Dear Medifit team Moraira and Denia,

From mid-April until the beginning of July 2023 Micheal has followed an intensive rehabilitation program (5 days a week, 2-3 hours a day) for 12 weeks in Medifit Rehab in Moraira (11 weeks) and Denia (1 week). After that he and his wife Aty have returned to the Netherlands for further revalidation but in a much less intense training schedule. The goal is continuing training with general physiotherapy only.
Michael arrived in Moraira in a wheelchair and left with only a cane as a (temporary) support when walking. Far better than we had ever hoped for!

Next to your highly professional attitude (medical as well as organizational) we have also been impressed by the friendly atmosphere within your team and the excellent communication between the team members. This all has contributed very positively to the successful recuperation process.

Therefore, our utmost thanks to every one of you.

From the end of October, we will be back in Moraira for a winter stay. Michael then hopes to join the fitness program in the gym for at least two times a week.

We hope to see you by then.

Love from Chiel (Michael) & Aty Visser-Dekker
Huizen, The Netherlands

My wife, Esther, had a stroke on the 10th of July 2013. A severe one, resulting in partial paralysis of the right side of the body. An event that turned our whole life upside down in a second.
After a week in the hospital, Esther was admitted into a rehabilitation centre for three months to recover and recuperate. Fortunately, much progress was made here, however, in the Netherlands, after three months, rehabilitation finishes, and Esther was sent home to continue her recovery in the regular medical circuit. Esther’s will and motivation to move forward did not match the number of hours of rehabilitation offered in the Netherlands. Esther wanted and was able to do much more than this.
A fellow patient from the rehabilitation centre in the Netherlands introduced us to Medifit in Spain.
After a few telephone calls, it was soon arranged. The total package that was offered for Esther´s rehabilitation really appealed to us. Within a week and a half, Esther was able to go to Spain for six weeks of rehabilitation. Together with my daughters, we put her on the plane. It was a very emotional moment for all of us to have to say goodbye to her again for a few weeks.
From the first moment that Esther arrived in Spain until the last, she was given exceptionally good care. During the first few days, Esther’s capacity for the intense program had to be closely monitored, but as the weeks went by, things got better and better, and eventually she was able to attend therapy for 5 days, 20 hours a week.
The therapists work one on one with the patients and are very skilled and committed. Esther made huge steps forward. Both physically and mentally, they worked on Esther’s recovery with great success! Emotionally, she had a lot to deal with because of the infarct, but thanks to the conversations with the psychologist, she has become much stronger.
Physically, a great deal of effort was put into her recovery, resulting in Esther becoming increasingly stronger and fitter. Unfortunately, the damage to her right arm and leg cannot be completely remedied, but thanks to all the training and therapy, the limitations are much easier to deal with.
I visited her in Spain after three weeks and could hardly believe my eyes. I had not expected so much progress. I was able to see with my own eyes how the therapists work with the patients in a very enthusiastic and goal-oriented way.
Medifit is a rehabilitation centre with a small team of specialists. The advantage of this is its personal character. Together with the fine accommodation, beautiful weather (particularly good for the muscles) and the continuously arranged transport, this is the best recommendation for anyone dealing with rehabilitation.
Last November, Esther went to Spain for the second time. Despite not making much progress in the Netherlands, Medifit managed to get Esther to make a few steps forward again.
We have not regretted it for a moment and will really recommend it to everyone!
René Scheepmaker (Esther´s husband).

Mrs. Henny Vissers – Witte.

On behalf of my wife Henny, I would like to write down our findings regarding the stay in the international rehabilitation centre Medifit Reha!
In the summer of 2012, a benign tumour was discovered that was pressing on my wife’s optic nerve. Eventually we were told that doing nothing was not an option and blindness may be the result.

