Tazmo

The air quality last year March and April was extremely poor in CM. I went to Krabi for the duration, and doing the same this year. The weather was apparently very hot too! Records indicated an increase in hospital admissions for those with respiratory problems and deaths as well. Mostly premature deaths! The effects are not always evident on those who don’t have a history of respiratory disorders, but it is said to reduce one’s life span by up to 5 years. Steps have been taken to reduce the pollution this year and so far it seems better at this present time. A recent research indicated that aircraft fuel pollution is also a contributing factor. I do not advise friends or relatives to visit at this time of the year.

If someone has stopped alcohol abuse ( or any addictive behavior eg gambling; internet; food; sex; cannabis etc), the purists in Rehabilitation will view medication as a “ crutch “, replacing one with another. However, as with a broken leg, a crutch can be helpful, Once you have done the rehabilitation ( physio etc ). And with addiction you need to change your lifestyle; your environment; friends; places you go etc as these will trigger your addiction back to the start. Also get to know yourself; no point making derogatory remarks about others who choose to live different lifestyles, eg bar life. It might make you feel better in the short term, but the real test is how stronger have you become to stay “ clean “, without the necessary changes to your lifestyle. Some attend Support Groups, making new friends, short term medication if necessary; meditation works for some. Do you own research, have some counselling from a Specialist Addiction Counsellor to help you find your way to remaining sober. Doctors and medication is not often the best for someone who has indulged for many years, if that’s been your situation. It like putting a bandaid plaster on a deep open wound! But I would refrain from boasting on a website like this and attacking others. You need to stay clean mentally as well. You will never convince others who do not see a need for them to change! The Rehab Service I worked for had a motto, “ Change for Change “ !

Of course I don’t condone such behavior and I totally agree with you that it’s gross and unacceptable etc. But I believe one has to understand that if you’re inviting tourists, you will get a cross section of races, cultures etc and there fore the authorities have to understand that some will not comply with local decency. It therefore requires, education , monitoring and enforcing laws that require people to act responsibly. In extreme cases people have had their visas revoked, but it should apply across the board.

You’re right, it’s just racists having a rant. I have seen Westerners not suitably dressed entering bars ; they get turned away from Temples; some kissing and cuddling in Temple grounds. Not always a regular thing but it attracts attention, same here. Brown and black people do not sunbathe but may often lie in a hot place, beach ; swimming pool , fully clothed, sometimes after a few drinks. But Many here never try to understand different races nor cultures, colonial mentality. We all inherited genes that affects our views and behaviors, the education systems have failed in some countries.

It’s a very useful, valuable and helpful forum, for advice; support ; guidance; sometimes educational : It’s nice to be able to consult others who may have had previous experience in an area that you are about to encounter. Especially in a Country like Thailand where things change overnight and regulations and laws are not enforced; or there may be different practices in different regions/ districts. Some people are helpful and positive, others can be funny, while some can be rude, offensive. Many whinge a lot, which is why I tend to avoid Ex Pats forums. I found the same in the Middle East. People choose to migrate then spend the rest of their life whingeing about the locals. They all seem to believe that the West is superior, a Colonial mentality, since the accurate history is not taught in the the West. Interesting however to have just read from Medical research that Social Media (and Forums) is the major source of “ Irritability “ in Older People. So best to keep tuned and try to be helpful when you can is my motto, but take some stuff with a pinch of salt! But full credit to the hard- working and thoughtful people who have set this up and operate it. Regularly monitoring and improving such a free and valuable service, IMHO.

Yes, you’re correct. Apologies, mine was bloody because of the removal of polyps, and I didn’t make that clear.

I had one done at the Sriphat Hospital in Chiang Mai. It was 25K THB, but it was a package, which includes conscious sedation ( you feel nothing); fees for Surgeon; Nursing; Admin. and if polyps ( growths) are seen during the procedure they will be removed. I had 2 removed. Procedure can take up to or less than an hour. You are likely to pass bloody motions later, once only, usually. But may have an Irritable bowel after, depending on several factors. I am sensitive to spicy food; some diary products and beer! I paid separately for a Consultation visit and the bowel preparation meds( which by the way was comfortable for me ). It’s essential that your bowels which are very long is entirely clean, some foods eg meat, can remain in the bowel for several days. This can block the sighting of the surgeon and procedure has to be repeated. I also had to pay separately for a follow up appointment and the results of the pathology specimen. A sample is taken during the procedure and tested for cancer. Mine was negative thankfully! But it was value for money. I have been a Head Nurse for an Endoscopy and Day Surgery Unit so my judgment is based upon my professional experience. In the UK there’s a long waiting list, possibly being reduced now, unless you go privately. Good luck.

I have been going away to the seaside while I can afford it. Also has an air purifier at home in CM and in the car as well. People with chest conditions should not be exposed to the hazardous conditions. Sadly some can’t afford to move away temporarily and end up as a medical statistic, either in hospital admission or death. It’s not a question of we all have to die someday, but we can have a choice of not prolonging the agony of suffering long before death or suffering of our loved ones ( those who have). Primary prevention is getting there before the disease or illness eg with vaccines or taking other positive measures. Secondary, is having to have treatment for the condition, as an out-patient or in-patient. Teritary, is when the condition becomes chronic. Research has also proven that hereditary factors also play a part but we can still minimize the risk. My reply is not meant to be a sermon, but really just sharing my experience from 40 years in the Nursing profession, working in Sanatoriums ( In a coal- mining district), Chest Hospitals, Elderly care etc etc and watching helplessly at times as people suffer. Maybe after all it’s ‘ Karma’ ?? I somehow had to find the resilience to soldier on, because I felt we all are free to make our own choices in life, although some did not have much of a choice eg working in some conditions in the mining industry. But it’s irresponsible and selfish to label this topic as “ paranoia”, even if it’s prevalent in other countries, as some have indicated.

Spot on! Prevention better than cure, the old adage! But not many people subscribe to health education, primary prevention. They wait until they’re sick then go into hospital!

The reply that the “ vehicle is insured and not the driver “ seems to be the correct one. But maybe some Companies chose otherwise? I can help to find you a Company that will Insure you despite your age at a reasonable price. I am 75 ( soon) and still Insured to drive. See the flyer for details.

Hospital admissions for chest related conditions increases in Chiang Mai, during that time of the year. I use that as my indicator to leave for a couple months. It’s hard to measure when you’re preventing and protecting yourself against any health threats, thus improving the quality of your life. ”Cheap Charlies “ would never leave, I know a few, some no longer with us. But some understandably need to stay for job or other relevant reasons. The TAT never warns tourists about such dangers or even prevent large gatherings. An International tournament was held last April when the AQI was dangerous. It may not affect young active athletes, but there were many Seniors, here for the cheap beer, cigarettes and sunshine, so they believe. Each to their own. I counted my years and discovered that I now have less time left to live than I had lived until now. I feel like the kid who won a pack of candy; he ate the first few with pleasure, but when he realized there were few left, he began to savor them deeply. I no longer have time to put up with absurd people who, despite their chronological age, have not grown up. The essential is what makes life worth living. I want to surround myself with people who know how to touch people’s hearts… We have two lives, the second one starts when you realize that you have only one…. A rather long winded way to stress the importance of our health!

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.