Brightonman

Last Wednesday  I went into Bangkok bank and they said if I give them 500 baht hq could find evidence of my transfers from uk April 2014 and they could do the letter. It would take 3 days.  Today they say it's impossible .

The house is going to be in girlfriend's name with a usufruct . The transfer is supposed to be this Thursday. Can we do the transfer at the land office with no bank letter? It is for my retirement so have no interest in selling the property and taking money back to uk. 

Came first time around 1987 on a tour, visiting Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Kanchanaburi, and Pattaya as a single man. I was bored with going to Spain and Greece for holidays with my mates. Met a woman in Pattaya who said she wanted children, and 2 years later married her and took her back to UK. After ten years of marriage (and no children) I found out she already had 3 kids (not just the one she told me about, who came to live with us) and had been sterilised. We were divorced and I had to sell my house to give her half of everything I owned.

So I quit my job as a gas engineer, and went to university, studying English and TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. After three years I moved to VIetnam and taught 1 year in Hanoi and 3 years in Ho Chi Minh City. After that I did my Masters in ELT at Sussex Uni in England before moving to Thailand in 2011.

I worked for a Thai university in Nakhon Pathom for a couple of years before moving to Bangkok and starting work with a language school, which I am still at. With my girlfriend I moved to a 5 bed house (B10,000 a month) in Lad Prao a year ago. We now have two dogs.

Still enjoying Thai life...

Total Cholesterol of 204 is of no importance provided the LDL and HDL are both within normal range. It is the LDL and HDL that are important, what were they?

Triglycerides are too high. Try diet + lifestyle changes, wt loss but if unsuccessful may need meds.

I am sorry Sheryl I should have looked at the letter they gave me instead of going on memory.

Here are my real readings: Suggested healthy range

Sugar 106 mg/dl 70-100

Creatinine 1.01 mg/dl 0.73-1.18

eGFR 83.9 ml/min/1.73m2

Cholesterol 204 mg/dl <200

Triglycerides 174 mg/dl 0-150

HDL-C 41 mg/dl <40 major risk factor for heart disease >60 neg risk factor

LDL - Cholesterol 128.2 mg/dl <130

ALK PHOS 83 40-150

SGPT 22 <55

I am not overweight. I am 6ft 1in/185cm tall and about 12 1/2 stone or 78kgs. My waist is 34 inches and has been most of my life. I have been walking 2 or 3 kms home from the MRT 5 nights a week and go to the gym when I can.

As an update to my previous posts. The ACE Inhibitors stopped working after a few weeks even though I increased the dose to 10 mg and my blood pressure was constantly at 150+/90+ so I went to Mayo hospital near my home in Phahonyothin. At the first appointment I was given 5mg of Amlopine to be taken once daily. I was asked to come back 2 weeks later and have various tests including having to take a sample of my stool in and blood tests.

The results were no blood in my stool. which is good (my dad died at 64 of bowel cancer). I had changed my diet after searching on Google for best ways to lower BP and had been eating garlic and drinking apple cider vinegar and honey as well as coconut water and taking Benecol yoghurt drinks. I also used apple cider vinegar to get rid of corns on my feet. It seems like a wonder liquid!

My blood Pressure that day was 120/80 and is now averaging 130/80. So I am very happy.

My cholesterol was a little high at 204 and my triglycerides were also a little high at 225. Everything else was fine. She gave me 3 more months of Amlopine and told me to stop drinking alcohol. I have never been a heavy drinker but liked a big bottle of Chang 3 or 4 times a week. But I have now virtually stopped drinking. And she told me to come back in 3 months.

Altogether, it cost me 3600 Baht including medicine, so, as I have no insurance, I was very pleased with the service and outcome.

As a pharmacologist I speak with some expertise, but as with any advice on the 'net check with a doc!

How have you been storing your UK meds? The heat here can be detrimental to some drugs, which normally have a maximum storage recommendation of 25 Deg C. Keep them in the fridge (NOT FREEZER!) This may have caused your UK medication to stop working.

150/90 is considered mild to moderate hypertension and a common drug of choice is Ramipril (ACE inhibitor). I have been taking these for years without side effects, but stopped three weeks ago after giving up beer and my BP is now a normal 140/75.

If you start at 5 mg per day in your case, that should bring your BP into line, and only cost 600 Baht/100 at my pharmacy. A thiazide diuretic can reduce water retention if you have any.

