My Medical Journey
In the early part of 2025 Ruth started having heart problems. We chose to seek medical care in Mexico over Peru because of the better quality of care there over Peru and because its more economical than the USA.
After multiple tests, she was diagnosed with Atrial Tachycardia.
While we are part of a medical sharing plan that will cover almost 90% of the cost, we still have to cover the $1500 “deductible” plus travel and living expenses in Mexico.
We really do not know what the final need will amount to but here is a graph showing where we are at the moment. We will update the graph at the right as bills come in.
If you would like to give toward this need please go to our donate page or click this link and enter 4169 in the account field.
Please drop me a personal note so we know to designate your gift for Ruth’s needs otherwise it will go into the general fund.
Blog
July 22, 2025
While we were in the states in March Ruth had an episode at our church in Atmore where she felt light-headedness and tingling in her arms. It had happened before, but not to the extent that she felt it that night. She had always passed it off as asthma or lack of oxygen.
That started her on a journey of tests, some in the states but mostly here in Peru, because medical costs are so much cheaper here.
The day after we arrived in Arequipa she visited Dr. Allen, a missionary doctor that we use here. At that moment, he said that she was in A-fib, but the doctor that he trusted to do an electrical cardiogram was closed for the day so we scheduled an appointment for the next day. After several visits and consultations the doctors are pretty certain that she has an arrhythmia.
After considering our options we have decided to seek treatment in Mexico for Ruth’s condition because the medical field here doesn’t seem to be up to the task yet. We already had a very short trip planned to the US in August so instead of returning here to Peru, on August 11, we are going to stop in Mexico to do more tests and hopefully find a solution.
August 22, 2025
We arrived in Mexico on August 11. The place that was recommended to us was in Cancun. We were able to change our tickets and divert there without any money out of pocket by using some old vouchers and points. God also provided a very economical place for us to live while here. The food cost was a little more than what we have in Peru, but inline with US cost.
The doctors put a heart monitor on Ruth the next day and she wore it for 48 hours. On the 18th she had a stress test. Our hopes to have at least a partial answer were dashed after each test, so we didn’t know what to post, nor how to answer those of you who were asking us “how is it going.”On the 21st Ruth had an ecocardiogram and a visit with the cardiologist.
We had had an ecocardiogram done in Peru at her request, but when we gave the results to this cardiologist she said that they weren’t done correctly. The thing that impressed me was that they had the equipment. Instead of using a regular laptop for the eco, she had a machine that looked like it was meant for the job.
The cardiologist diagnosed Ruth with Atrial Tachycardia – which was good news for us. It is an arrhythmia that can be treated with medication and exercise to increase endurance. Her heart is fine otherwise, for which we are very grateful. This is an answer to many prayers and we want to thank you for joining us in this.
We plan to return to Arequipa on Tuesday, August 26 and resume ministry within the limitations that God has placed on our bodies. May God bless each of you and may He bless His work.
I’ll update where we are with the needs in several days, after we arrive home. Blessings
August 28, 2025
We arrived in Mexico on August 11. The place that was recommended to us was in Cancun. We were able to change our tickets and divert there without any money out of pocket by using some old vouchers and points. God also provided a very economical place for us to live while here. The food cost was a little more than what we have in Peru, but inline with US cost.
The doctors put a heart monitor on Ruth the next day and she wore it for 48 hours. On the 18th she had a stress test. Our hopes to have at least a partial answer were dashed after each test, so we didn’t know what to post, nor how to answer those of you who were asking us “how is it going.”On the 21st Ruth had an ecocardiogram and a visit with the cardiologist.
We had had an ecocardiogram done in Peru at her request, but when we gave the results to this cardiologist she said that they weren’t done correctly. The thing that impressed me was that they had the equipment. Instead of using a regular laptop for the eco, she had a machine that looked like it was meant for the job.
The cardiologist diagnosed Ruth with Atrial Tachycardia – which was good news for us. It is an arrhythmia that can be treated with medication and exercise to increase endurance. Her heart is fine otherwise, for which we are very grateful. This is an answer to many prayers and we want to thank you for joining us in this.
Ruth is on medication and will have another appointment in 3 months.
Blessings.
Stan Schrock Family Serving in Peru 