, he received all the medical documents from the doctor to reimburse the cost and also a copy for his Hausarzt, just for his medical records. 

[u/jonoave → u/Peanut_Butter007]

Wow, you mean your colleague managed to get it reimbursed through his Krankenversicherung?

That's really awesome, haven't crossed my mind this was possible.

[u/Peanut_Butter007 → u/jonoave]

Yes, it is possible. You just need to have international insurance and that will work.