My wife eventually underwent five operations in the LUMC in Leiden (Netherlands) and, unfortunately, the third brain operation went completely wrong. This resulted in a constant paralysis of the entire left side, resulting in great difficulties to walk and use her hands and arms in the future.
The rehabilitation centre in the Netherlands brought some light to the horizon and step by step things progressed, especially with walking. However, after a few months the treatment in the Netherlands stopped. However, we had heard about the Neurological Rehabilitation Centre Medifit in Moraira Spain from several fellow patients.
After intensive telephone contact, my wife left in the autumn of 2013, independently with a wheelchair, to Alicante (Spain) to receive 6 weeks intensive treatment in the rehabilitation centre Medifit Reha.

I went there myself after 3 weeks and I was incredibly surprised when I saw her again!
Not only had she improved physically, but also mentally, especially in accepting what had happened to her. Overall, a lot of progress had been made.
My wife told me that the rehabilitation was 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week, she had to work awfully hard. The rehabilitation consisted in Physiotherapy, Ergotherapy, Rehabilitation therapy, exercise sessions, talking, treatments, especially the first few days during this rehabilitation, she was very tired.

The pleasant atmosphere, the good care, the environment and temperature, the accommodation, in fact, the combination made it possible for her to endure 6 weeks of this intensive rehabilitation.

During the evaluation sessions, new goals were consistently set to ensure a 20-30% progression, especially in her physical condition, i.e., walking with and without a crutch.
But what was also particularly important, is that the mental part helped her to make big steps forward, this was a great achievement of the whole group of people at Medifit.
In the fall of 2014, my wife, this time for 4 weeks, left again to Spain for extra rehabilitation and to progress in both areas.

In contrast with the beginning of 2013, when my wife was not mobile at all and completely dependent on the wheelchair, now, almost 2 years later, she practically does not need it anymore and she has taken the spirit from Spain back to the Netherlands, to keep exercising on her physical condition here as well.

Thanks to this rehabilitation centre, there is still enough hope and perspective for an acceptable life for both of us, and especially for my wife!
Henny still thinks and talks every day about these weeks in the rehabilitation centre and about what she had learned, to apply her exercises in her daily life.
For all the fellow sufferers, no matter how sad the circumstances are, with a visit to the rehabilitation clinic in Moraira, you can learn a lot, both physically and mentally, with the help of this fantastic team!

Kind regards,

Norbert Vissers. (Henny´s husband)

(Jan. 2015) Reference Report Stay at the Medifit Reha rehabilitation centre in Moraira, Spain.

On the 7th of June 2017, my life changed completely. I had an infarct in my brain stem.
After 12 days in hospital, I went for rehabilitation in a rehabilitation centre in The Hague (Netherlands). Here I was discharged after 3.5 weeks with the message to seek physiotherapy on a psychosomatic basis. No aftercare, no information about overstimulation. I could barely walk. I had to find out for myself! At home, the confrontation was hard, and I could not cope with the consequences of my situation. I went to haptonomy and could use the home trainer now and again. I also sought ergo therapy and speech therapy because my voice was getting worse. From a hard-working independent woman of only 53, I became a pathetic heap of misery. For my family and friends, it was also difficult to see this happen.
I could not even walk the dog or go shopping on my own.
I had no strength at all, and difficulty with balance and dizziness.
On the internet I found Medifit in Moraira and thought, I must get away from my present situation. I will not get better here and there are too many external stimuli. Earlier said than done.
I had 6 weeks of intensive rehabilitation 5 days a week. From rehab training, relaxation exercises to conversations with a psychologist. I also had a weekly meeting with the rehabilitation doctor. I felt extremely comfortable due the kind and caring therapists. I also stayed in a nice apartment where I could get some rest. These 6 weeks have made me a lot stronger and more confident. I can now take the dog for a walk and even go to the supermarket on my own. I still have a long way to go, I will continue with medical fitness in the Netherlands, and I must control the overstimulation that I do to myself by taking more rest and relax. If only I had known of the existence of this clinic earlier.
I am incredibly grateful to the Medifit team for their good care and push in the right direction.
Kind regards,
Mildred May

