My father

abrub said:

When I was pregnant, I was advised to take Iron with Colace

The iron supplements I took also contained a stool softener (Docusate Sodium) to help avoid constipation. Would that be an option for your dad?  If you can't find the combination, perhaps ensuing that he takes a stool softener with his iron might be helpful.

That is what I take now, though I start and stop the Colace, depending on how soft things get, but it works for me, taking iron and Colace............................Dave

i have never been to South America. However, I have been in 30 plus countries. Many not so well developed countries may require you to pay something to a doctor, give Some money to a nurse and buy pre surgery supplies and bring them on a day of a surgery. Those prices are very low in comparison with US ones and US salary. I had a leg injury while in Kosovo for 3 weeks for work. I got all services on a very high level  but I think it was about $350 or so. Well worth it. I suspect some dollars can go a long way in your country.....

Fayard said:

Hola Butt,

Hola Butt,

I hope this message finds you well, and everyone else too!

Yes, the dollar is a strong currency, but inflation is completely out of control: in the hundreds of thousands percent per year  The cost of living is almost as much as any city in the US: chicken between $4 and $6, loaf of bread between $1 and $2, toothpaste $3 a medium size tube, etc. This is without mentioning the lack of electricity, water, transportation and others. I support my entire family, and some neighbors, because I am blessed to be able to send money and supplies there. However, the minimum wage is $2 and $5. No one can live with that, not even in South America. One of my sisters died in 2016 from a pneumonia from which she never recovered. She was 53. Her medical insurance covered her expenses for 3 days. She was in the ICU for 7 weeks. I was paying around $600 per day in a private clinic, because most public hospital are infected and don’t have supplies. And you are correct, that is way cheaper than it is here, but most people can’t afford it with $5 a month. It is very depressing, sad and frustrating, but there is nothing I can’t do to change it. I pray every day that no one in my family becomes sick  I am sorry all this sounds terrible, I didn't mean to be negative, it's just reality 

Thank you for your feedback!

What an awful situation to be in.  I've heard that the citizens are having such a hard time, but just didn't realize how bad medical was there and also how expensive things are for the wages they make.  I'm praying that your father does well.  You sound like a very loving and kind daughter and I'm sure he is proud to have you.  You also are a great caregiver that is trying to desperately help her father in a difficult situation.

Kim