Sheryl

By "kidney treatment" what do you mean? Dialysis or just medical follow up? All the large hospitals offer both but for dialysis one needs to be mindful of the cost.

Moved to Wellness subforum

Likely at both.

Yes shoes with proper arch support help. In Thailand, some Dr Scholls have arch support. There are also some outlets selling orthotic shoes in Bangkok Hospital (ground floor passsgeway to the Food Court) and Bumrungrad (mezzanine). Or these shops https://talon.co.th/?gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI0sH9jpLujAMVFaRmAh1ayjYREAAYAiABEgKD_vD_BwE https://www.fitforfeet.co.th/?lang=en https://www.walkinghabit.com/

Haven't gone myself. But a number of board memberd recommend.

Arch supports are th3 key. You can get some shoes here with arch supports built in., Or you can buy stand alone arch supports. There are various types of these, many with little pads that go under the arch, I did nto find that as comfortbale or usefu; as simple elastic sleeve like this https://www.amazon.com/Plantar-Fasciitis-Brace-Arch-Supports/dp/B07LFZJ89G/ref=sr_1_22_sspa? There are also some places in Thailand that do custom made orthotics but you'd need to indicate where in Thailand yo uare

https://www.thantakit.com/mandibular-advancement-device/

It (and all other Benzos) is a contolled drug in Thailand, have to get fom a hospital or clinic (after consulting doctor there) and they will likely limit amount prescribed at one time. Benzos are over the counter in Cambodia. Assume you know this is highly addictive if taken regularly.

Government hospitals outside of Phuket will likely cost much less (though not 5k, nowhere in Thsiland is it that cheap) but will also have long waits. Long waits are the norm for MRIs in government hospitals everywhere and Thais who can afford to usually pay privately to do it elsewhere. Suggest you look into Mission Hospital . Private but non-profit, less expensive than Bangkok Hospital. https://mission-hospital.org/en/52-clinics-centers/medicine/neurology-clinic/391-treatment.html

This doctor https://www.medparkhospital.com/en-US/doctors/asst-prof-dr-parit-mekaroonkamol https://www.bangkokhospital.com/en/doctor/assoc-prof-dr-parit-mekaroonkamol https://www.bumrungrad.com/en/doctors/parit -mekaroonkamol Doesn't matter which hospital but the last one will cost more That's a pretty large polyp gor endoscopic removal.

Yes if you have part D it is fully covered. I only have Parts A & B si had to pay for it.

Controlled clinical trials.

I Suggested topical lidocainefor pain, not itching. Shingles does not usually itch.

Totally aside from renewing the passport, a father traveling abroad with a child may be asked to show proof that he has the mother's consent (concerns about parental abduction, human trafficking etc). There have been reports of this happening. So get the POA and make sure it, or another document, clearly give you permission to take the child abroad.

Have you consulted a doctor? It is important to start antiviral medication within 72 hours, not only shortens the duration but more importantly decreases the risk of long term complications. However there are contraindications to these drugs (e.g. kidney disease) so medical supervision is wise. Besides antivrals, drugs like gabaoentin may be given to reduce pain, as well as paracetemol and/or NSAIDs. I found topical lidocaine applied to the rash helped a lot.

Agreed though diffrrence is not huge, and mainly because unlike some places there is no doctor fee add on.

which vaccine did you get, Zostavax or Shingrix?

You can get both at the same time. Studied and found safe. Theyt should use different arms, though "Recombinant and adjuvanted vaccines (like Shingrix) can be administered concomitantly at different anatomic sites with other adult vaccines. This includes COVID-19 vaccines." https://www.cdc.gov/shingles/hcp/vaccine-considerations/index.html That said, it is possible that minor side effects would be worse, but on other hand would go through it once rather than twice. Do you have Medicare Part D, or a Medicare Supplement/Advantage Pklan? Because regular Medicare (A+B) does not pay for Shingles vaccine. Part A will cover COVID, but not Shingrix or RSV (you might also like ot get RSV will you are at it, if you haven't already).

If however you click further down, where it says "Shingrix Vaccine Patient Leaflet", it says 2 - 6 months. Which is also what vaccine manufacturer says. And CDC says. Digging further, in the NHS guidance for practitioners it indicates that "for operational reasons" they are using a longer interval of 6 - 12 months in England and Wales but 2nd dose can be given after 2 months. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/shingles-vaccination-guidance-for-healthcare-professionals/shingles-immunisation-programme-information-for-healthcare-practitioners I can't find any study or literature supporting this longer interval (hopefully there is one, but I can't find it). I don't know of any other country doing this. Does explain what OP was told. But if he is still in UK, and at least 8 weeks have passed, he should try calling his GP and asking if he can receive his 2nd dose sooner since he is going abroad. Would save him almost 6000 baht, and be more in keeping with medical (as opposed to "operational") guidelines.

Either she mispoke or you misheard. The NHS package insert states 2 - 6 months. You will find link here https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/shingles-vaccine/ You can also look up online the manufacturer's insert.

Bettrr recheck this. GSK (manufacturer) package insert clearly says 2 -6 months. So does CDC https://www.cdc.gov/shingles/hcp/vaccine-considerations/index.html

I didn't find it so. No pain at time of injection. Slight soreness in the arm a day or 2 after.

Then any of these 3 places. The last 2 (Medconsult and WellMed) are quicker/less hassle to use. Call to make sure thry have it in stock then just walk in. The interval for Shingrix is 2 - 6 months, 6 months is maximum so don't wait too long if near the 6 month mark.

Correct so he probably had Shingrix but should confirm.

I'm keeping it. As I have pre-existing conditions, a change of insurers at this point for me would mean new exclusions.