bamboozled

I'm told Dr. Ampica's schedule is full. I'm waiting to hear back from them about who can see me in her place.

5 minutes ago, Mike Lister said:

There is a new Sriphat building that has been in place for a few years, it is completely unlike the old Sriphat building. There are no queues and there is no waiting. Dr Ampica does not have her own clinic as far as I know, she is semi retired, her details and hours are here: https://sriphat.med.cmu.ac.th/en/doctor/detail/124

 

The new building is located here: https://sriphat.med.cmu.ac.th/en/contact It is a multi floor high rise and Dr Ampica is on the 2nd floor. The building is located some distance West of the old one and is signposted as Sriphat OPD..

Much gratitude, Mike. I've noted that building in passing and happy to read your post about the much easier usage. I'll be there on Sunday or Tuesday, for sure. Thank you!

3 minutes ago, Mike Lister said:

My experience is that family doctors here are fine for the routine stuff and the first look at anything that doesn't appear serious but after that, go see a specialist and cut the GP out of your loop. If you have thyroid related concerns, my advice is to go to Sriphat and see Ass. Prof Dr Ampica who consults on Tuesday and Sunday for a few hours each day. She is widely regarded as the foremost endocrinologist in the North and is a lovely lady. A consultation will set you back 700 baht and will be worth every satang. I suggest that TSH at that point in the range, may need an expert opinion.

This is gold, Mike, thanks. Chatting with my sis last night, she pushed me toward finding an endocrinologist as well but I didn't know where to start and honestly I was getting bogged down mentally with all the things that might or might not be "wrong" with me. If she's only there on Tues. and Sun. she must have a clinic somewhere? I've always shied away from Sriphat because of the massive crowds. Plus it's a confusing space. I will search her out. Can one make an appointment, do you know?

11 minutes ago, Mike Lister said:

As you say, the FBS is a quick and inexpensive test that can be a pointer towards needing to do the A1C, if it comes in very high or very low. If an FBS test comes in at 130 after fasting for nine hours, that's a pretty good indicator of the need to do an A1C, quickly. But if it comes in at say 105 in the morning, that's not conclusive of anything.

 

I'm getting ready to have my thyroid removed in ten days time so I can confirm thyroid tests are an important part of any blood test series. It is important to monitor TSH levels  and also free T4 to make sure they are in range. But it's equally as important to monitor those results over time and watch whether they rise or fall because that can be an indicator. My TSH levels were falling which is a sign of an enlarged thyroid which can be indicative of follicular tumors which may or may not be benign. Even though the result is still in range, the fact the numbers are falling is a red flag. Fortunately, most thyroid cancers are slow growing so there is time to react, but only if you test and track. 

I wish you well on the surgery...unpleasant to say the least. My TSH is 3.924. which is almost the top of the accepted level. It's up a little bit from 3 years ago when it was 3.49. Certainly, I'm no doctor but I will bring it up with one. ...Hard to get any personalized care/discerning care especially with nebulous ailments like, "Oh, I'm tired/oh, I'm achy", etc... Or test results that fall within the accepted range but nonetheless might be out of whack for me or you. My FBS was 86 which seems fine but...

9 hours ago, Lacessit said:

Did your blood testing include haematology? There are about 16 parameters in it, including variables such as white blood cell count, neutrophils, haemoglobin etc. Worthwhile checking for any abnormality.

It did include white blood cell and hemoglobin and some others, too. Just counting: 15 different tests. Hmm, my WBC was just over the minimum level. I've been confused about that one a bit. If you have high WBC, it shows you might have an infection. But low and you might GET an infection. And fatigue I'm reading. I'll have to check it again. Thanks for the input.

9 hours ago, Mike Lister said:

The FBS gives a single measurement reading at the time the test was taken and that's all, blood sugar spikes and drops throughout the day and night so no two readings are likely to be the same. The Dawn Phenomenon is where blood sugar readings spike first thing in the morning, before a person has eaten, that spike doesn't mean the person is diabetic necessarily.