As I said at the beginning, check with a doc first thing, especially if you are on any other meds!

Since I bought and started taking the Tritace (Ramipril) at 5 Mg per day (only 3 days ago) my BP has dropped from a regular 150/90 to around 125/75. So I want to thank Brian Robson for his advice.

The pharmacy in Asok, near work, charged me 1500 baht for 30 10 Mg tablets, which I cut in half, so 2 months' supply. I will try the cheaper pharmacies across the other side of Sukhumvit next time, but I didn't have a lot of time that day... But don't think I will be able to find them at 600 baht for 100!

So far I have not needed a diuretic. What exactly is water retention? Swelling of ankles? What should I look for?

As I said I do not eat any crap. Nothing in the 7/11 is edible for me. I eat fruit, salad, veg, wholemeal bread, but some Thai food, and I must admit I do enjoy French cheese. I go to the gym and do not have any other health issues. I am 54 and the last time I was admitted to a hospital was when I was 18. for appendicitis.

I use an Omron upper arm BP meter which I bought for 10 pounds in Asda in the UK.

I work in Asok so I went to the pharmacy and bought a 2 month's supply of ramipril suggested by a previous poster. I will try to have a check up soon at a hospital.

I think my high blood pressure is caused by stress from my ex girlfriend. After 3 years of her two-timing me with an Italian guy, she was killing me. So I decided to leave her and found another girl. Within a month my ex got married! Not even to the Italian guy, but some other guy! Good luck to him!

My new girl lives in Chaeng Wattana, hence all the driving.. But we are looking for a house in chatuchak area, so, hopefully, the driving should reduce soon.

Thanks for everyone's input

Thank you to everyone for taking the time time to give your advice. I work weekends so any Saturday clinics are out I'm afraid.

I love Thai food, and eat it every day, although I try to always choose the least salty. So I will have to find some kind of medicine to bring my high blood pressure down.

I will read the messages and try to follow your advice and get back to you all later. Thanks again

Recently I have been getting higher than usual blood pressure. I was taking pills prescribed by a UK doctor but they stopped doing anything so I stopped buying them.

I eat very healthily, have almost stopped drinking, and started going to the gym 2 or 3 times a week, but still my BP is around 150/90 every time I check it. I am slim 6ft, and 80Kgs and 54 years old

When I had lipids etc checked at a Thai hospital a couple of years ago they couldn't find anything wrong.

Does anyone know a good cheap place to go to get checked out and prescribed some new medicine. I live in Sukhumvit Onnut and Chaeng Wattana areas.

It could be very messy playing squash with a vegetable but maybe it could become a new sport...

I am looking for a squash partner who would like to play in the Sukhumvit area. I used to play at the Ambassador Hotel, which has a reasonable court at a good price but could play in other places.

I can play most days but not weekends (I might be able to play Sat or Sunday evening after work)

So if you feel like a game let me know. I can be contacted on 0811 387 639. I have Line and Whatsapp

I live in the Onnut area and have recently finished with my gf so I am also looking for someone to have a beer with, etc, as I am spending a lot of time on my own...

Graham

I live in Pornpanasap Residence, Sukhumvit Soi 81 . It costs 9000 baht a month for a corner room on 6th floor. The electric and water usually cost about 600 baht a month (I don't use the AC much)

It is a big room with a bathroom, balcony and 3 windows. I can walk to the BTS in exactly 5 mins. There is a 7 11 close by. There is a giant Tesco across the road from the BTS and a major Big C 10 mins walk from my apartment. I don't think there is a better place to live for the price.

The lady on the desk speaks very good English

I can't believe no one wants a game. It is good for your health and not too expensive in Bangkok..

Anyone up for squash tomorrow?

Hardly seen a mosquito for weeks! I live in Onnut on the sixth floor and usually have to keep the balcony nets closed or I get many mozzies, but recently I have not needed to bother.

Long may it continue :-)

I am looking for a regular squash partner. I am unfit as I haven't played for a long time, so low level.

I can play only in the week, as I work at weekends. So I need someone who is flexible.

I live in Onnut area, but anywhere around Sukhumvit is good

My phone number is 0811 387 639

Still looking for a regular squash partner. Preferably someone who is able to play daytimes. My number is: 0811 387 639

Does anyone else get fluctuating sound when watching 365sport.com? If I watch it on full screen on my TV (via HDMI) I sometimes get very poor sound quality. The picture quality is excellent, with no breaks whatsoever, and seems true HD, which is very impressive as I am using the building's wifi. But I have to keep reducing the picture size or even pausing it to stop the wawa type sound and get it to return to normal.

