Throat Problem

[twix38]

Hello,

I have been suffering with a problem of swallowing food completely down for a while now (18 months+) and often need to wash it down with a drink. I have a slight whistling noise when I breath in and out and I will be travelling to Pattaya this Friday.

I have had a Barium Swallow here in UK and that was found to be normal, but having changed my doctor last week, my new Doctor here suggested I have a camera put down my throat to check throat, larynx and farynx by an ENT Surgeon. I don't now have time to do this in UK and so I must get it done in Thailand.

(I have a Hiatus Hernia which is reasonably mild and I don't take medication. I do get occasional acid reflux. I have had this for more than 15 years. I am 46 years old)

I Prefer to do my ENT Camera check in Pattaya or if not possibly Bangkok, but I would like anyone's advice on best hospital, cost, personal experience of this procedure, possible examination findings and medication/operation treatments etc?

I know the Bangkok Pattaya have an ENT Dept, but all I really know of them is that they don't have the best general reputation and cost is on the high side, as my travel insurance is unlikely to cover any treatment and certainly not the initial check (camera diagnosis).

Especially interested in anyone who has had this procedure and with a similar swallowing problem. I can swallow, but feel food is stuck a bit further down and needs washing down. My UK Doctor seemed a bit concermned at my whistling sound on breathing, but I had lways assumed this was down to my Asthma, but it is not really wheezing as such.

All advice appreciated

[twix38]

Thanks in advance

Edited October 3, 2007 by twix38

[Sheryl]

Twix,

I really recommend you do this in Bangkok and not Pattaya.

As a brief examination of doctor qualifications will quickly show, there is a world of difference in the caliber of training/expertise between the docs at BPH and those at its Bangkok affiliate or one of the other Bkk biggies (Bumrungrad, Samitivej etc).

The symptoms you are describing could simply be the result of GERD but it is imperative that a good ENT specialist have a direct look to rule out anything more serious.

Good luck!

[eek]

I am unable to offer you advice, but felt that i should post a quick note to urge you to take Sheryl's advice in attending a good hospital in Bangkok. I only just found out that i have most likely been treated incorrectly for a thyroid condition at Chiang Mai's top and most well respected hospital for the last four months. I have been really unwell during this time. One visit to Bumrungrad (on Sheryl's advice) and i was given more information regarding my condition than these last several months. I had no idea the knowledge and care between both hospitals could be so wide a gap. Best not to risk the possibility of being misdiagnosed or given medication/advice that is detrimental to your health. Best of luck Twix.

Edited October 3, 2007 by eek

[twix38]

thank you

It does sound the advice is clearly to go to BKK.

I will have to pay for this check and any treatment myself and so I want the best hospital/professionals and at a fair price. I can pay, but I don't want to have the feeling of a foreigner's walking wallet.

What is the best recomendation for 1.Best treatment and followed by 2.reasonable cost??

[FBN]

thank you

It does sound the advice is clearly to go to BKK.

I will have to pay for this check and any treatment myself and so I want the best hospital/professionals and at a fair price. I can pay, but I don't want to have the feeling of a foreigner's walking wallet.

What is the best recomendation for 1.Best treatment and followed by 2.reasonable cost??

GERD heals by scar tissue forming at the junction of the esofagus and the stomach. This causes narrowing of the stomach inlet and leads to the sensation of "difficulty in swallowing" (dysphagia in medical terms). After 15 years of suffering from this, it may be the most likely cause in your case.

Well controlled Barium swallow X-rays, or newer techniques, will show the actual movement of anything swallowed through to the stomach; ordinary scans may not reveal that much.

This condition surely justifies reasonable money spent on it as there are some more sinister causes for this...

Please don't be alarmed at this but be sure to get a very good opinion from a Gastro-enterologist at a reputable hospital...

