anexpat

4 hours ago, khunpa said:

This is going to get much worse and go on for a long time. When It finally ends,

most people will not be able to afford to travel on holiday to Thailand.

 

So who wants to?

Hey Mr. Health Minister,

- You don’t need to kick me out of your sick country. I’ve already left, feels good, too!

7 hours ago, Borzandy said:

In Los money is money...

Pink Floyd’s covered this subject on a worldwide scale...

6 hours ago, webfact said:

He disclosed that the Public Health Ministry has already upgraded its readiness, in line with the situation, and has mobilized all resources available to be posted at various locations, including air and sea ports and border crossings, to screen tourist arrivals, especially those from China.

I crossed the Trat-Koh Kong border crossing 5~6 days ago. Neither medical checks, e.g. fever, nor any questions about the Coronavirus, e.g. Have you been to China? Have a cough? were asked by either side. The Quarantine Office on the Koh Kong side was closed! 
 

Ahh... Note that the quote posted above says that the ‘resources’ are *to be posted* [when?] *at various locations* [wouldn’t all locations be more appropriate?]
 

T.I.T.

On 1/21/2020 at 10:50 PM, Sheryl said:

 

The Estimared Average Glucose is derived directly from the HbA1C. It just converts from a score to an average blood sugar reading for the same time frame.

 

But that is average over the whole time period so captures both fasting and post prandial. So the fasting glucose normal ranges don't apply.

 

An EAG if 108 is fine. Not prediabetic.

 

By the way fasting glucose levels are easily affected by stress and some people (myself included) have higher readings on samples done in a hospital than tested at home. My Hba1c is perfectly normal and at home so is my fasting glucose. But on tests done at a lab or hosputal it is a good 10 points higher. A type of "white coat syndrome" or response to the stress of longer without food and painful blood draw (very in my case as they usually have trouble getting a vein).

Thank You for posting this, Sheryl. Most interesting to read! Copied into my notepad for reference! Always good to learn something new... ????
- anexpat

Hello Everyone!

                       To start this topic right, may I give a few statistics I believe are correct, thanks:

- Healthy HbA1c is <5.7 %

- Healthy fasting Glucose level is <100 mg/dL

- Fasting Glucose level over 100 mg/dL but <126 mg/dL is prediabetic 

- Fasting Glucose level over 126 mg/dL indicates diabetes

I believe those are the correct numbers?

My last medical checkup (12/2019) showed the following:

My HbA1c was 5.4%, so that’s within the healthy reference range (I know HbA1c measures glucose over several (maybe three) months)

But my report also said, “Estimated Average Glucose... 108 mg/dL. It did not say if that was for Fasting Glucose or not, I am *assuming* it is, nor does the report indicate that 108 is either above or below the healthy reference range. I am also *assuming* that this 108 number covers the same time period that the HbA1 covered. On the specific date of my check up, my Fasting Glucose was 96 mg/dL.

However, if the stats I used when starting this post are accurate, 108 mg/dL *is* prediabetic. 
 

Cut to the chase: my HbA1c is OK, but my Estimated Average Glucose is not, *assuming* the same time period has been covered.
 

This, to me, is a contradiction that I do not understand. Can anybody out there please explain how this can be possible? I *do not* mean to be rude, but I don’t want guesses or assumptions as replies. I’d like to hear from somebody who knows the answer, thanks! This is not just an off the cuff question, a close family member had Type 1 diabetes and passed away far too soon from it.

Again, thank you all very much for reading this, I hope 2020 is getting off to a good start for you!

This goes against the general sway of opinion in the replies here, but, but I’m in Bangkok now (I don’t come to the LOS often), and I have truly been astounded by the number of drivers who have slowed down or even stopped (traffic permitting) to let me cross the road. That’s for real, people.

On 1/12/2020 at 11:31 AM, Sheryl said:

Cardiac calcium  scores are not exact and the difference between 328 and 389   is not necessarily significant so do not panic there.

 

However regardless with a score in the 300's  you should have a stress test and depending on results possibly an angiogram. (Could also go direct to an angiogram but it is expensive and invasive so most doctors would recommend stress test first).

 

I highly recommend Prof. Taworn Suithichaiyakul (sometimes spelled Thaworn). US trained and president of the Thai Heart Association. He can be seen at Bangkok Christian Hospital moist mornings and some afternoons.

https://www.bch.in.th/find-doctor/doctor-profile/?smid=4730

He is there tomorrow from 8 AM - 4 Pm but call to be sure. 02-625-9000, 02- 760-9000

 

At BCH usually no appointment is required but it is first come, first serve and should arrive early to get in the the queue. You will need to register first for a patient number.

 

Obviously, bring the results of both CTs with you along with any recent blood work and names of any medications you are on.

 

 

Thank you so much for your reply, Sheryl! I’m sure you owe me nothing, so for you to take time for me... tells me what a kind person you are.

That’s not a glib compliment!

Thanks, ezzra! I’ll check your Harvard info out now!

Hi Sheryl,

              Several members of Pattaya Addicts messaged me, suggesting that I contact you (I am currently in Bangkok)- they have posted in Pattaya Addicts, my topic’s titled ‘Coronary Artery Disease- Urgent!’ about my Coronary Calcium Score. They say, I believe, that you have a medical background and know the top doctors around Thailand (or S.E. Asia?)

Briefly, my Coronary Calcium Score was 328 in January, 2019, by December, 2019 it had risen to 389- an 18% rise! A score over 400 indicates ‘high likelihood of significant stenosis and high cardiovascular risk.’ I’m concerned!

