Language / Not sure if I will be able to speak Polish [53]

Are any of you aware of Polish conversational groups that meet regularly for beginners?

Work / Questions about Volunteering in Poland [12]

I am also interested in any opportunities for volunteering in Poznan. I had thought of the cemeteries, since I walk through one. I didn't know if people are allowed to clean very neglected graves.

Life / What to wear for winter in Poland [51]

Thanks to those with helpful specifics. I was not seeking minimizing answers from those who do not see this as a cold place. To the guest from CA, I just came from a hot, tropical island. Obviously, one can imagine what others wear in colder climates. I brought the warmest things that I had with me. However, my wool coat and leather gloves left me extremely cold in this first cool week. My feet were numb. It would seem that locals might have a little more insight on the specific fabrics, brands, etc. to help those of us who do not handle the cold as well. My greater concern is to stay warm and dry rather than meeting a fashionable standard.

Life / Public Swimming Pools in Poznan [12]

Merged: Poznan Swimming Pools

Does anyone have info on the swimming pools? Do any offer water aerobics, excercise, or water therapy classes?

Life / What to wear for winter in Poland [51]

Oct 2, 09, 15:12 - Thread attached on merging:
Winter Clothing

I am new to Poland and from a much warmer climate. Are there any specific recommendations or necessities in winter clothing? Any preferred shopping spots in Poznan for females.

Life / How to obtain EHIC (European Health Insurance Card,) in Poland? [41]

You can collect US disability in many countries. In fact, i even applied here. They have offices in Warsaw, and Krakow, but the Poznan consular's office will accept applications. Medical would not be covered outside of the US. I am willing to make adjustments on the meds, but it was the doctor that I saw here who made such a big deal regarding the injections, one of the new biologics. They are made from living cells making them costs thousands in any currency. Immigration may send me back anyway. I have another son, but he's only 20 and living in Oregon with friends. I prefer the climate here to FL. I was living on a tropical island. It was too hot to walk from your home to your vehicle. The bugs were endless, so I would chose Poland any day. FL is mostly populated by retirees, but it's the young who can handle the heat/humidity.

Life / Public Swimming Pools in Poznan [12]

WKS Grunwald is the closest. Any knowledge of it?

Life / The Polish equivalent of Walmart store? [14]

No loss.

Life / The Polish equivalent of Walmart store? [14]

The last thing I want to find in Poland is a Walmart! I had to learn to shop there while living in Florida as there weren't many choices.

Life / How to obtain EHIC (European Health Insurance Card,) in Poland? [41]

10 days. My son would not allow me to do that nor would I want to. Did I write something offensive by the ouch? I do have too much time on my hands and would not normally be writing so much.

Life / How to obtain EHIC (European Health Insurance Card,) in Poland? [41]

My son went through those procedures prior to marrying his wife. After living here for 3 years, he was given 5 days to get out or don't come back for 5 years. That pushed them to marry sooner than they would have otherwise.

I didn't see that I had much choice in coming here. Most jobs require more than I can give. I was an elementary school teacher. I only worked with children who have learning disabilities or special needs. That was not a physically demanding job and it provided much time off, but it was still too much for me. I have applied for US disability. I know that I can get it , but when is the question. If you're rejected, it can take up to 3 years with an attorney. It is only enough to keep you at poverty level in the US, but your medical is covered. It should be more than enough for me to live here, but not if I have high medical costs.

I don't have anyone else that I could stay with. I really needed to live with someone for some assistance. I have good days and bad, but at times can have limited mobility. I try to be optimistic hoping that I will get better. My son reasoned that I should take less medication if not working. I have always loved Europe and wished that I could live here. I had only been to 3 countries before coming to Poland. This is my first trip to Poland.

Life / How is cancer treatment in Poland??? [17]

The prescribing is only done by doctors, but you can apply for medication from the companies if you have no means to afford them. It is strictly regulated requiring ongoing prescriptions from doctors. Perhaps much more often than would be normally required by a doctor.