[twix38]

Thanks FBN,

As mentioned in my original post, i have had a barium swallow here in UK (IT WAS ABOUT A MONTH AGO). Result was normal, although the machine had focus problem at the time which i was told did not matter for my check - typical

I go to Thailand this Friday or I would be continuing in the UK. Shame, as now have to do in Thailand and not on NHS

Anyway thanks for good advice. What check should I go for now. My doctor recomended a camera down the throat by ENT Surgeon??

aLSO WHAT IS TREATMENT FOR THE ISSUE YOU DESCRIBE BELOW?

Thanks very much

GERD heals by scar tissue forming at the junction of the esofagus and the stomach. This causes narrowing of the stomach inlet and leads to the sensation of "difficulty in swallowing" (dysphagia in medical terms). After 15 years of suffering from this, it may be the most likely cause in your case.

Well controlled Barium swallow X-rays, or newer techniques, will show the actual movement of anything swallowed through to the stomach; ordinary scans may not reveal that much.

This condition surely justifies reasonable money spent on it as there are some more sinister causes for this...

Please don't be alarmed at this but be sure to get a very good opinion from a Gastro-enterologist at a reputable hospital...

Edited October 3, 2007 by twix38

[tropo]

thank you

It does sound the advice is clearly to go to BKK.

I will have to pay for this check and any treatment myself and so I want the best hospital/professionals and at a fair price. I can pay, but I don't want to have the feeling of a foreigner's walking wallet.

What is the best recomendation for 1.Best treatment and followed by 2.reasonable cost??

It is not necessary to do this in BKK.

3 months ago my GF had a gastroscopy done at the Pattaya Internation Hospital by a specialist who attends that hospital twice a month. Most good specialists travel to many regional hospitals.

The cost was 10,000 baht.

[barryofthailand]

Twix,

I really recommend you do this in Bangkok and not Pattaya.

As a brief examination of doctor qualifications will quickly show, there is a world of difference in the caliber of training/expertise between the docs at BPH and those at its Bangkok affiliate or one of the other Bkk biggies (Bumrungrad, Samitivej etc).

The symptoms you are describing could simply be the result of GERD but it is imperative that a good ENT specialist have a direct look to rule out anything more serious.

Good luck!

On the Eastern Seaboard, Phyathai hospital in Srirach 30 minutes north of Pattaya is very good and has very new equipment.

Barry

[tangoll]

Bumrungrad Hospital doctors were able to diagnose my cough/throat problems when the best doctors in HK and USA were not able to cure the problem, just mostly gave medicines to suppress the symptoms. The main doctors I saw at Bumrungrad were Dr. Khemchart for ENT and Dr. Wuthichai for respiratory. I also saw another doctor for voice box, but don't recall his name.

Doctor consultation fees would run about baht 1,000 per doctor-visit and the camera down the nose would be about 1,800. The bronchial challenge test is about baht 3,600. You probably should do the general checkup package for baht 2,500 which includes x-ray, urine, stool, blood tests to get an overall picture of your general health, then add on the specialists.

As for prescribed medicines, Bumrungrad charges quite a bit more than you can get from pharmacies/drug stores in Bangkok, and in some cases quite a bit more than pharmacies in Hong Kong. It really differs according to what medicine. You probably should just have them give you a modest amount of the differing items you are prescribed, and then go out and check prices and get them where it's most economic for you.

But I would certainly go back to Bumrungrad if ever my throat/cough/asthma condition worsens.

Edited October 4, 2007 by tangoll

[eek]

Bumrungrad wasnt cheap for me (self-pay) but when i weigh it up against the mounting costs of the last 4 months (of being misdiagnosed, having repeated blood-tests, and various amounts of different medication) the cost for Bumrungrad was more than justified in my mind, even with my day return flight cost from Chiang Mai.

This is only my opinion of course, i am sure there are other v good hospitals about. Personally im still a bit shocked that a top hospital here in CM could have got it so wrong with me..so ill be sticking with going to Bangkok in future if I have any future serious health problems.

[FBN]

My earlier reply has been swallowed by the cyber-ghost...

