Sawasdee Khrup, 

 

I'd like to get another assessment on recent heart tests indicating a leaky valve (at Maharaj, by a younger, junior level cardiologist), and would appreciate knowing who you may have seen, and your experience.

 

thanks, ~o:37;

I am a heart attack survivor along with other medical issues. I have been seeing Dr. Krit (sp?) a cardiologist at CMU Geriatric Medical Center. I'm extremely pleased with him and the other Docs at the GMC . I recently required a major surgical prodedure that he and Dr Ekkarin (sp?) (a surgeon) scheduled for me to be done at Sriphat. I can't say enough how pleased I was with Ekkain but that's a bit off topic. I can report that 2 days in the ICU and 5 days total in hospital was not easy on me but I have high praise for the staff.  It may not apply to your situation but I was pre-warned myself so passing it along. Expect to pay TWICE as much or more that their estimate. I was quoted 3000 USD... it was closer to 7000. I had 8000 set aside so was prepared. They would not bill my US insurance directly and cash required in full. As an aside, my US provider reimbursed me in full minus my deductable. Anyway, I would recommed CMU GMC over the zoo at Maharaj/Sriphat. It's easy to get to, relaxed atmosphere.

I see Dr. Apichart at Bangkok Hospital.  He was a professor at CMU for years before retiring several years ago because of their mandatory age 60 retirement policy and joined the staff at Bangkok Hospital-Chiang Mai.  A consultation won't cost much and he could recommend which professor to see at Sripat if you need more serious work and don't want to pay Bangkok Hospital prices.

 

I have a congenital heart defect with several "leaky valves" that are monitored periodically.  None are the mitral valve, the most common leaky valve for normal people.  Just because a valve has backflow doesn't mean that you need to have surgical repair right away.  Often the condition can be managed with medication, control of weight, not smoking, etc.  It's important to have the valve monitored periodically and access if it's creating a negative impact on your lifestyle.

On 12/16/2020 at 3:03 PM, NancyL said:

I see Dr. Apichart at Bangkok Hospital.  He was a professor at CMU for years before retiring several years ago because of their mandatory age 60 retirement policy and joined the staff at Bangkok Hospital-Chiang Mai.  A consultation won't cost much and he could recommend which professor to see at Sripat if you need more serious work and don't want to pay Bangkok Hospital prices.

 

I have a congenital heart defect with several "leaky valves" that are monitored periodically.  None are the mitral valve, the most common leaky valve for normal people.  Just because a valve has backflow doesn't mean that you need to have surgical repair right away.  Often the condition can be managed with medication, control of weight, not smoking, etc.  It's important to have the valve monitored periodically and access if it's creating a negative impact on your lifestyle.

 

Thanks, Khun Nancy, I saw Dr.Thanawat at Bangkok Hospital, who did an ECG and saw some afib; he seemed quite competent (of course, how would I know if a cardiologist was competent ???? ?). Dr. Thanawat waxed enthusiastic about a computerized pacemaker that would only cost five-hundred thousand baht ????

 

Because of the cost of further tests at BH, I went to ro Maharaj/Sriphat. I'm happy to tell you a very low-level dose of a beta-blocker (bisoprolol) has made the intermittent arrhythmia almost disappear.

 

cheers, ~o:37;

On 12/15/2020 at 3:18 PM, Dogberry said:

I would recommed CMU GMC over the zoo at Maharaj/Sriphat. It's easy to get to, relaxed atmosphere.

Khun Dogberry, Thanks for sharing your experiences ! I had not thought of going to the geriatric center,

 

As you may  know, I am a fusion of a human  mind/soul with an Orangutan mind/soul, in a human body ... the result of an indescribable singularity. I will check with the zoo to see if I can make an appointment; another opinion couldn't  hurt.

 

cheers, ~o:37;

Not sure if this is meaningful for you. If you use public transportation then nevermind. There is onsite parking at GMC and although it's been a bit crowded at times I've always gotten a space. A 20 meter walk to the door beats the heck out of parking a Suandok, and it's free. Another thing... It's all CMU (GMC/Sriphat) And although I did not avail myself of this offer I was told I could "check-in" at GMC and they'd wisk me to Sriphat in the ambulance, leaving my car a GMC for the duration. For what it's worth LOL. YMMV

Orang, I'm confused -- in your OP you said your problem is a "leaky valve" and then in another post you said that Dr. Thanawat diagnosed a-fib.  It's possible to have both, of course.  

 

Incidentally, Dr. Thanawat is competent, if a little overly enthusiastic about high tech hardware.  I'm surprised he'd recommend a pacemaker as the first line of treatment for a heart rhythm problem without trying medication and other options first.  

11 hours ago, NancyL said:

Orang, I'm confused -- in your OP you said your problem is a "leaky valve" and then in another post you said that Dr. Thanawat diagnosed a-fib.  It's possible to have both, of course.  

 

Incidentally, Dr. Thanawat is competent, if a little overly enthusiastic about high tech hardware.  I'm surprised he'd recommend a pacemaker as the first line of treatment for a heart rhythm problem without trying medication and other options first.  

A leaky valve can cause Afib.

Thank you all for your helpful comments and concern ! It seems the very low dose (way below the dose prescribed for  angina) of bisoprolol (beta-blocker)  has really  taken  care  of  the intermittent arrhythmia.' Complicating factors in  my case include treatment, this year, for hypothyroidism related to extensive oral/neck zone radiation for cancer (successfully treated 14 years ago).

 

This dance began eight months ago with episodes of dizziness/syncope that then abated, then  arrhythmia developed. I have no history  of hypertension, or high-blood-pressure (except when bicycling in Thai traffic !). And my blood oxygen levels are consistently optimal.

 

Looking forward to ... as far as possible, though other opinions on the ecg and echocardiogram .. of getting a sense of how far I can push myself aerobically and anaerobically via exercise. My life since age 30 has included regular aerobic work-outs, and red-hot saunas, cold-water swimming, etc. No smoking, no alcohol, but beaucoup de caffeine ????

 

~o:37;