david_je

3 hours ago, Sheryl said:

There are lymph nodes in that area. So quite possibly that is what it is, assuming it is not a dermatological issue like acne, infected cyst  or reaction to insect bite. 

 

 A lipoma would usually not be red and painful. 

 

Hard to say what sort of doctor to see as (assuming it is lymph node) cause can be infection or malignancy. 

 

First step is a  biopsy. This will give a definitive diagnosis. Might be possible to do via needle aspiration or might require excision.  They might have her take antibiotics in the interim.

 

She could start with a general surgeon for the biopsy. They will refer her to appropruate dpecialust depending on the biopsy results.

 

 

Sheryl, By any chance can you recommend a general surgeon at Chula? Or should we look at list and select one with Western qualifications?

Thank you everyone for your very helpful replies.

A friend has a painful, slightly reddish lump/swelling above her left collarbone. Not result of known injury to the area. Anyone has had such? Lymph node? What kind of doctor should she see? Recommendation at Chula Hosp. especially welcome. Thank you. 

16 hours ago, tomazbodner said:

Biggest problem of ePaper is its main feature - to keep power consumption down and extend battery life, it has an extremely low refresh rate - up to a second on newer, even longer on older displays. This means that it makes them pretty much useless for much of media consumption, and that's the reason most computers don't feature it (alas Lenovo has one laptop model with such display on the back, but not main screen).

 

 

Thank you for taking the time to share your advice. I am using a Lenovo ThinkPad T450s, with matte screen and have activated Windows Night Lite function. But still migraines. I have tried the blue light blocking glasses, but like all types of glasses, they actually add to my headaches. I will try blue light screen filter -- is there a particular one to look for? What do you mean, "Lenovo has one laptop model with such display on the back, but not main screen"? 

I use laptop mostly for reading and writing, so if can't watch video, etc., on e-ink screen and the screen helps with migraines, it would still be beneficial for me.

I get migraines from screens (computers, laptops, smartphones, tablets, etc.), from backlighting certainly but probably other factors. Has anyone tried e-ink or other displays  that can resolve this problem? Thanks.

On 1/21/2023 at 2:37 PM, Aussieroaming said:

I got a Pfizer booster (no charge) at the local public clinic in Saphan Kwai a couple of days ago. There are 8 public hospitals and clinics in Bangkok (that my wife could find) currently doing the boosters. 

May I ask which public clinic in Saphan Kwai and what are the 8 public hospitals and clinics? Thank you.

1 hour ago, Sheryl said:

BP machine will only detect AF at the time you take your BP, not continuously which is what OP needs as his issue is episodic.

 

Similarly devices that record an EKG on demand, do nto monitor continuously.

 

OP tgere are apps that run on Samsung smart watches  https://www.samsung.com/us/support/answer/ANS00087703/

Smart watch would be ideal for continuous monitoring but much more expensive. Cardiologist said it would be okay to use Kardia or similar on-demand EKG device twice/few times day because afib events only of concern -- as far as need for anti-coagulant -- if they come frequently or persist long periods. If they are frequent or persistent, then we are to decide to start anti-coagulant. He thought it would be better to monitor and then decide because apart from my age (65), I do not have risk of stroke from afib, and anti-coagulant does have bleeding risk (in addition to long-term high costs).

Thank you. 

1 hour ago, Dante99 said:

Experience with several hospitals is that they have a device to do that which they connect you up with and you wear it for 24 hours then return to disconnect and get results.  

You may be referring to Holter monitor, which I already used and detected an hour of afib during the 24 hours. But now I need to monitor rhythm longer-term with my own home device, to see how often it occurs over weeks and months.  Thanks.

1 hour ago, sandyf said:

I have a Microlife blood pressure monitor and that has arrhythmia detection on the pulse measurement. I don't pay much attention as already on anticoagulant.

You should be able to get one at any decent medical store, possibly Fascino.

https://www.microlife-thailand.com/bp-b3-afib-advanced/

I will look into that. Were you in same situation as me, using it to determine frequency of afib before deciding to go on anti-coagulant? Thank you.