Without a detailed history it is difficult to give more than just general advice. Obstruction in the esofagus can come from something inside the tube itself or something outside pressing on it. The esofagus is not a rigid structure like the trachea (wind pipe) and will normally be closed or collapsed but it lies against the trachea and anything associated with this structure or their path through the chest (mediastinum) may cause symptoms of difficulty in swallowing. Trying to find a common cause for the whistling sound when you breathe and the discomfort when swallowing....

Asthmatic breathing (wheezing) is easy to diagnose and should not have been a problem for your doc in the UK to establish. So there may be more to this and should be thoroughly investigated.

Narrowing of the esofagus due to scar tissue formed in the healing process after acid damage from GERD, can only be treated by physically dilating or stretching the tube; done in a similar fashion as a gastroscopy. This is usually only reserved for most severe cases where there is either a very severe or total obstruction.

Other management is just symptomatic; chew food well and eating slowly.

An associated condition known as esofageal spasm can also occur in this situation; it basically just means a discoordinated contraction of the muscles of the esofagus (the are circular, oblique and longitudinal layers) that may cause a temporary obstruction. This may even happen with fluids and is usually not there every time you swallow. Mechanical obstruction will cause discomfort every time..

Simple medication like Motilium to regulate the muscle coordination may help.

Finally, I would suggest a consult with a Gastro-enterologist first based on your previous history of GERD. You may need further referral to either an ENT doc or even a chest physician.

Good Luck!

[Sheryl]

Twix,

As FBN indicated one issue is whether to start with a GI or ENT specialist. Since you were already examined and tested by GI specialist in UK who then referred you to ENT I would start there. You have a first-hand recommendation from one poster for Dr. Khemchart at Bumrungrad; I looked him up and he is an Associate Professor at Chula (one of the country's 2 best medical schools) so sounds like a good bet.

ALtho costs have recently increased it is still not likely to exceed 3-4,000 Baht which is hardly excessive for exclusion of potentially life threatening problems by a top notch specialist.

If as is probable and to be hoped, it turns out your problem is due to GERD:

1) Don't buy meds at the hospital. As one poster mentioned Motilium is often helpful. It's readily available at all pharmacies at much less cost than at the hospital. Ditto any other drug I can think of that might be prescribed for GERD.

2) Minimize your caffeine intake. Caffeine is a major culprit in GERD as it weakens the gastrro-esophageal sphincter. I find Thai doctors seldom mention this, maybe because Thais are not as prone to heavy caffeine intake as westerners (also they seem in general less willing to suggest life style changes). I had the same symptoms you mention (minus the whistling) as a result of GERD and nothing helped until I cut my caffeine intake by about half (can give lots of hunts on doing this painlessly if you like). Remember that in addition to tea and coffee, colas and some other soft drinks have a lot of caffeine.

3) If you haven't already, read up on/google other eating habit/life style modifications that help GERD, there are a number of them and they do help.

This advice of course is assuming it proves to be only GERD and not anything more serious, and you should still have that possibility evaluated.

Good luck

[nonameidentified]

I've personally tried Samitivej and Phyathai in Sri Racha. They're definitely better than Bangkok Pattaya. Personally I prefer Phyathai. Samitivej has lots of modern machines but I felt that their doctors are not as competitive as doctors in Phyathai.

I once thought that I had some kinda heart problems and went to Samitivej. They went through everything rapidly and said that there is nothing wrong with me without even checking me! Saying that being 31, I'm too young to have heart problems and I look too healthy.

Couple of months later, I went for a detailed health checkup at Phyathai and the heart specialist actually found out my problems without me telling him! He mentioned all the symptoms that I had and I was given pills to curb the problems. Now I'm healthier than ever.

And as for Bumrungrad, it's very well-known in Asia. It's actually better than hospitals in Singapore according to my sister who is a professor in nursing. But it's definitely more expensive. So I thought maybe if you'll be in Thailand, try out Phyathai hospital in Sriracha first which is nearer to Pattaya and with better doctors. (Samitivej are generally more well presented than Phyathai but most of the doctors there seemed really like fresh grads while Phyathai docs are more experienced generally.)