 

It is not even remotely likely that a single FBS reading can confirm or rule out diabetes, it just isn't possible. The HbA1c test measures glycated red blood cells that have a life of 90 days. Sugar in the blood attaches to the blood cells hence measuring the volume of them determines blood sugar levels over 90 days, not just the one second the blood sample was taken.

 

You need to do some more reading, the FBS is not what you think it is.

Googling it again, it's a bit confusing, true. I'll do some more reading and get the test along with some others. I wonder why they do the FBS test and not the A1C? Probably cheaper. My sister, who has Hashimoto's disease, had me looking at the thyroid tests I've had over the past 3 years. One of the levels is close to the upper register and has been. No doctor flagged it but I'm going to point that out and get another test. Maybe I have hypothyroidism which would account for some of my symptoms.

6 hours ago, Mike Lister said:

A1C is a blood test.

Hey Mike,

I'm reading that the FBS test I had (fasting blood sugar) is now the go-to for diabetes testing and is more accurate than the A1C. WEll, that's what the internet told me. So, I guess I WAS tested for diabetes and it was negative. Darn, thought we were on to something! Thanks for your help!

Well heck, I don't know. I guess I didn't get that test. Hmm, I will be getting some tests I think about the end of the month, if not before, and will be sure to ask about that one. Thanks so much!

I just looked up the symptoms and I could have many of them but it's too subjective to make any conclusions. Who doesn't have itchy skin, gets up to pee, is tired, etc....?

5 hours ago, Mike Lister said:

It's often listed as HbA1c. A1C shows the number of glycated red blood cells which have a life span of about 90 days, therefore, the test shows your sugar levels over that same period and is the gold standard test for blood sugar.

Is it tested in the urine or blood? My urine test has an indication of something A:C and it is under 3.4. And next to "Sugar" it says "Negative". Maybe I'm the diet version: sugar free?

Interestingly, re-reviewing my results, I see I have a tiny renal cyst which I didn't know about or forgot about or it's of no concern so they noted it on paper but didn't mention it. Hmm.... I have you to thank for that.

Hi Peter, I'll have a look. I think they tested for that a couple months ago. I would think so, at least, when getting a physical. ....Just checked. I can't find "A1c" listed but it says blood sugar "normal". And FBS (fasting blood sugar) 86 which is right in the middle of the indicated range. Hopefully, that covers it? Thanks for your post!

Doesn't turmeric grow all over Thailand almost like a weed? 2 million kg of turmeric seems like an awful lot. Is it really used so much? Is that raw turmeric that is then refined to powder form?

28 minutes ago, AAArdvark said:

CM medical Clinic

Thai woman doctor with British husband assistant 

I've heard of that one. Near Wat Jed Yot, is that right? Thank you!

2 hours ago, Sheryl said:

https://www.healthcaremedicalclinic.com/

 

Used by many CM residents

Hi Sheryl, I've been there and I'm not a fan. But thank you for the input!

3 hours ago, ChrisKC said:

Although I haven't lived in chiang mai for a few years, I too, used this same doctor. New point here: every time I went there it was crowded but I waited only 40 minutes. This doctor knows his stuff and gets on with it. 

Thanks Chris. I've got to get over there. Of course, after I wrote this post, I started to feel better. I'm kind of waiting for a downturn so I can go when actually experiencing the symptoms. At least they can feel the swollen glands.

6 hours ago, alanrchase said:

If you have had a physical check and everything is ok maybe try a dentist. Wisdom teeth problems can cause several of the symptoms you describe.

That's interesting. I do often have pain from my teeth and think it's a cavity. And then it passes/dentist finds nothing. I've had a doctor look up my nose with a scope and found no evidence of infection but I'm sort of attached to the idea that something is going on there. However, why don't I show a fever or any signs in a blood test....if there was some "secret" infection?

