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aussienam

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Posts posted by aussienam

  1. On 4/8/2023 at 12:58 PM, malathione said:

    Great but too bad that a similar kindness was not shown to the Uighur refugees.

    Sad because Uighir 're-education' camps in China as they coin it, appear to be harboring some hideous human rights atrocities, particularly the organ transplant business, where there is even an organ transplant express lane at Xinjiang Airport.  Uighirs and anyone else incarcerated are to supply the elite Chinese with spare body parts.  Estimated 25,000 - 50,000 executed a year. Falung Gong have copped it for decades.  CCP do not like religious practices.  They want citizens to worship Communism and Xi Jing Ping. 

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  2. Bizarre behaviour.  The look on the young man's face, his mannerism, definitely something amiss going on upstairs in his head.  

    I'd throw a wild guess at a schizophrenic relapse. Mix of alcohol and/or drugs perhaps with someone who has a mental illness.  Maybe off his meds for the vacation?  

    Outcome for him likely going to be very unfavorable.  

     

  3. 1 hour ago, Sheryl said:

    There is not the remotest similiarity between low cost private US medical services and services in Thai public hospitals (or public hospitals anywhere else for that matter).

     

    Problem seems to be that OP's friend is unwilling to put up with the challenges and inconveniences of public hospitals yet cannot afford private care.  Something is going to have to give, and if he can't change his attitude, it may be his life.

     

    Return to UK is also not impossible (unless he is unfit medically to fly), contrary to what the man has firmly convinced himself. But it does take some arranging to manage and with his attitude that is a non-starter.

     

     

    Thanks Sheryl for your extensive input to this post.  

    Agree on your points.  

    I was told by my friend that he gave up seeing a cardiologist on the day as he was physically suffering (dizzy/faint spells, very high blood pressure symptoms) and was getting very stressed to the point of fearing a heart attack.  His coping abilities seem very low. 

     

    His partner stayed with him but she's not Thai (cannot read Thai but can speak some of it) and paperwork was also getting confusing and stressful.  He's very frail. It appeared he could not see the cardiologist on the day after long hours waiting.  Travelling distances seems to be a stressful ordeal and therefore why he's now considering local again (Jomtien), to avoid what he obviously felt was an overwhelming ordeal to go through again. 

     

    The gentleman is considerably old, has a degree of cognitive decline added to it too, which includes considerable confusion.  Logical reasoning that you and me see as obvious isn't as clear for people with these issues.  I have a parent just like this. 

     

    In respect to ECG report, what was relayed to me I expressed in my words and his general summary.  I never saw the report. So low heart 'function' or whatever terms used may not be completely accurate.  I will see if he us willing to give me a copy of the report. 

     

    Yes, returning to the UK I feel is the most sensible option, even with the accommodation issues, but this is overwhelming and insurmountable for my friend.   

     

    What can we do?  I think this thread has exhausted options for now and hoping my friend will get to see a cardiologist soon and get some type of treatment (if deemed suitable). I don't want to bash his decison making.  Not my role and will respect what he decides. 

     

  4. On 4/1/2023 at 7:34 PM, Sheryl said:

    What exactly did the cardiologist who saw him at the Red Cross hospital say/advise? Enresto improves cardiac output in people with heart failure, it does nto treat heart block or other conduction defects which  slow heart rate suggests might be your friend's situation.

     

    Entresto can be gotten at large pharmacies or online here https://medtide.com/product/entresto-50-mg-28-tablets-box/

    (they have it in multiple strengeths, from 50 to 200 mg)

     

    It is an imported and new drug so expensive. Anywhere from 3,000 - 7,000 baht a month depending on the dosage

     

    And absolutely should not self prescribed. Among other  things there are potential interactions with other medications he may be on. Other medications for blood pressure may need to be discontinued or adjusted, for example since Enresto is a combination drug that includes an antihypertensive.

     

    I could advise better if given some idea what the findings were when he went to the hospital. Not all heart conditions are the same. Would also help to know what medications he currently takes.

     

    Would also help to know his nationality - some Embassies will help with airfare home in cases like this, some won't.