If they still couldn't figure out your problem, then go to Bumrungrad.

Edited October 4, 2007 by nonameidentified

[twix38]

I will enquire at Phyathai hospital.

if anyone knows more or specific ENT Surgeon info at this hospital or has an experience or further advice, or any warnings, I would be very grateful, as I know nothing of this hospital other than the above recomendation.

I also note that the Phyathai Hospital has about 4 branches, 3 in Bangkok and 1 in Sriracha. I would choose the Sriracha branch, as mentioned above, but is this the best one or just a sub branch to Bangkok operations?? Looks to me from their website that the ENT clinic is said to be Phyathai 2, which is in Bangkok. If so then I may as well go to Bumrungrad, which I had planned to do on earlier advice and see Dr. Khemchart.

Does anyone know the operation details of the ENT Department at the Sriracha branch?

All things being equal on competancy, service, diagnosis and treatment etc then Phyathai would seem both nearer and not so expensive, although cost is only a factor if the treatment is equally good and professional, which is the primary concern above cost.

I leave for Thailand tomorrow and have just got a prescription for Omeprazol as to date I have not had medication other than over the counter heartburn tablets (Pepsid 2).

Thanks to all who have helped

Edited October 4, 2007 by twix38

[TheExpat]

Twix,

I had the same exact problem. It was so bad that I would sometimes gag and choke and throw up my food because it would pile up in my throat instead of going down.

I lost some weight and at the same time I also starting taking 1 capsule of peptizole or muracid before meals. ( both pills are the same, just the name is changed) I have stopped the problem for now.

By all means get checked. I did and that is what they told me to do for the problem.

God bless and good health!!!!

[nonameidentified]

I will enquire at Phyathai hospital.

if anyone knows more or specific ENT Surgeon info at this hospital or has an experience or further advice, or any warnings, I would be very grateful, as I know nothing of this hospital other than the above recomendation.

I also note that the Phyathai Hospital has about 4 branches, 3 in Bangkok and 1 in Sriracha. I would choose the Sriracha branch, as mentioned above, but is this the best one or just a sub branch to Bangkok operations?? Looks to me from their website that the ENT clinic is said to be Phyathai 2, which is in Bangkok. If so then I may as well go to Bumrungrad, which I had planned to do on earlier advice and see Dr. Khemchart.

Does anyone know the operation details of the ENT Department at the Sriracha branch?

All things being equal on competancy, service, diagnosis and treatment etc then Phyathai would seem both nearer and not so expensive, although cost is only a factor if the treatment is equally good and professional, which is the primary concern above cost.

I leave for Thailand tomorrow and have just got a prescription for Omeprazol as to date I have not had medication other than over the counter heartburn tablets (Pepsid 2).

Thanks to all who have helped

Why don't you just try go for a visit for your throat at the ENT in Phyathai and see what their diagnosis is? And if you don't feel secure at all, head straight to Bumrungrad. Anyway a doctor's visit will not cost a lot unless you start having operation, or having treatments done.

Or if you're really not assured, just pay more and go to Bumrungrad then.

[twix38]

The Expat,

Thanks very much.

Do you have any details on that medicine as a google search does not return much of note (even for peptazole) and your symptoms sound worse than mine.

Did you not have any other corrective action and the symptoms dissapeared just from taking this medication?

Thanks

nonameidentified,

SURE, not meant to be ungratefull at all.

Simply someone may very well know already that the ENT dept is not in Sriracha for instance or is not specialised enough and stop me hiring a car/taxi or taking the best part of a day by bus to go there and back, when there may not be any real point. Your needs were for a different medical area, but I really appreciate you having pointed out this Hospital to me and want to find out a little more one way or another. I have emailed the hospital direct to ask.

There's no harm in getting more info if others have personal experiences, valuable knowledge or even the same problem as me that was treated at the Phyathai, especially when the hospital's own website states that ENT is in Bangkok and it is the ENT Dept that I specifically need.

