Any Vancouverites / Canadians with ITP?

[conquerator2]

Hi there,

I am about to move to Vancouver indefinitely as a PR by the end of the year. I'll have to find a doctor as soon as possible (for regular checks or should any issue happen) and was wondering whether anyone had any tips on where to look for an ITP specialist, a hematologist.

I am not sure what the process of finding a doctor in Canada is and whether it is advisable to contact them beforehand with an inquiry, so any help would be appreciated!

I also understand that NPlate and Revolade are not covered through universal healthcare so that'll require me to make some arrangements (but I think I can handle that)

[sharroN42]

Hi, I live in Nanaimo, Vancouver Island, just across from Vancouver. My haematologist is Dr G. Denegri, a highly regarded doctor, who comes over once weekly from Vancouver. In Canada you have to be referred to a specialist by your GP so that is your first step. It is not easy to find a GP but you could, probably, go to a walk-in clinic that would help you. In the meantime research doctors in Vancouver who have openings for patients. I also hope you're aware of the extreme housing shortage and high costs of purchase or rental of accommodations in Vancouver.

Good Luck and Welcome,

Frankie

[conquerator2 in reply to sharroN42]

Thank you Frankie. That was exactly what I needed to know. I am aware of the housing situation in Vancouver, but it'll be just me so we'll see how it goes

[sharroN42 in reply to conquerator2]

Good Luck. Where are you coming from?

[conquerator2 in reply to sharroN42]

Czech Republic, Europe.

[sharroN42 in reply to conquerator2]

Dear Luke,

I am Czech on my mother's side. I hope all goes well for you in Canada. What will you be studying?

Frankie

[conquerator2 in reply to sharroN42]

Hi Frankie,

Oh that's nice!

Music (composition).

I am looking forward to experiencing what life in Canada is be like 🍁

[sharroN42 in reply to conquerator2]

Of course! Czechs are musical. My grandmother's name was Dvorak. I was a music librarian.

I do hope all goes well for you here.

Frankie

[conquerator2 in reply to sharroN42]

Haha, no way! Thank you Hope things go well for you too

[sharroN42 in reply to conquerator2]

Hi Luke,

I hope you are well and that your ITP is under control. How are you enjoying (and I hope you are) life in Vancouver. Are you at UBC or Simon Fraser or somewhere else? Should you ever wish to come over to Nanaimo let me know. I'd be happy to show you something of Vancouver Island.

Frankie

[conquerator2 in reply to sharroN42]

Hi Frankie,

Thanks for reaching out!

I am still working on that... Naturally things became more complicated with regards to my ITP, so we're still working on things. I have things kickstarted with both SFU and UBC so that's good. Hope to move early June now. Would be more than happy to hang out once there

[sharroN42 in reply to conquerator2]

Good. And good luck. Where do you live in CZ?

[conquerator2 in reply to sharroN42]

Brno, Bohemia

[sharroN42 in reply to conquerator2]

I have been there. A few years ago with a Canadian writer friend who was part of a Canadian writers festival associated with the university. Brno has the largest collection of Canadian authors in Europe. Who knew?!

[conquerator2 in reply to sharroN42]

I do know a couple Canadians in Brno but didn't know it was anywhere to this extent. Fascinating!

[sharroN42 in reply to conquerator2]

I should have said Canadian authored books. A Canadian in the Literature depsatment is responsible, apparently.

[conquerator2 in reply to sharroN42]

One of my English professors was Canadian, we hung out sometimes. Always had a good time

[sharroN42 in reply to conquerator2]

He may be that very person. Small globe.