     

     

    Thanks for info.  My friend relayed to me he went to Red Cross, got ECG and report and went home. He did not get to consult with cardiologist.  He mentioned a blockage detected, low heart function. 

    That's all I know.  

    He is possibly going to try Jomtien Hospital, which someone he knows recommended.  Travelling distances for him at moment is too much.  He won't be returning to Red Cross. 

    He really needs to see a cardiologist ASAP of course. He said he will save up as much as he can to pay for appointment. 

     

    He's from England.  But no connections back there anymore = no accommodation and prohibitive costs.  He stated that he also cannot afford flights.  I had suggested he should go back there and get NHS cover. 

     

    Enresto med - would be too much for him anyway after seeing now the costs involved.  

     

    I appreciate feedback from everyone.  It's in God's hands pretty much from here on. 

     

  5. On 3/28/2023 at 6:24 PM, ubonr1971 said:

    Shyrly is correct. They will start with an EKG and then Echo for sure and probably a 24 to 48 hour heart monitor.

     

    If the heart function is low he should go on Entresto 100mg twice a day. Its the new miracle drug that raises heart function with proven results. Its half a beta blocker half something else that I cant be bothered looking up. My friend was on it and it worked for sure. Pacemaker might be required depending on diagnosis. 

     

    Why go to the small hospitals when top private hospitals as so close in bkk??? 

    Any idea where to get Entresto?  How much is it?  My friend is interested in seeking a doctor that may determine whether this as an appropriate medication for him. 

     

    Private hospitals too expensive. Public is only option for him.  We are talking very little funds to spare.  He won't travel to Bangkok due to costs and the stress of travelling too far.  

     

    Thanks again.

     

     

  6. On 3/25/2023 at 9:22 PM, Sheryl said:

    As I said - Ban Lamunag is definitely not the place to go for this.

     

    It is possible some of the cardiologists at these hospitals  have a private clinic but (1) would also likely be in Chonburi  or Sri Racha towns  and (2) would not have the needed capacities (tests etc) to diagnosis what sounds like his condition. All such clinics do is provide medication, just a step up from a simple pharmacy, and not what (from your description)  he needs

     

    Has he really not a single friend able to take him?

    Thanks.  He has someone who has offered a ride and probably opt now for Red Cross in Sri Racha.  Note taken regarding Banglamung.  Thanks very much for detailed response.  

  7. 1 hour ago, connda said:

    Government hospital - or - use this time to start accepting his mortality.  Get his affairs in order, draw up a Will and Living Will,  seek quality of life over extension of life, meditate, get his spiritual house in order and develop acceptance and self-compassion.

    Thanks.  My friend has already done this (Will). Quality of life is the issue as he is suffering with side effects. 

    • Thumbs Up 1
  8. 2 hours ago, scubascuba3 said:

    i would have thought Bang Lamung Hospital the only option

    Thanks. Think I'll suggest this to start with.  Other hospitals in Chonburi I'll explain if he needs further specialist care and if he'll accept the travel costs and distance to get there.  

    Seems there are no private clinics around. 

    • Like 1
  9. I am posting this on behalf of an elderly expat friend who has asked me to source him an affordable cardiologist.  He is deteriorating with heart rate falling dangerously low and functioning getting worse. Previous heart problems. I fear he is going to not make it very soon. 

     

    No health insurance, not sufficient self insurance funds.  Only living month to month on a low income pension. Very little savings in account. Unable to return to his home country, no home or relations there and cannot afford airfare.  I know, a really bad situation.  

     

    He has asked if there are any local cardiologist clinics that he won't get charged farang prices. I know many specialists run after hour practices/clinics outside their hospital shift hours and charge reasonable consultation fees. I have searched Google but so far no luck.  

     

    At this stage he just wants consultation and tests.  He is concerned travelling too far.  So looking in Pattaya area.

     

    Please no pointless posts on what this gentleman (he truly is) should have done. Have your digs, trolling and jibes somewhere else if that is what satisfies you.  Just constructive advice please from the decent folk here thanks. 

     

     

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