Ebumbu

So, I got final confirmation today that my right hip is trashed. No surprise. Bangkok Phuket orthopedist said I'm at "final stage" hip disease, which means bone on bone. I saw the x-ray and there was no space where the cartilage should be. He spent a very long time with me and answered every question I had. We even went into specifics about the materials for the implant. We discussed the direct-anterior approach and Dr. Phonthakorn Panichkul. This is his friend and they graduated medical school together. So, Dr. P would come to Phuket to do my surgery and help train my doctor in the anterior approach. They'd work together. Fine. I can't walk through an airport with luggage at this point, and I want to sleep in my own bed, have my own food, etc. I could be released in 3 days post surgery or so. Quick recovery. Thank you to everyone's helpful advice. I'm fortunate that I have top-level resources here. I can do follow up checks in Phuket. I'm not in a hurry, but I'm getting "shocks" of pain to the bad hip, doing normal things like brushing my teeth. May need tramadol, unfortunately. Steroid injection aren't possible because they would delay surgery and increase risk of infection. OK, this is life. Moving ahead.

Are you satisfied with your stability after four months? Where did you have your hip done? I'm reaching out to Bangkok Hospital and Bumrungrad. Getting X-rays today in Phuket. Then an MRI, I guess. Will try to get a cortisone injection before I'm wheelchair bound. Taking this very seriously now. Sudden decline. I did split squats and frog pose as rehab and it really tore me up. Thanks.

57.

How long until you were confident about walking without a cane or walker? How about going up and down stairs unassisted? I appreciate your input. Will read your long thread tomorrow. More data is better. Being without hip pain is going to be something I have not experienced in almost 10 years.

How was their wifi? I will need to get work done while recovering. I can listen to my audio books rather than a TV, hopefully. Spend the time productively. With anterior approach, they have you standing up on day two. Maybe walking to bathroom. Cool. Better a hip than a kidney or something.

Yes, will go for the steroid injection. Otherwise, we're looking at daily opioids to deal with this situation. Want to avoid. Dr. Phonthakorn Panichkul talked about a "bikini incision" for the anterior approach. Talked about lowering risk of infection, and I see they operate in positive-air flow spacesuits, apparently. I can't beat that. They look like they're working at the International Space Station. Doctor looks very young, but at least he won't keel over mid-way though. ???? Cost is going to bite me, but I get one chance at getting this right. Not sure how and if I can negotiate cost. Probably not. A hip is more important than a car. They're going to serve me up, but it will be a nice, clean room. Went to Mission Hospital here in Phuket for the first time. The place was dirty. I went for some dental work and wound up leaving partially because of stains on walls and ceiling. An immaculately clean place will help me stay calm. It won't be fun. Gotta do it.

Agree: I'm in a bad way. Any hip exercise will put me on the floor. I wanted to put this off until next year. Doesn't seem likely now. If I can't walk or stand, I'm out of time.

At this point, it appears that only Bumrungrad and Bangkok Hospital BKK have the anterior approach. I'm not obese, so I think I can get this approach. The Bangkok doctor is very impressive (Dr. Phonthakorn Panichkul). Probably going in this direction: https://www.nationthailand.com/life/30404357 Very impressed with the presentation. Seems low likelihood of a disaster. I think they can help coordinate travel assistance. Like Dr. Jack said, even hailing a taxi would be an ordeal. I need to be in a wheelchair, essentially. I can walk a few blocks, with a cane, max.

Hi Dr Jack. Thank for your PM. I may have some questions shortly. This hip thing has been a sudden crash. Now muscles are twitching, walking without one crutch isn't possible, and sleep is very difficult. Can't sleep on my right side (bad side). I'm out of time and feel overwhelmed. I will attempt to get a steroid shot in the joint to buy me some time. I've learned to look for the anterior approach for quicker recovery and less risk of dislocation. 550,000THB sounds too high, but not sure about traveling in this condition. So much effort to coordinate. Anyway, tomorrow I am getting to Bangkok Phuket hospital for evaluation. My top questions are about anterior approach and robot assisted surgery. Scary stuff for sure. I've never had surgery in my life. Never spent a night in a hospital. Aging is a challenge, eh? Also can't sleep on my back. I better start practicing I guess. Not sure if I can.

If this is true, he's my man. I noticed his qualifications before on the website and he is one of the doctors I intended to consult and visit. Must have anterior approach! Dislocations are 10x more common with posterior approach. Enough said! Also, need robotic surgery for absolute accuracy of placement, which is key to long-term success. I also made notes about "3D computer imaging during surgery." Important for placement. Gathering good info!

Super. Bangkok Phuket is 550,000 THB, and that's because of a special package deal. 350 is damn cheap compared to my country. It's 1/10th the price of US. I was expected at least 400,000 minimum. I will pursue this guy. Thank you!

Hi. Awesome. Which hospital please? What does Phythai mean? You had a private room? I am really just starting my search after I had a really serious hip flareup and am on crutches at the moment. Did you have a hip replacement? Thanks!

I'll ask the German doctor in Phuket for local recommendations for hip. I'll ask him how local compares to BKK. Good lead!

Thank you. I'm going to see this doctor on Thursday. He's been doing hips 15+ years. But, I better go with known specialists. Anyone know this guy? https://www.phukethospital.com/doctor/anupab-imsumran/ They seem to have a couple hip specialists. It's a place to start. Will mail results to other doctors. Usually, my intuition will kick in after I have more data.

Hello expats. I'm going to need a total hip replacement on my right hip. Can't put it off much longer. I'm told that Thailand's #1 hip surgeon is Dr. Chanakarn in Chiang Mai. On the other hand, my local Bangkok Phuket hospital seems to have seasoned and competent hip surgeons. I'd like to avoid the travel (partly because I can barely walk). But, I don't want to be stupid if Dr. Chanakarn is a miracle worker. I'm weighing options. This is too important to make cost a deciding factor. CM would be cheaper by 150k baht or more. Does anyone have experience with orthopedic surgeons in Thailand? Bangkok Hospital in Bangkok has a very seasoned guy who writes textbooks on this stuff. I figure I'll talk with three doctors. Thanks for any guidance!