Clearly without your post I would not even be considering the Phyathai hospital, so thanks again for that.

__________________________________________________

Why don't you just try go for a visit for your throat at the ENT in Phyathai and see what their diagnosis is? And if you don't feel secure at all, head straight to Bumrungrad. Anyway a doctor's visit will not cost a lot unless you start having operation, or having treatments done.

Or if you're really not assured, just pay more and go to Bumrungrad then.

Edited October 4, 2007 by twix38

[Sheryl]

I've said it before and I'll say it again...don't choose the hospital, choose the doctor.

There is no hospital, in Thailand or elsewhere, where all the doctors are the best in their field. And you will find mediocre or even poor doctors in virtually every hospital.

Choosing the doctor means reviewng their experience and credentials. Unfortunately, the Phyathai website doesn't facilitate that.

I have nothing against Phyathai, in fact I have had hand surgery there myself and referred many people to it, but that is because the top hand surgeon in the country has private hours there once a week (Phyathai 2 in Bkk). My experience there otherwise has been with gyn and derm, where the particular docs were mediocre and average respectively. Problem is that there is no way to identify the best specialists unless you happen to have inside info. Also, as a smaller hospital there are fewer to choose from. For very routine problems this doesn't matter too much but when specialty care is required for a problem that is complex or has proven hard to resolve, locating a top specialist is well worth a little time spent researching qualifications and also worth extra expense. For inpatient care the price difference between Phyathai (and equivalent hosps) and places like Bumrungrad would be enormous, but for outpatient care I think pretty small.

[percy2]

The Expat,

Thanks very much.

Do you have any details on that medicine as a google search does not return much of note (even for peptazole) and your symptoms sound worse than mine.

Thanks

I lost some weight and at the same time I also starting taking 1 capsule of peptizole or muracid before meals. ( both pills are the same, just the name is changed) I have stopped the problem for now.

I leave for Thailand tomorrow and have just got a prescription for Omeprazol as to date I have not had medication other than over the counter heartburn tablets (Pepsid 2).

PEPTAZOLE and MIRACID are both brands of OMEPRAZOLE.

Cheers

[TheExpat]

The Expat,

Thanks very much.

Do you have any details on that medicine as a google search does not return much of note (even for peptazole) and your symptoms sound worse than mine. Not sure, but another poster said it is the same as OMEPRAZOLE.

Did you not have any other corrective action and the symptoms dissapeared just from taking this medication?

My sypotoms were.....well how do I say it......god awful! Horrible and I thought I was going to choke to death! I got to a point where I did not look foward to meal times. All I did was take the medicine. The problem decrease slowly over 30 to 45 days. I used to choke and vomit almost everytime I ate. Now it has not ahppened in a long time. Thougt I was going to have an episode the other day, but did not. I think I had not cheweed my food enough! The tissue that the acid destroyed seems to have healed and everything is working fine. To be honest I am off the meds no and want to see what is going o happen. I cut out the greasy foods and do not have heartburn anymore either.

Another thing that seemed to be a factor for me was stress. I have so much less stress now that I am retired and living here in Thailand.

Good luck Twix!

[FBN]

The Expat,

Thanks very much.

Do you have any details on that medicine as a google search does not return much of note (even for peptazole) and your symptoms sound worse than mine. Not sure, but another poster said it is the same as OMEPRAZOLE.

Did you not have any other corrective action and the symptoms dissapeared just from taking this medication?

My sypotoms were.....well how do I say it......god awful! Horrible and I thought I was going to choke to death! I got to a point where I did not look foward to meal times. All I did was take the medicine. The problem decrease slowly over 30 to 45 days. I used to choke and vomit almost everytime I ate. Now it has not ahppened in a long time. Thougt I was going to have an episode the other day, but did not. I think I had not cheweed my food enough! The tissue that the acid destroyed seems to have healed and everything is working fine. To be honest I am off the meds no and want to see what is going o happen. I cut out the greasy foods and do not have heartburn anymore either.