Has anyone else had this problem and found a solution?

Hi All

I would like to get back to playing squash (or enjoy badminton or table tennis). I live in Onnut area of Sukhumvit.

I can play Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday mornings, or any time Thursday or Friday.

I cannot play weekends, unfortunately, because of my job.

The Ambassador Hotel on Soi 24 is only 300 baht an hour, or if you know somewhere cheaper/better, then I can travel.

My level is pretty low as I am quite unfit, but I do hope to improve with regular games.

My email is grahamhibbins at gmail dot com

or ring me on 0811 387 639

Graham, have a look through the Sports Forum as that request has come up a few times and you might find a player there.

I'm a squash player, but not in Thailand ATM.

David48

I have already searched for squash and did find one or two potential players, but one had moved to Pattaya, one hasn't replied, and the other is very busy with work.

Therefore I decided to put up another ad to see if any new players were around.

Graham

Hi all

I am looking for a squash partner (or badminton/table tennis). I have not played for a few months and am getting very unfit.

If there is anyone in Bangkok who would like a game do drop me a line. I live in Onnut and work in Asok, so anywhere around the Sukhumvit BTS line would be ideal.

I have played at the Ambassador hotel on Soi 24 which costs about 300 baht an hour and Piyarom club, which is a bit more expensive as you have to join and pay monthly, but has very good facilities.

I am probably fairly low level due to lack of fitness but hope to improve with regular games.

You can contact me on grahamhibbins at gmail dot com

Cheers

Graham

Been looking a alot and 9apartment.net seems to be the place to start, just looking for a decent quiet place with good internet, but from others experiences is going there and walk up and down the sois to find a good place is the best to do but it would be nice to have some recommendations. A place can look nice but then be bad.

OK spaceman, will do. Anything you are looking for in particular?

I am pretty much looking for the same so please let me know if you find something and I will do the same.

What I am thinking is booking 2 nights at a nearby hotel and then do the foot work.

Thanks for the link. I had lost that site so it was great to find it again.

I am finding it tough to beat my apartment in Punniwitthi. It costs 8500baht a month and is nicely fitted out with a kitchen area, bathroom with a large shower with sliding glass door, a bedroom (but with a glass wall so not too private if someone is stopping on the bed settee), very good sliding doors on the wardrobe space, a balcony, and comes with 32" TV, fridge and (plastic) convertible sofa. The tiles are good quality throughout and it is mostly quiet from neighbours. I pay the electric straight to the electric company and is usually 400-500 baht so no charges from the condo and water is usually 50-70 baht a month. I can pay True for my 10 MB Internet and is fast enough to watch the BBC using my VPN with almost no stops.

The only problems are that it is next to a giant warehouse where they rent out large machinery such as cranes and diggers. This can be a bit noisy at times. It is not too close to a 7 11 or much food. A 10 minute walk is needed to get to the shop and back. And to get to the BTS a 10 minute ride on a motorbike is necessary.

Therefore, I thought I should maybe move nearer to my work in Asok and try to find somewhere nearer to facilities and BTS. But, of course, everything nearer to Asok is more expensive or is not so good as my present place...

You don't state any requirements. I know a few for 1,500 on On Nut. What do you need in this apartment of yours?

The most important things are good internet, a quiet and good size room with a balcony and a comfortable bed. The closer it is too Onnut BTS the better.

If you know of anything suitable do let me know...

I am pretty much looking for the same so please let me know if you find something and I will do the same.

OK spaceman, will do. Anything you are looking for in particular?

You don't state any requirements. I know a few for 1,500 on On Nut. What do you need in this apartment of yours?

The most important things are good internet, a quiet and good size room with a balcony and a comfortable bed. The closer it is too Onnut BTS the better.

If you know of anything suitable do let me know...

Hi all

I am looking to move from my apartment in Sukhumvit 101 to move nearer to Onnut.

Does anyone know where I can find a nice apartment for less than 8000 baht a month somewhere near Onnut BTS?

All help gratefully received

Cheers Graham

Edit: Phone number removed, please send PM if you can help.

There is a shop selling skateboards on the 2nd floor of Seacon Square. We just bought one for a 7 year old for 1600 baht. The shop was called Toys something... There is another shop on the fourth floor but it was closed when we were there and the boards were double the price of the other shop...