Tazmo

Should read, “ daily” instead of “ diary”

I go for mainly sourdough or tofu bread, from my own research, for healthy reasons. I get sourdough, freshly made dairy in my local Mai Rim area, at Green Hand Vegan Restaurant. They also make vegan burger buns; wholewheat bread, cakes etc. My wife orders it, as they sell fast! They will slice and also deliver. My second choice is Tofu bread, and black sesame wholewheat buns from Rim Ping. Recently they have had none in stock, saying “ machine broken “?? A new Kad Farang is in Mae Rim now, not all completed. But Nana Bakery is opening next week. So I shall try them, but looking at their menu, there’s no sourdough nor vegan choices! have had good wholewheat at ‘butter is better’, have their own bakery, they do a range of sandwiches, rolls etc. But not researched their ingredients! Also like Volks Bagel in Mae Rim, they also have a branch in Nimin. A huge range of bagels. Again not researched their ingredients.

Try SBC Insurance, they’re the best for cheaper premiums.( A European Insurer).

When I was working, I had annual check-ups in order to renew my Visa. The Company paid for it. Since Retirement , from 2017 I have been paying for an Annual general health check up, X-rays; blood tests ; EKG; Urine text ; medical examination, for a fee of 5K THB and extra if you want any other specific tests eg I had a kidney ultrasound. Now I see a Private Clinic advertising for this, but prices according to age and tests include those for older people, in the case of men it includes PSA ( prostate test) ; occult stool specimen etc. But their price is 15K THB. Now that’s a bit out of my budget! have had blood tests done at a Private lab which if far cheaper and might therefore do the same. I was wondering if others in the forum have any experience having annual check ups? I live in Chiang Mai, so costs and places here would be ideal. I understand that if an abnormality is found in the test, then you may be referred to the appropriate Specialist. Many Thanks

You don’t just ‘ get old’, you grow old. So it’s an ongoing lengthy process. it all depends on the Individual’s upbringing; culture; family history; beliefs about life. For me I had no choice but to go through the motions : school ; university; job: marriage; buy house; raise family; separation; divorce ( twice), then single for 30 years; play around; travel around; remarried at 70. I enjoyed it all, wasn’t keen on the academic education, but made good friends and got into sport which opened doors for my life experiences. Now, age- related health issues, taking time to accept and readjust my lifestyle, but glad that I am doing it. The mind is willing but the body isn’t, so accepting that and living on a pension is the challenge. Luckily I have an understanding partner. Been living like a ‘Retreat’ for nearly a year now and loving it. Still think about the so called “ good times”! Contented and pleased having made numerous changes; almost teetotal; vegan; reduced vastly any night life ; health wise I feel better for it, it’s now about the quality of life. But, hey, each to his own. I believe our genetic inheritance makes us the way we are. But through self awareness; self realisation we can make some changes accordingly.

1mg Lorazepam is good for a restful sleep, it’s short acting, and helps with jet lag too.

Archers ; UN Irish ; Crustys; Cafe du Siam ; The Score Sports Bar; ( google them for menu, all top quality and service)

Sounds like what others have already alluded to, and you know, “withdrawal symptoms “. You should seek help from an Addiction Center, possibly a Psychiatrist trained or experienced in opiates misuse. You can have methadone on a sliding scale, reducing over a period of time. Then in between you could agree to having a placebo in between. So that psychologically you will be able to come off the methadone all together without any withdrawal symptoms. Be aware also that some people suffer from depression after withdrawing from tramadol. There are specialists who can help, you may have to travel if not available in your area abe prepared to pay a bit. Residential care might be indicated.

“Safety” sadly is not uppermost in the minds of the Government or the people in Thailand. Tourists should be warned of that but some like those who hire motorcycles would ride without helmets! As one example. parents drive kids on their motorcycles without any protection! I know poverty is a factor but to put your child’s life at risk speaks volumes and should alert us to the fact that any industry or workplace does not implement and monitor health and safety. all should be educated, drivers and pedestrians. I won’t step on a zebra unless the driver looks like stopping! We are responsible for taking our own safety into consideration. Having said that prosecution for the driver for failing to stop, should be automatic!