Via the lung association, I got to the rehabilitation centre Medifit.
I trained hard with the therapists for 8 weeks. The result is that I now have much more stamina. I also feel much better. The good air on the Costa Blanca also helped.
I had a nice accommodation. My wife was also there for 4 weeks and when she was not, my food was brought to me and I did not have to do the shopping myself. All was taken care for.
Do not think that this is a nice sunshine holiday. It is simply hard work.
I can strongly recommend this rehabilitation.
I thank all the staff at Medifit.
Jos Janssen

26.03.2012

Hi all!
After a small delay at Schiphol, we arrived at Alicante airport around 20:20. Someone was already waiting for us there to take us to the clinic (by ambulance/taxi?). Mum was checked into the clinic straight away. After receiving the necessary information, I went to a hotel next to the clinic.
After a night’s sleep, Mum’s blood pressure was measured in the morning and blood was taken. Doctors came to introduce themselves in the afternoon, and to go over things for the next few days. Mummy does not mind . So far, everything was fine, and we were looking forward to the rest of the time with confidence.
So far, a message from us!
Greetings from under a clear blue sky and a sunny Benidorm,
Ida and Monique
P.S.: @Mariet, thanks for your card!!!
27.03.2012

Hi all,
This morning Mum had hip surgery. It all went well and smoothly. She had an injection in her back and a twilight sleep. She did not feel too bad about it, however, she did get a few things from the operation, and she liked that. This afternoon, she insisted that they speak Portuguese in Spain, but this evening she could chuckle about that. She says she does not have much pain, but of course she still has painkillers . She is in ICU today (which is standard after surgery) and may return to the ward tomorrow. Due to this, I could only visit her for 2 hours. Friday or Saturday, we will go to the apartment at the rehabilitation centre where she will start rehabilitation on Monday (5 days a week, 2 hours a day).
I too am enjoying myself, although it can be boring to sit alone on a terrace. For the rest we have nice weather (just like you), although the wind is sometimes a bit fresh.
So far, the news again.
We will keep you informed!
29.03.2012

Hola Amigos!
Thank you all very much for all your kind congratulation emails, texts and phone calls! Mum had a birthday feeling after all! Of course, I did get her a present.
Love from Benidorm!

REHABILITATION MEDIFIT MORAIRA

01.04.2012

Hola amigos!!
In the morning we moved from Benidorm to Benitachell/Moraira (about 40 km away). There were things to arrange like getting the crutches, the medication prescription, going to the pharmacy, etc. In short: I had to get into action.
We were picked up around 11:00 by Paul (physiotherapist at Medifit) who took us to the apartment hotel. On the way, we saw beautiful blossoming mimosa, cherry, and peach trees. We also saw trees with lemons and oranges.
When I arrived there, I had to pick up the rental car (Chevrolet Spark). Here too, Paul helped me a little. Then did some shopping and back to the aparthotel. After that, we were settled, and the peace returned.
[/one_half] That afternoon we sat on our quite spacious balcony to enjoy our new view (much better than Benidorm!). It was cloudy with occasional sunshine, but a temperature of 20 degrees.
Flat looked great, and food was delivered to the door.
Mum was shuffling around on crutches (not too much, that is not good either), but was going a bit better than the previous day. She had also been doing her exercises. Monday at 11 o’clock, the chauffeur would take Mum to the rehabilitation centre for the first time.
So far, the information from a sunny Spain.
03.04.2012

Hola Amigos!
Last Monday, Mum started rehabilitation. Every day the walking goes a bit smoother. Even at the rehab centre, they are amazed at how well she is doing !!!! She hardly needs any painkillers anymore, and the wound is healing nicely.
That afternoon, after lunch, we drove to Moraira and enjoyed sitting on a terrace on the boulevard. The sky was not blue anymore but was still very pleasant to be outside.
Unfortunately, there are people who sometimes get a mail and sometimes no mail (although the mail addresses are correct because we have had a reaction from everyone on previous mails). Hence this solution…
Adios from the playa 🙂
07.04.2012

