owenm

RA is a very painful auto immune disease particularly if left untreated. I have had RA for more than 10 yrs, and when correctly treated can lead to remission or semi normality. 

It is crucial to have regular blood tests every 3-4 mths to check on CRP levels and liver function levels, which can show normal results when your medication is under control for your particular condition. 

I am taking Hydroxacloriquin 200mg daily (same as Plaquinel), Methotrexate 1x a week, with Folic Acid 5mg daily 6x weekly, but not on Methatrexate day. Arava can be taken 3x a week if still not under control. Unfortunately taking these meds can also lead to ED.. The magic med that works wonders for severe RA sufferers is a biologic drug called Humira, which is sold in pen form for self injection fortnightly in the West but in Thailand with the hotter climate, performs equally taken only monthly. 

Humira isn't avail in Thailand as I was bringing over from AUS every 6-8 mths. PBS price AU$42 per month, normal price around AU$1600. Very expensive but works wonders. Must be refrigerated which isn't easy when bringing into Thailand on long flights but with cooler packs can do and maintain low temps. 

Seeing a rheumatoligist at Siriraj Hosp in Bkk which does bloods in 2 hrs and reasonable pricing.. 

South Korean manufactured film, with 99% UV A and B filtration and a dark grey metallic tint would be the best investment. Avoid inferior Chinese tint film that will definitely not perform as well. The labour component cost will be the same, but the film cost may be 100-150% more but well worth the additional investment. Seek out a reputable business that specialises in premium door, window and car tinting.. Heat reduction, additional insulation, less glare and fade reducing of furnishings are the benefits of using a premium film material. And insist on a one year plus warranty. Try Google or a reputable new car dealership for recommendations, would be my suggestion. And South Korean manufacturer.. 

The International Covid-19 Vaccination Certificate, which many countries have for international travel only, records your passport details, nationality, expiry date etc, and is recommended for ALL international travel. The standard yellow book is acceptable for domestic and in Thailand use, but not recognised for international travel by other countries, that require an internationally recognised certificate.. 

Pie Face are an Aussie pie chain making beef pies as well as chicken and vege. But unlike Maccas and Burger King that basically use their same recipe and ingredients worldwide with some local menu exceptions, Pie Face are a total let-down in Thailand. 

A sugar laced pastry over a beef or chicken pie was a total turn-off. Absolutely horrible, and with balls of fat in their beef mix. Nothing like their Aussie recipe. I know Thais love sugar and sweet foods in general, but in a savoury pie? 

I wrote on their Thai FB and expressed my displeasure at their offerings, and asked why they have changed the recipe? No reply back. I would have been a regular customer if their pies were decent. 

I had my AZ vaccine on April 14 and had nil side effects at all. My GP told me he had a sore arm and headaches, body aches that lasted up to 48 hrs. 

Not everyone has side effects after the vaccine.. I'm 62yo with autoimmune issues. Now I've taken the flu jab also which I do annually.. 

What ever happened with the Sinopharm that was being procurred in a public announcement only a couple of weeks ago, from a different source to the government? And has been on silent footing ever since.

Coming to Netflix on 26 May, and Thailand is usually one day behind US release date, so 27 May. 

And the 50yo buses roaming Bangkok will be 70+yrs and billowing more black pollutants.. Or EV public transport by 2050?

My GF recently had a PCR test, ah well, half of one anyway. A test swab in the nostril only, no throat swab. She was tested amongst 500 others who worked around the Khaosan Rd area of Bangkok. She told me that everyone tested, from the back of an ambulance, only had a nose swab. Is that normal in Thailand, as everywhere else has a nose and throat swab to be accurate? Except for the new Chinese test by touching your toes while they put a swab up the but!! 

Five days later and still waiting on the result. Tick, tock, tick, tock. And no self isolation while waiting on the result. Just go about your normal life while waiting. In the mean time, if positive means there could now be another 50.

A couple I know from Bang Yai in Nonthaburi have now both had their two Covid vaccines. The wife of the couple, 58yo had Sinovac with 14 days between the 2 doses. Her hubby, 70yo had the AstraZeneca jabs. His 2nd dose was today, and exactly 14 days after his initial dose. 

Worldwide, and also checking on Google, other countries are giving the 2nd AstraZeneca jab from 8-12 weeks after the first to increase the efficacy to 94%. With only a 2 week space between doses the efficacy reduces to around 67%.

Has anyone else noted this 14 day between doses being given to AZ recipients, the same as Sinovac? If this is occurring in Thailand wide spread, it is a worrying concern.. 

61 new local cases and 9 imported = total of 70, not 69 as reported.. 

In Australia I can buy small Leo beer through Aldi. AUD $18.99 for a 12 pack.. Only Thb 39 which is cheaper than me buying local beers

I had a TP extender in a bungalow away from the house but on same power supply. The signal amplified to more than double the output of original WiFi modem. Mind you the original modem was old and basic with limited range, but the extender output was far greater, more than double, and testing output using Speedtest app. Buy a well known brand though, otherwise could be a wasted exercise.. 

Sinovac China still hasn't completed third stage testing or received Thai FDA approvals but the Thais are still ready to roll it out.. Without a thorough testing regime who does really know how safe this vaccine will be long term? 

I thought I read previously that China's Sinovac wouldn't be used until Stage 3 trials were completed, and then apon FDA approval in Thailand.. 

It is now sounding like a done and confirmed deal.. I wonder who the Guinea pigs are going to be? 

7 hours ago, webfact said:

For the rest of the population a normal surgical mask would suffice, two layers were not necessary. 

With high levels of PM2.5, a single layer surgical face mask would suffice? Who is he kidding! Even a triple layer mask won't filter PM2.5.. 

I read that the Elite Visa 5 yr was increasing from Thb 500k to Thb 600k from Jan 1.. And that was an official government announcement.. So what is it? 

Download the Netflix app to your phone. Put in your account and p/w. Set up plan and payment type. Via your Visa /Mastercard /PayPal. Can organise auto monthly payments, too easy. 

It's always first in best dressed. Those countries that have signed up early are expecting access to Astra Zenica vaccines early 2021 to begin the vaccine program, but here Thailand hasn't even signed up, so maybe mid to late 2021 will have access.. 

And surely Thailand won't allow vaccinated tourists in if their own population hasn't rcd it yet.. A further unnecessary delay in kick-starting their lost tourism industry.. 

If the suspension is very tight on corrugated road surfaces, then reduce the tyre pressure by 2-3psi down to about 30-32psi cold.. This will definitely reduce the firmness of the ride quality. Also brand of tyres.. I've always loved the ride of the Michellin for comfort and reduced road noise.. One other option worth considering are after-market shocker dampers offering a softer ride experience.. 

The original recipe with 12 herbs and spices has been put on the back burner unfortunately in Thailand. I can't stand the zinger spicy chicken. In fact given the choice I'd be gouging on chicken feet instead..