One of the dangers of tramadol, which is not well documented, but I observed it in practice, is that upon stopping it you can become depressed, even suicidal. Not trying to scare you but it’s a fact. For nerve type pain, diclofenac 50-100 mogs is very effective, but make sure you get the good quality one, not the cheap Thai product!!i

I had a colonoscopy done in May and removal of 2 polyps, non- malignant. Was suffering from diarrhea for 2 months and one of my brothers had colorectal cancer ( diagnosed in his 80’s)! At first I had several antibiotics which never worked and saw a Gastroenterologist (Asst. Prof) who advised conservative treatment to try before colonoscopy. But it didn’t help and my stool occult blood was positive. So I went ahead with the colonoscopy. The sedation given was excellent, I never felt a thing and it was over quickly. Cost me over 25K Thai baht and follow up histology test showed no cancer. Follow up in a year. But my diarrhea persisted ( even though he said it will get better!) So I went for a second opinion and saw another Gastroenterologist who diagnosed that I had an Irritable Bowel. He gave me some new medication which helped, but I wasn’t able to keep the follow up appointment. However, I still have diarrhea unless I avoid certain foods, beer or Guinness 0% alcohol, the yeast seems to set it off ; no fried food, chips or fries in particular; no spicy food ; any milk except for soya! Found a new herbal medicine,FyboCalm at Holland and Barrett whilst on vacation in the UK, that helps. I will have a check up again, but felt more confident with the second Gastroenterologist, a less expensive hospital than my previous. And he was more thorough and showed understanding. From my research I couldn’t find any explanation for my condition, I conclude it’s an age thing, in my mid 70’s!

My partner traveled with me last year to the US. But although we traveled together, at Immigration we separated and saw different officers. She said that her officer was very pleasant and asked her about Thailand, saying he would like to visit one day! Don’t think there’s any need for her to worry, it’s normal to feel a bit anxious and they know that, but they don’t make it difficult.

I won’t use the word “ local”, mainly because of the language, interpretation etc I but I felt more accepted here than I did living in England ( lived there for most of my life). I believe because I am brown skinned and I am not trying to use the race card, but it’s a fact. I am often spoken to in Thai, people believing that I am a Thai. I first came for an International Cricket Tournament 24 years ago and identified with the culture, food, weather, people etc etc I moved here and worked for a while before retiring. I had to learn about working with Thais, as you would moving to any country.

Thanks for the latest and all the various suggestions. Sorry to sound cliche, but I heard it all before! I’m fully aware of costs with aging; history etc etc, and all the limitations, risks etc, but I have taken the decision to opt out. I will continue as usual to pay as I go. I have paid several thousands to date! In my last job here in Thailand, the Company’s Insurance didn’t cover me because I was over 65. I never knew this until my Medical check up for my last work permit! I was reimbursed by my Company for that bill. I can still get Travel Insurance at a reasonable price for now anyway. But I appreciate your time and contributions.

As I worked for the NHS in the UK, I never had Health Insurance. But a few years after retiring in Thailand, I read that Insurance would be necessary to renew your visa. I researched several Companies,then contacted a Broker who insisted that I need Insurance cover. I took out a Policy in 2019 for £2,711.31 per year. Then found out from my Visa Agent that with my visa, no Insurance was necessary. However I continued with the Policy, although the Premium kept increasing each year and I had made no claims. I have been paying for my own hospital treatment, which included in patient for dengue fever etc etc and most recently paid, 28K THB for a colonoscopy and removal of polyps. My excess on my Policy is £2,000. so I am unable to claim, for anything less than that, and reducing the 'excess' will increase my premium! This year my premium has climbed to £3,148.09. I decided to cancel the Policy altogether. I can’t afford it on my pension! I realize it’s taking a risk Incase of emergencies, but hopefully I will return to the UK if anything major is required. Any experience with Insurance cover for the over 70’s?