Buenos días amigos!!
Again, a small update from Benitachell….
Mum´s rehabilitation is still going well. In the rehab centre she is exercising on the bike, treadmill, and other equipment. She has nice physiotherapists (unfortunately all foreseen… Grrrr) who ask her every day how she is doing, and if necessary, adjust the program. It goes better every day. She herself says that she is practising for the NY marathon (the Nijmegen four days seems more realistic haha). Next week I will post pictures of mum exercising and of the nice villages and such.
This morning I did some shopping for Easter. You know the drill: eggs, toast etc. This afternoon we are going to Javea to see what the terraces are like and to explore the surroundings by car. Rehabilitation centre has provided a wheelchair, so that these undertakings are a bit easier for mum 🙂
Hasta luego!
10.04.2012

Buenas tardes amigos!
What a great life we have here! Our breakfast, lunch and dinner are delivered to the door, just like the laundry that was dropped off the day before . After breakfast, helping mother with her shower, and then taking her to rehabilitation, and then (sometimes) driving to Moraira for a coffee on a terrace, or sitting on a wall, looking out over the sea. After about 2 hours picking up mother at Medifit (rehabilitation centre) and back to ‘home’ for lunch. After that, mother goes to sleep for 1 to 1.5 hours. The rehabilitation programme is now slowly being stepped up, which mum is noticing. After her afternoon nap, she regularly goes in the car to, for example, Moraira, Javea, Denia or Calp for a drink.
According to the Spaniards we had worst weather during Easter. We did not find it that bad . Nice walk on the boulevard [/one_half].
Next Thursday, the stitches will be removed, so no day for terraces. This will be a day of driving up and down.
Attached are films of the rehabilitation and photos of the surroundings.

Adios!!

14.04.2012

Buenos dias!
Again, a message from us…
Last Thursday, mum´s stitches were removed by Dr Campagnard. He is also the one who performed the operation. He is very satisfied with the healing of the wound .
Mum´s rehabilitation is still going very well.
The last few days the weather here has become a bit less (i.e., more clouds and one rain shower in the evening). Furthermore, we are still enjoying ourselves! This week we had a lovely lunch on a terrace (right on the beach and the sea). Mum had asparagus and I had delicious mussels… Njammie! Miguel (physiotherapist) gives us tips on places we absolutely must see, and every place is just as beautiful and cosy. Absolutely great!
Next week Paul (the physiotherapist who picked us up in Benidorm) will be back from holiday, so he will probably take over the supervision of the exercises from Miguel.
So far, the news again 🙂
PS: @ Mariet: you do not need to bring sticks and/or a wheelchair. Mum will take the sticks, and ‘transport’ within Schiphol will be arranged .
20.04.2012

Buenas tardes!!
Unfortunately, it is already the second-to-last day in beautiful Spain ☹…
After this morning’s rehabilitation, we drove on to El Portet, Moraira. There is a lovely little terrace, right by the sea. We had a nice lunch and coffee and enjoyed the sun while we still could (we had seen the weather reports of the Netherlands and did not feel like going back , haha).
Tomorrow, Mum will go to the rehabilitation centre for another hour, and then it is really time to pack our bags. The car must be returned at 13:00, and at 18:00 people from Clinica Hospital Benidorm (HCB) will pick us up to take us to Alicante airport. Then we will fly back to the Netherlands at 21:15, where we will land around 23:55.
The whole undertaking of 4 weeks in Spain for a hip prosthesis and 3 weeks of rehabilitation went very well, and should it be necessary, it can definitely be repeated!
Thanks to the people from HCB and Medifit! We really had a great time!
Hasta luego

