Sheryl

Reliable data on anything other than COVID deaths is not available or even being compiled anymore . I have never done boosters at 6 month intervals, not indicated. I Do one when/as new vaccines wirh expanded coverage come out. I wear masks in hospitals and, if not too hot, on crowded public transport. Otherwise not.

I have never opted for optional OPD cover. Seldom worth the added vost in Thsiland. But all my hospitalization-only policies (3 different companies over the years) covered day surgeries. Yours probably does as well.

They did not initially rank as "among the worst". Swampy was in neither the top 20 nor the bottom 20. Which is about right.

As mentioned, maje sure to be (normally) hydrated on day of test. You can drink plain water after midnight while otherwise fasting.

In any event it is extremely rare for Thais to have private insurance. Unnecessary since all are covered under either Thai SS or the universal (AKA "30 baht") scheme. Both is which cover both in and outpatient. In addition it would be a rare inpatuent only private policy that does not cover day surgeries.

Given that the most recent creatnine level was normal there is no hurry. Indeed if on next tesf it is also normal (make dure you sre adequately hydrated!) then no need to see one at all.

The issue is not whether you fasted in terms of eating food but whether you were dehydrated. Dehdration will elevate creatnine readings. I suspect you were dehydrated on the 1earlier blood tests due to fasting and that this last test is more indicative of your kidney function. But keep an eye on future values. As mentioned, you can still drink plain water before cholesterol panel test even though hospital will say "nothing by mouth". in this heate specially, it is important to avoid dehydration.

You would have fasted before the prior test since it aldo included a lipid profile and were likely dehydrated then. Hence the recommendation to get a non-fasting repeat creatnine level after adequate hydration. This one is normal suggestion the prior elevations were due to dehydration. Contrary to what Thao hospitals tell you, it is fine to drink plain water before for cholesterol.

It is not based in Thailand but it ships quite rapidly to Thailand has a Thai-specific web page, and is very savvy re Thai custom regulations and practices.

Not sll hospitals in Thailand require overnight stay. But it is customary in many. Main reason is that room costs are so low that it has littld cost implucation, and it enables them to ensure adhetence to eye drop schedule. 50 some odd years ago overnight stays were common in tne West too. Changed as hospital costs soared.

Anything that kills weeds will also kill grass (Roundup does, too) and also be generally toxic. And the first rain will wash it into flowerbeds, and even ground water supply and elsewhere. Do not use. If the weeds are on lawn just accept them and cut along with the grass. If they are in flower beds etc manually remove them. Only safe way.

At your age one of the best things is simply brisk walking (brisk according to what you can tolerate). Download a step tracking app on your phone and set a daily target of not less than 5,000 steps. I use an Android app called Step Tracker, free. It really helps a lot...motivates you to move around more rather than economizing on movement which tends to be out default. As to the heat: Try dividing into 2 daily walks, one first thing in the morning before it is too hot, and one after 5 PM once it cools off. And on the morning walk, use an umbrella to shade yourself from the sun, Thai-style. It makes quite a difference. Being more active and having a better diet will definitely help your overall health regardless of whether it reduces LDL enough (that, maybe it will, maybe it won't).

Can you afford private hospital? I recommend US-trained Prof. Udomsak Bunworasate who can be seen at: https://www.medparkhospital.com/en-US/doctors/dr-udomsak-bunworasate He can also be seen at Chulalongkorn Hospital (government teaching hospital) through their after hours clinic https://spcweb.kcmh.or.th/users/users/searchDoctor# That channel involves long waits and rather bewildering red tape/crowds, and consultation fee is not much less than at Med Park, but savings on treatment costs might make ut worthwhile if cost is a constraint

Thread has rapidly degenerated into bickering and flaming. Closed.

You might ask your doctor about switching to extended release metformin. What time of day do these hypo attacks occur and what time of day do you take insulin, and what type of insulin? It does not sound lije you need to be on BP med

Eat foods high in omega fats. Fish. Avocados. Nuts. Soy. Cook with olive oil, soy oil, sunflower oil, or flax oil

Yes

Will not be issued a work permit without a valid visa.

Yes Dengue and other infections can lead to condition called telegen effluvium. Usually resolves on 3-6 months but in rare cases vecomes chtonic https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24486-telogen-effluvium

Only for people with clear risk factor. Not recommended for mass use.

Tops has cranberry juice and so often does Tesco Lotus. Can also be ordered on Shoppee. Easy to get.

What type of metformin are you on, regular or extended release? Multiple episodes a month are way too many, your meds need adjustment.

See if you can at least get her to switch to healthier oils. NO palm oil (which is what they usually use). Olive oil, sunflower oil, soybean il, canola all better choices. Also ask her to make more soups and Thai salads. And switch ftom white rice to brown rice.

Hypoglycemia severe enough to cause coma is not going to happen in someone not taking any sort of hypoglycemic drug unless there is a serious disease present (eg insulin-secreting tumor). But you can certainly get light-headed, shaky etc. In people on insulin, by contrast, hypoglycemia is a serious and potentially life threatening risk.

These automatic machines have to be properly maintained and regularly calibrated. A step ofen omitted. Reagent solutions/kits need to be properlly stored and not used beyond expiration (ditto). And samples have to be correctly labelled and correct patient name entered. Mixing up of patient results is something I have encountered several times including at major, ISO certified hospitals.