I have been diagnosed with paroxysmal afib and specialist says I should monitor at home to see how frequent/persistent it is before deciding whether to go on anti-coagulant. Has anyone done this and can relate their experience and recommend a monitoring device and where to buy?

Thanks.  

Has anyone ordered from BD recently with no customs or delivery issues?

Are there other sites you would suggest?

Seems much cheaper than ordering via bookstores here like Kinokuniya.

Are there any public libraries with a fair number of English-language books, near BTS stations if possible?  And would be great to find one with magazines and newspapers like New York Times, Financial Times, Time, National Geographic, etc. Thanks.

On 11/1/2022 at 8:27 AM, ubonjoe said:

When you applied for the non-o and it was issued the visa the gave you a new entry stamp with a 90 day stay on it. Try that date for your 90 day report.

I did that and today got back "date of arrival is incorrect." Any other ideas? Thanks.

My online report was rejected with note, "Arrival date invalid." I had put the date that Immigration stamped me in at the airport. Is that correct? After my arrival, I went to CW to apply for a Non-O, and then again to receive the Non-O. Should I be using one of those dates instead?

Thank you for help.

On 10/29/2022 at 12:37 PM, DFPhuket said:

I've also been having Vanguard login problems. I've tried logging in with a VPN, different browsers, etc. but nothing worked. 

 

I decided to clear all Vanguard cookies in Chrome (go to settings > privacy and security > Cookies and other site data > see all site data and permissions) and enter Vanguard in the search box. It showed 29 cookies and I deleted them all. 

 

After that, when going to the Vanguard login page and entering my credentials, it worked as usual (I was using a VPN). Perhaps this will help others. 

Thanks for that. What was the specific log-in problem you had? Mine was system said my username or password incorrect (but it was correct).

Also now that you're able to log in, is everything on the site normal? I can log in after clearing cache, but some links (Accounts and Balances and Secure Message, for example) on my account turn up only blank screen when I click on them.

On 9/20/2022 at 4:27 PM, Sheryl said:

You indeed do not need the HBV since you already know you have antibodies (and assuming your HB antigen at at check up was negative).

 

Thyroid on the list is probably only TSH, if you also need Free T4 may need to ask about that.

 

If you have never been tested for HCV then good idea to have it done once. If you have bene, then no need.

 

Definitely get the LDL-Cholesterol  direct as what you will get in the basic package is only an indirect (estimated) rate.

 

Also get the HB1Ac (in fact with that, there is no need for the glucose in the basic package)

 

Get the PSA - make sure no sexual activity or bike/moto riding for 48 hours before the blood draw as these can artificially raise it

 

Stool for occult blood a good idea. If you have nto had a colonoscopy in past 10 years, then you should but that is another matter and would nto be in the check up dept.

 

I cannot read the 3rd from the bottom item on the "extra" menu. If it is AB index (ankle/brachial index) then yes get it.

 

anti-HIV if you have had any possible exposure since last HIV test (if applicable)

 

Yes, a DRE (rectal exam of the prostate) is indicated at your age and a stress test would be an excellent idea. You can ask about these but at Chula they might say you have to consult urologist and cardiologist to order it, respectively. No harm in asking though. I note that no hands on physical exam of any type is listed here, seems to be only labs/xray/EKG.

Thank you for taking time for that very helpful reply.

Physical exam is listed in Thai with basic package, but from experience at Chula, it is only cursory look aside from measuring blood pressure, weight, etc. -- should I be concerned about that?

The one 3rd from bottom in Extras is blood group.

They said, yes, digital rectal and stress need to be ordered separately at specialists.

Do I need AB Index also? Anything else missing that I need ordered separately from checkup package?

And should I get AFP -- is risk higher if father died of liver cancer and I have lived in SEAsia for 30 years?

On 9/13/2022 at 7:53 PM, userabcd said:

Don't know any shops making custom made running shoes.

 

But online asics have 2 top running shoe models kayano and nimbus in extra wide ie size 4E and your size is available in 2 colours of each model. They do COD I think. You can access their site, filter for size 2E or 4E wide.