*If* you have time to kindly recommend a doctor that could help me with this health issue, I’d be very, very grateful to you! I know we all have our busy lives, and I do understand that you may not have time for this. Of course I’m hoping you do!

 I’ve been to Bumrungrad about this, and was (understatement) really disappointed with the doctor there. 

 I’ll have to leave Thailand by January 22nd due to visa rules, so time’s starting to run low. 
 

I think that about sums it up, but if you want/need any more information, I’ll respond immediately!

Thank you for reading this. Enjoy your Sunday!

Best Regards,

anexpat

20 hours ago, ukrules said:

Always use a VPN on a network that you don't control. Make sure that you do control the VPN - this is where most people fail. If it's not your own VPN server then who's is it?

 

Yes, VPN, good idea. But even VPN’s aren’t perfect. You may like to check that- so, after your VPN’s running, run www.dnsleaktest.com which will double check the IP that your VPN assigned you. Obviously, the IP result should match your VPN’s. If not, some monkey business is going on.

6 hours ago, smedly said:

 

- they have foolishly overestimated the value that tourists from places like India and China bring here.

 

Thai authorities think that big numbers translate to big revenue - well it doesn't, they have alienated the big spenders who are now going elsewhere - to places were they fell welcomed and treated properly

Yes. I don’t care why they treat Westerners with contempt, (I missed that ‘contempt’ paragraph) but I *don’t holiday in countries that have that attitude. There are plenty of friendlier places to visit!

Just in passing, smedly, you mentioned the value that tourists from China bring as ‘overestimated.’ I guess you haven’t seen Chinese women get revved up for a high-end shopping binge! Like, fire in the hole!

4 hours ago, ezzra said:

I could never understand why the Thai police allowing a known criminal outfit to operate in Thailand pretty much in the open, the Thai police are not known for softness or being politically correct, so what is stopping them from eliminating such a foreign blight on Thai soil.... 

The answer is a short list:

1. Tea Money.

2..........?

p.s. They found dope inside a candle? Who thought to check the candle? Sherlock Holmes deduced it? 

5 hours ago, samsensam said:

 

a woman cycling on the footpath hit me the other day, as she had momentum she careered off and hit a concrete pole, i was fine. karma.

 

i looked round to check she was ok, she glared at me as if it was my fault.

She didn’t check to see if you were OK, so why care about her? If she were dead, she wouldn’t be injuring people any more (although you luckily weren’t). 
 

I hope she cracked the pole!
 

*If the woman is Thai and you’re a farang, of course it’s 100% your fault! 
 

That’s T.I.T. 101.

Millions expected; billions will be spent... *next year.*

There’s always a “next year.” 555

7 hours ago, ChipButty said:

Are these just desperate measures? I know many people just dont come here no more and people have moved out altogether even my daughter has not been here for years she thinks it's boring with the stupid drinking times, 

I’ll second that!

Quote, “The country will act as hood hosts.” Saying ‘will act’ (future tense) implies the country has been not been good hosts before. Comparing Thailand to neighbouring countries, that’s true, Thailand’s current ‘hospitality’ is, IMO, the worst in the region. 
 

If I’m wrong, no problem, I definitely don’t need Thailand. The place is a waste of time, compared to where I could be.

22 hours ago, StayinThailand2much said:

Vans and taxis? Try the skytrain... (Took these photos this morning.) This enterprise IMHO is a disgrace! A big money spinner due to high demand, but with little money reinvested.

 

Well your pics show that it’s no picnic there for sure, but I’m guessing you never had to cope with Bangkok traffic when there *was no Skytrain. Guess what? It was worse.

You took the photos in the morning? The clock in your first photo says 2:10 pm... Can’t be in the am, ‘cause the Skytrain closes at midnight...

I have read this forum daily for some months now, seldom if ever reply because the replies are usually just crap thrown by the peanut gallery... But this OP topic takes the cake- tourists face jail, not a word about Thai people facing the same fate for the same misdemeanour.

So, the Thais have invented *another reason to make tourists feel unwelcome! And, some new reason tomorrow? 

Don’t worry, Thais, I got sick of you and your country long ago. Fact: Too many better choices in Southeast Asia!

7 hours ago, alfalfa19 said:

I have seen extraordinary racism in thailand towards Indians.  I don't know if it's justified or not, I have little experience with Indians in Thailand.  The ones I meet here in the US seem alright. 

Thailand & The US are two different places. It was often said Indian people were denied admittance to WS bars, I often heard the ‘4 Indians- one draught beer and 4 straws per hour’ story. 

Now the Chinese are no longer interested in Thailand- and Lo and Behold! Indians are now most welcome! 

How long before the Indians ‘extraordinary racism in Thailand towards Indian people’ makes them want to go elsewhere? It’s not hard to find better places in Southeast Asia.

Just now, anexpat said:

Break down Thai ‘society.’ Who rips tourists off the most? Likely, the police, so they don’t want other Thais ripping off ‘their’ tea money.

 

Best thing, Mr. Policeman, is to prioritize the ladyboys. They have a well-known reputation for dishonesty. You know where they are. 

 

We don’t want to know what you do when you detain them. But we can guess what happens to the ladyboys’ money... 

On 6/29/2019 at 7:28 PM, trainman34014 said:

 

TiT. Their country, their rules. Don’t like it? Don’t go/stay. That’s easy to do, worked for me.

I believe some nationalities get 15 days, some 30. Easy to check with Google who gets what, Canadians get 30 days (I’ve been doing land entries to Thailand for several years now, so I know). 

Correct that 2 land entries per calendar year is the max, but I read in these forums that that was being scrapped (at least temporarily) and replaced by unlimited land entries per calendar year. 

Does anyone have an update on that? Thanks.