Ebumbu

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!

Thanks to everyone for guidance. Will check www.aainsure.net with Sheryl's recommendations in mind. I'm 57. I can afford 100k baht a year, which is cheap by US standards, but I'm overwhelmed by options and choices.

My ship has come in: I can finally afford health insurance here in Thailand, but I have literally no experience buying it. Hoping for recommendations for agents, plans, and companies. I don't want to make a stupid mistake and find out later. I'm getting older, and Thailand is my home. Asking for guidance to avoid getting swindled. I'd like to choose an established company that's going to be around for many decades, so I don't get locked out after 80.

What's the deal with opening accounts and being American now? I opened current accounts 11 years ago.

Interesting. What's the rate? Thanks!

I see my question was already answered in the thread above. All good. Thanks!

Alright, so, to be on the safe side, I'll keep depositing 65k each month through October (renewal month). I already have the 800k in the Thai account. When I go to renew, I'll try the deposit method and hopefully it goes fine. If not, I have the deposit method as backup. My embassy no longer offers the affidavit. I understand that 3 months before extension is enough, but TIT, so I would rather be cautious. I'm doing it because it's easier and I won't forget to make a deposit one month and be screwed. Thanks!

Hi all. I have been on a retirement visa for 7 years, meaning yearly extensions based on income. I deposit 65k baht or more every month into my Thai account. I'm not due to extend until October. What would be involved with changing my method to the deposit method? I can deposit 800k baht in a Thai bank now and just leave it there. What are the steps? I happen to be in Phuket, but will move to Pattaya. Thanks!

Q: What has 4 legs and one arm? A: Rottweiler

Hello everyone. I have a complex US tax situation. I'm looking for referrals of firms and accountants who can be trusted and who understand expat issues. Thanks!

Working for me and I logged in. I will wait until a week before I'm due to try to process it online. Cool. Their message did indeed go into spam.

But seriously, I applied and got no email. It's not in spam. Do they need to approve and process it? I also did lost password (though I never set a password). I click send and get "success" message. Zero has arrived in my inbox. Nor in spam. I made no errors. Either their email system is delayed or they need meatware to check my submission.

Applied. Waiting for their email. Checked spam and found it: I'm Waiting for Your Text, I'm Jusy Laying in Bed [...]

Let's do the numbers. Porn is illegal in Thailand. We know so because the scary government screen that tells us "this site is blocked." Maybe jail time for viewing Porn Hub is possible. I dunno. Now, let's dress up like government officials and ask random Thais about their porn habits.

Great. Thanks.

Any recommendations for an above-average health insurer at a reasonable rate vs value? I only need it for emergencies, at least for now.