Another thing that seemed to be a factor for me was stress. I have so much less stress now that I am retired and living here in Thailand.

Good luck Twix!

Try searching "Losec" ; this was the original commercial name of Omeprazole; most of the other drugs mentioned above are generic copies of the same. The Losec search will get you lots of info.

Suggest to get a final diagnosis before taking this medication...

[nonameidentified]

The Expat,

Thanks very much.

Do you have any details on that medicine as a google search does not return much of note (even for peptazole) and your symptoms sound worse than mine.

Did you not have any other corrective action and the symptoms dissapeared just from taking this medication?

Thanks

nonameidentified,

SURE, not meant to be ungratefull at all.

Simply someone may very well know already that the ENT dept is not in Sriracha for instance or is not specialised enough and stop me hiring a car/taxi or taking the best part of a day by bus to go there and back, when there may not be any real point. Your needs were for a different medical area, but I really appreciate you having pointed out this Hospital to me and want to find out a little more one way or another. I have emailed the hospital direct to ask.

There's no harm in getting more info if others have personal experiences, valuable knowledge or even the same problem as me that was treated at the Phyathai, especially when the hospital's own website states that ENT is in Bangkok and it is the ENT Dept that I specifically need.

Clearly without your post I would not even be considering the Phyathai hospital, so thanks again for that.

__________________________________________________

Why don't you just try go for a visit for your throat at the ENT in Phyathai and see what their diagnosis is? And if you don't feel secure at all, head straight to Bumrungrad. Anyway a doctor's visit will not cost a lot unless you start having operation, or having treatments done.

Or if you're really not assured, just pay more and go to Bumrungrad then.

There is an ENT in Sriracha. I've been to the ENT at Phyathai Sriracha for the full health checkup but since I have nothing major, I cannot tell you if they're good or not. But the specialist did found out another skin problem of mine that I've not noticed myself though it was not his specialty. So he referred me to the dermatologist which proved that he was right.

I'm just merely giving my point of view here. Ultimately it's up to you. I'm sure with so many replies that you've received from the others, you could be able to make a decision.

Just another thing that my sister (the nursing professor) said. Since she's been working in many good hospitals and visited various good hospitals around the world, she has visited Samitivej and Phyathai in Sriracha. She said that they're generally rather good hospitals. But she did mentioned too that Bumrungrad is the best in thailand.

So all the best and it's sure not comfortable to go through what you're going through right now. I hope you recover real soon!

[zzdocxx]

My UK Doctor seemed a bit concermned at my whistling sound on breathing, but I had lways assumed this was down to my Asthma, but it is not really wheezing as such.

This in my mind is the most concerning thing you have stated -- and you ought not to assume this is simply a reflux problem.

So yes I agree you ought to get it scoped to rule out anything more serious.

Good luck!

[twix38]

Arrived in Thailand now, so I will tak a couple of days to acclimatise and then decide where I am off to.

I had emailed all 3 Thai hospitals from UK and only so far had a "we will respond shortly" email from Phyathia and nothing from the 2 in BKK.

It is going to be either Phyathai if the ENT and Doctor are good enough * or otherwise the Bumrungrad doctor recommended here.

* As Sheryl rightly says it's the Doctor and not the Hospital, does anyone have any knowledge of a good ENT Doctor and ENT set up at Sriracha?

Pretty clear to me after all the helpfull advice that it's Bumrungrad unless I find out that the nearer hospital (Phyathai) has what is required to the level required. Right now I don't know, but perhaps when Phyathai reply to my email I will have a little more to go on.

Thanks to eveybody for some great help and advice

[eek]

just a quick note..if you decide to go with Bumrungrad you can choose the doctor and book and appointment slot online via their site. Its pretty much instant and they will send you a confirmation email.

Good luck.

[sonicdragon]

The Expat,

Thanks very much.

Do you have any details on that medicine as a google search does not return much of note (even for peptazole) and your symptoms sound worse than mine. Not sure, but another poster said it is the same as OMEPRAZOLE.