Hello all!
In the meantime, we have been home for more than a week and a half. The suitcases are unpacked, and we remember sunny Spain with nostalgia.
Aftercare has been arranged, and mum has also found another physiotherapist for the further rehabilitation process. She is still doing well .
Thanks again to all the people at HCB and Medifit for taking such good care of her!
All we can say is see you soon amigos!
THE END
Original text in Dutch
http://benidormbasterd.waarbenjij.nu/reisverslag/4221245/eerste-week-benidorm
www.benidormbasterd.waarbenjij.nu

Last February 2013, I had hip surgery in Spain. Through my insurer VGZ, I was made aware of the possibility that the treatment of a new hip could also be done abroad. The reason that I had my hip replacement surgery done in Spain is based on the fact that after a five-day hospital stay, there were 3 weeks of intensive hip rehabilitation under the guidance of well-trained and experienced Dutch physiotherapists.
Given my age of 52 years, my goal was to be mobile again as soon as possible. Of course, the almost always beautiful weather in that region of Spain was also a decisive factor in having the hip prosthesis operation carried out there.
The treatment in Spain for hip and knee replacement surgery with rehabilitation is promoted through the website, http://medifitreha.com/ rehabilitation-knee-hep-operation//, and supported by an expert team. After making inquiries with the team, I was quickly put in touch with the orthopaedic/trauma surgeon, Dr Eric Campagnard. He explained to me exactly how the hip prosthesis operation worked and what kind of material would be used for the implant.

After being convinced of the quality of the care, I finally applied for the clinic in Benidorm. They then arranged tickets for me and my companion and 2 weeks later we were on our way to Spain. On arrival, Sunday evening, a lady was waiting for us together with a paramedic to take us from Alicante airport to Benidorm. That same evening, my companion moved into the hotel, which is 100 m away, and I went straight to the clinic.
On Monday, a few tests were made, and I had conversations with the anesthetist and the surgeon. Tuesday morning, I had hip surgery, and, in the afternoon, I was back in the recovery room. The care is really good, there are several multilingual nurses in the clinic.
On Wednesday, I was taken back to my room and in the afternoon, I started with some exercise and walking. On Saturday, together with my companion, I was taken to Benitachell/Moraira to the apartment with hotel service. A fairly new complex, with all the necessary facilities. The apartment has a spacious bathroom, air conditioning and satellite TV. In the garden there are 2 swimming pools and sun loungers. At the apartment, the escort also gets a free car. On the monday the physiotherapy/rehabilitation of the hip started.

They are 2-hour sessions, where the first half hour is used to massage to remove the fluid in the leg. After that, you will spend about 1.5 hours in the fitness / rehabilitation room. Here, several rehabilitation machines are available to become mobile again as soon as possible. My hip exercises consisted mainly of cycling, walking on the treadmill, strength training for the legs, cross trainer, and various exercises to improve the mobility of the leg and hip. Due to this intensive programme, I was very mobile within a few days.
The exercises intensified in the course of 3 weeks and after 2 weeks I even got permission from the surgeon to drive a car again. Of course, it is particularly nice to rest on a terrace in the sun in Moraira, Javea or Calpe after 2 hours of intensive exercise. This is also one of the nice conditions of an operation in Spain.
The support from the Medifit team was very professional and pleasant. The team has a broad base of specialism.

After a total of 4 weeks in Spain, we were picked up again by a passenger van and brought to the airport. I have spoken to several people in Holland who also had hip or knee surgery but had to arrange their own rehabilitation/physio. These people are not nearly as far after 4 weeks as I was with my intensive rehabilitation programme. There is also the risk that, if one does not follow a good intensive rehabilitation programme, permanent discomfort may arise, and that the flexibility of the leg will not fully return.
All in all, I am very satisfied with the whole trip. The staff were always punctual and everything that was promised to me was delivered.
Especially the combination of the hip operation with the intensive rehabilitation programme, the nice weather and the beautiful region made the whole thing go great.
 

Kind regards,
 

Robert C.A. Tak

Huizen