6 hours ago, Mike Lister said:

Have you done any blood tests? Maybe, a CBC (complete blood count) will be helpful to see if your body is fighting an infection somewhere, that may yield some clues. You can get a CBC done on a walk in basis at the CMU Outreach Clinic at Mee Chok Plaza, costs about 150 baht, results next day (via email if you wish). Another option is to ask moderator @Sheryl for some tips/pointers.

Yes, I just had a full physical and nothing amiss. Blood is fine at least for the tests done. Thyroid fine. Testosterone fine. B12 is fine. Thank you very much for the info and thoughts.

7 hours ago, MattATX said:

Given the symptoms and the length, it could also be allergies. 

I've thought of that but it's such a hard thing to tackle. Thank you.

This is great info! Thank you!

4 hours ago, Red Phoenix said:

Did you have covid-19 and if so when and how many times?  And were you covid-19 vaccinated?

Your symptoms sound like 'long covid' or vax-injury. 

It's clearly not 'in your head', the excuse given when there is no indication of the cause.

Do visit a medical doctor to get advice on how to treat the symptoms and causes of your condition.

Wish you a speedy recovery!

Thanks Red! I've never had Covid that I know of. I thought I had it a few times but tests were negative. I, too, thought it sounded like long Covid or, gasp, vax injury (have had 3 vax). I've so far never gone down that avenue about vaccines. It's true that I've had this sensation for years and years but it was never so often. I've always just shaken it off, I never seem to have an actual fever, and go on my way the best I can until it passes. However, it's become more frequent and more debilitating. Maybe just getting old? Since there have never been any ways to measure my "feeling" (nothing that so far can be measured), I don't think it is a flu or something contagious. I do have a rather stressed personality and thought that the stress might be manifesting as these symptoms. That is, the symptoms are real but are brought on my own stressful self. Much the way we can get a headache or upset stomach from stress. I don't discount that possibility. And I'm working on the de-stressing but it's a long slog.

30 minutes ago, Mike Lister said:

The Loi Kroh Clinic has a very good reputation and has for many years, Dr Tawatchai has excellent English nd is very highly regarded.

 

https://www.facebook.com/loikrohclinic

Thanks! I've driven past it many a time. Will check it out!

Hi folks, I'm looking for a doctor/clinic outside of a hospital (quicker in/out and hopefully more personal care) that can take me under her/his wing and fix me. Other than the one on Hang Dong road, please. I am feeling flu-like about every other day: sore throat, swollen glands in neck, achy and very fatigued. It comes and goes and I don't have a fever. And then the next morning it will be gone but resurface either in the afternoon or the next day. It feels like a flu coming on or a bad cold and has been going on for months and getting worse, it seems. I've had a general physical and nothing amiss. Is it all in my head? Could be. It's debilitating. If not in my head, I'm thinking an allergy, perhaps, or something with my sinuses due to a history of sinus infections and the pressure I feel on one side of head. Any recommends for doctors?

Thank you.

9 hours ago, megapix said:

Yup. But on their website all I see is just single entry

That's quite a haul for a visa. But I get it!

Colombo....Sri Lanka?

Certificate of residency, copy of TM30, extension of stay/visa, TM6, entry stamp, medical certificate, and the number you'll get after completing the online video. And you need passport and old license. If you are getting both car and moto you need 2 sets of all documents. I just had one official Cert. of Residency and copied it. I paid for 2 med. certificates but maybe a photocopy would have been fine. It was cost 700 baht and change for both.

Success! For my new friends who lost sleep last night worrying if I had all my documents together or not: I am now the almost sinfully prideful holder of a shiny new, bumping up against 6-year validity, car drivers license and the identical item pertaining to the operation of a motorized two-wheeled vehicle (no, not a wheelbarrow). The officer did indeed want to know the numerical code which I received after watching the hour-long video mentioned previously. So don't skip that part in Chiang Mai. Strangely, they still haven't made the image on the license itself any larger or clearer. I could be a lot of different people based on the photo.

Thanks all!