 

https://www.asics.com/th/en-th/men-shoes-running?Rfs=varZZ15107VPYQ338121

 

Other options are Brooks but it seems their 4E in your size is sold out. They have Ghost in a size 11 in 4E wide. They have some shoes in 2E wide adrenalines and ghosts and maybe other models. Brooks store is in Muang Thong Thani if you want to try on their 2E or available 4E sizes.

 

Asics also have an outlet in MTT where they might have some shoes in 4E to try on.

 

Other option may be Hoka but it looks they only have normal and wide.

That is very helpful. Thank you for taking the time.

Chula checkup tests.pdfI am American male, 65, in good health, with healthy lifestyle. I will do routine checkup at Chulalongkorn Hosp., the basic package on upper left but wondering which of the additional tests on the right column I may need.

Also specifically wondering:

At previous checkup, 4 years ago, my anti-HBs was 27.1, which doc said indicated I was immune to Hep B. That means I definitely do not need the HBV test on the list, correct?

She also said I should get Free T4 and TSH tested at next checkup (it was slightly elevated in last test). Those fall under Thyroid on the list, correct?

I recall Sheryl recommending digital rectal exam and stress test, but these do not appear to be listed here. If I request during checkup, perhaps they won't or cannot do? How to handle this?

Thank you.

Are there shops in Bangkok that custom make athletic/running shoes? Can you recommend one pls? I wear 10.5 but extra wide. Thanks.

My deadline for enrollment in Medicare A+B without penalty is Aug. 31. On July 20 I emailed the FBU in Manila requesting enrollment. I just received an email from them scheduling a telephone interview in September. The email said, “Your protective filing date is 07/20/2022.”

Does that mean they consider the date I sent the request to be the date that I enrolled, and I have thus already made the deadline for enrollment without penalty? The September interview date would be past the deadline.

Secondly, what happens at the phone interview? What do they ask? Do I need to prepare anything? Do they officially enroll you during the interview, or will there be further steps?

Lastly, any tips on how to phone FBU Manila? The line is constantly occupied, with no queuing system.

Thanks.

Has anyone here who was not working full-time at the time of eligibility to sign up for Part B and did not get a group health plan from their employer managed to still qualify for the SEP? On what basis? Wondering if there are any other circumstances under which I qualify; info online sparse, tried calling SSA, line forever busy.

Thanks.

1 hour ago, OneMoreFarang said:

A) Call Lenovo support

 

B) Maybe you refer to the same shop. In Fortune is Blue Shop, they sell and service Lenovo.

https://blueshop2u.com/

 

 

My laptop (bought seven years ago -- yes, need to replace) is no longer in warranty.

Have you used Blue Shop with good result?

Thanks.

16 minutes ago, mrfill said:

Almost certain that your keyboard is knackered. Has it had any liquids spilt on it? (usually the case).

To replace a keyboard takes about 15 mins max and replacements are easily sourced online. Cost wise, a replacement keyboard should be around 1000Bt.

An alternative if you trust no shop, is to buy a USB (or wireless) keyboard.

I didn't spill anything on it, etc. Just turned it on in morning and could no longer type those several letters.

I am using an external USB keyboard but it is too far from laptop screen and takes up lots of space, etc., so it is only temporary solution.

The Lenovo service center at IT Mall said they cannot order parts for that model because it is an older one. Can a non-Lenovo keyboard be put in its place?

Actually, I can't even know exactly what the problem is, whether it requires replacing the keyboard.

Thanks.

Several letter keys on Lenovo laptop keyboard no longer type out. Can anyone from experience recommend a professional, trustworthy repair shop in Bangkok? The Lenovo service center in IT Mall by Fortune Town said I need the laptop with them 7-14 days to check what problem is but I can't do without it for that long. Thanks.

15 hours ago, Aussieroaming said:

My wife had her shot 4 months ago and got notified this week that she could get another shot this week at Bangsue

Was your wife's first booster Pfizer, and now she got notice to get second booster (presumably choice of Pfizer or Moderna)? Thank you.