Life / How to obtain EHIC (European Health Insurance Card,) in Poland? [41]

I do not know if I am entitled to obtain a residence card. I was told not to worry about it. My son and daughter-in-law were told that they usually approve it in such situations. I have been writing on another thread about my recent experiences regarding medical care. The thread about cancer treatments. I do not have cancer, but other auto-immune issues. I saw a specialist this week. That was not a great expense. Only 10% of what one would have paid in the US. I have learned that regardless of any insurance program here, I will not be able to get one of my previous medications. It is available here, but no one can afford it. I have 2 others that I need, and they are not even available.

Life / How is cancer treatment in Poland??? [17]

I do not understand why the pharmaceutical companies will only hand out free medication to residents in the US, and not elsewhere. I know they can't provide to the whole world free, but I did think there would be some kind of patient assistance in the EU. One of the medications that in my mind I must have is produced by a Japanese company, and it has the same restrictions for US residents only. These programs are run from the companies, and have nothing to do with insurance or governments. From what I heard in the US, I expected it to be better here than there.

In the US we have a stereotype of individual doctors forming connections with the pharmaceutical reps who push certain new medications. The medicines that have helped me the most have been around a long time, and are very cheap. I tend to be wary of new medications. I have been to doctors who do nothing but push whatever is the latest and greatest. I have tried many that just make me sicker or do nothing at all. When you find a doctor who really cares, then you stay with them. I only began using a biologic after having 5 different doctors over a span of several years telling me that it was my only hope.

Life / How to obtain EHIC (European Health Insurance Card,) in Poland? [41]

Thank you, and yes my daughter-in-law is Polish. She had mentioned that. I have since found out that none of the insurance programs in Poland will cover my most expensive medication. I have Blue Cross for 2 more months, but you're correct that they will not pay outside of the US.

Does anyone know how to ask for generic medication in Polish at the pharmacy? It is too late for me to ask the doctor to write it that way.

Life / How is cancer treatment in Poland??? [17]

The one that I took was no longer an experimental drug, nor is it here in Poland. The doctor told me that none of the Polish insurance, the various ones, would pay for it because of the high cost. I am not familiar with the different programs, but like NFZ. I had insurance when I worked that paid for it. Most people would never be able to afford the prices. If you are a US resident with low income or unemployed, then the pharmaceutical companies provide them at no cost. I expected that there could be a problem here. I thought worst case I would be able to get one of the older ones through infusions, but even that was around $6K zl per month. I did not expect the doctor to insist that it's such a dire situation.

Life / How is cancer treatment in Poland??? [17]

I had difficulty finding a doctor who spoke English. One out of the 12 specialists called spoke English. Her prognosis for me was very grim. With my language barrier, I can forget about a second opinion, but I can't help wondering how accurate she is. She called my son in, and told him that I was very ill, so he should get me back to the US, or else... It looks like if your friend's father were diagnosed 3 years ago, then something could have been done. I don't know what to think, and will refrain from making any generalizations.

Life / How is cancer treatment in Poland??? [17]

I cannot speak specifically regarding cancer, however, I have several overlapping auto-immune conditions. I have been in Poland 2 weeks, and had my first doctor's appointment yesterday. In the US, I was being treated with the new biologics. I was told that yes they are in Poland, but no one can get them. Polish people can't get them, so I can forget it as a US citizen. That is what I was told by the doctor. She was very kind, and genuinely concerned. She advised me to go back to the US. That is not what I want to do. Biologics require refrigeration, so I am trying to figure out how I can get them in the US, then have someone ship them to me. Some of the medications for cancer are also used in other auto-immune conditions. There is a lot of overlapping. I know of many people in the US who were treated for prostate cancer.

Life / How to obtain EHIC (European Health Insurance Card,) in Poland? [41]

Any advice for an American living in Poland, and not working? I am applying for a resident card. I need good coverage for a preexisting condition with a lot of medication. I came here to live with my son and daughter-in-law.