Did you not have any other corrective action and the symptoms dissapeared just from taking this medication?

My sypotoms were.....well how do I say it......god awful! Horrible and I thought I was going to choke to death! I got to a point where I did not look foward to meal times. All I did was take the medicine. The problem decrease slowly over 30 to 45 days. I used to choke and vomit almost everytime I ate. Now it has not ahppened in a long time. Thougt I was going to have an episode the other day, but did not. I think I had not cheweed my food enough! The tissue that the acid destroyed seems to have healed and everything is working fine. To be honest I am off the meds no and want to see what is going o happen. I cut out the greasy foods and do not have heartburn anymore either.

Another thing that seemed to be a factor for me was stress. I have so much less stress now that I am retired and living here in Thailand.

Good luck Twix!

Try searching "Losec" ; this was the original commercial name of Omeprazole; most of the other drugs mentioned above are generic copies of the same. The Losec search will get you lots of info.

Suggest to get a final diagnosis before taking this medication...

FYI, the original developer of omeprazole / prilosec / losec, AstraZeneca, changed the formulation and rebranded it as "nexium" when prilosec was coming off patent and was the subject of much litigation. Many doctors now prescribe nexium which is very expensive compared to generic prilosec, due to cozy arrangements with bigpharma.

http://www.prescriptionaccess.org/lawsuits...awsuits?id=0019

[twix38]

looking like Bumrungrad, although a bit expensive from what I had previously been given to expect.

They replied to my email stating:

"Due to limited information, we can provide on the the cost of possible procedure. If Bronchoscopy is suggested by our doctor, the cost is ranged from 35,000-65,000 Baht** (outpatient basis)"

I had told them the details of my swallowing problems and hoped for rather less cost, going on previous posts here. Assuming I need this as I am not sure? The mere term Broncho, seems to infer lungs etc and my problem is only as far as my Throat/oesophagus/larynx/farynx area, as far as I know. Surely my swallowing problem does not get into the realms of lungs or is Bronchoscopy just a technical term for a look down my throat??

The Phyathai Hospital are to reply tomorrow, although the initial email received from Phyathai 2 Hospital in Bangkok has been forwarded to the Phyathai Sriracha hospital, presumably as I mentioned I am living near Pattaya. However, on their website it states clearly that Phyathai 2 is their ENT designated Hospital and I would rather go to the best rather than be directed to the nearest, if it does turn out to be the main reason for the selection of Phyathai at Sriracha.

All in all, looking like spending up to 65,000 Baht plus medication and sundry charges no doubt at Bumrungrad, but I am going to find out a little more from these 2 Hospitals in the next day or so before I book in for next week.

I am now starting to think I would have been better just delaying my flight and getting it done on the NHS. Treatment would have been acceptable to me without feeling that I needed to ensure the standards and Doctor first and costs zero.

Maybe tomorrow I will feel better.

Edited October 7, 2007 by twix38

[zzdocxx]

As far as whether you just need a look down into the pharynx and/or esophagus and/or bronschoscopy, that is a tough to say.

How much to have it done on the NHS and how long a wait would there be? Do you need a referral/authorization to get that and if so has one been given?

[mamanoodle]

Could be months waiting for NHS procedure, have to visit GP first, then referal for appointment at out patients with specialist, then wait for appointment for procedure, could have hols and be back ages before all of this happens. Appart from GP appointment of course, maybe only 2 or 3 days, if you're lucky. Private consultation in UK, have to be well off, out patient appt with specialist UK £175(7 yr ago) here 800 bt(Bkk Pattaya), instant appt and follow up treatment, up2u, as is common saying here, but I know what I would be doing,get the baht ready!

Oops, forgot to say lanzoprazole,losec whatever you know it by, is for gastric ulcers, duodenal ulcers and should only be used for 2-4, no more than 8 weeks(I think, from my working memories anyway)

Edited October 7, 2007 by mamanoodle