Detached retina surgery

[NanLaew]

Any suggestions and recommendations for this treatment, either in Bangkok or the northeast. Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, etc.?

 

If anyone has undergone this procedure ad willing to share how much it cost, it would be most appreciated.

 

Thanks,

NL

[NewGuy]

Dr. Roy ( dry long last name), Rutnin Hospital, Asoke, is accomplished. Bring money.

[NewGuy]

Very, not dry dammit!

[Sheryl]

He means this doctor https://www.rutnin.com/en/doctor/detail.36.1_Roy_0_0.html#thumb

 

Who I do indeed recommend

 

BUT (1) If as it sounds you are in Issan not in Bangkok, might be better these days not to travel to Bkk (2) Rutnin is a private hospital and will cost 4-5x as much as a government hospital

 

In Issan the best option is Khon Kaen Univ Hospital (Srinagarind)

https://www.srinagarind.md.kku.ac.th/

However website seems to suggest it is "closed" - maybe call to clarify

 

next best options for government hospitals would be the main government hospital in Udon Thani  and Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital in Korat, both are regional level facilities

 

You could also try Bangkok Hospital Korat https://www.facebook.com/BKHIMS/

and St Matry's Hospital in Korat, both are private hospitals and the latter costs less than the former

 

Important!  Detached retina is an absolute emergency and delay could cost you your eyesight, permanently. See an opthalmologist at once.

[NanLaew]

Many thanks for the links and tips, very much appreciated. Apparently there's a quite highly rated opthalmologist in Udon that works the General Hospital as well as having a busy private practice.

 

The dangers of permanent sight impairment or loss is very real. Unfortunately there's not much chance of my getting immediate treatment where I am presently located. I may as well be on the ISS waiting for Boeing to sort their bloody Starliner out. My backup plan would be to go home to the UK where I wouldn't need to languish for 2 weeks in quarantine and get it sorted there.

 

Once again, thanks for the fast answers.

[steve187]

4 hours ago, NanLaew said:

Many thanks for the links and tips, very much appreciated. Apparently there's a quite highly rated opthalmologist in Udon that works the General Hospital as well as having a busy private practice.

 

The dangers of permanent sight impairment or loss is very real. Unfortunately there's not much chance of my getting immediate treatment where I am presently located. I may as well be on the ISS waiting for Boeing to sort their bloody Starliner out. My backup plan would be to go home to the UK where I wouldn't need to languish for 2 weeks in quarantine and get it sorted there.

 

Once again, thanks for the fast answers.

i had a detached retina back in 2011, i lost the sight complete in one eye, but after surgery the sight was restored, i would not wait, it needs dealing with immediately, i went to a local private hospital and they  wanted to refer me to another hospital in the same group, but 3 days later, i travelled to Bangkok, i saw a doctor in a large government hospital, she waited for me to arrive at 8pm, she then arranged the operation at a nearby private hospital, where she did the operation the next day, the operation in 2011 was 80,000thb ( i think, bill was paid by insurance) half the amount that the 1st hospital wanted, the doctor is Dr. Somsiri Sukavatcharin|Bumrungrad International Hospital  -hospital is โรงพยาบาล ตา หู คอ จมูก (eent.co.th) she works at various hospitals 

if i haven't mentioned it ' GET IT SORTED ASAP'

Edited August 21, 2021 by steve187

[bunnydrops]

I had it done in Khon Kaen many years ago, I do not remember his name. He teaches at the U and also worked out of the  of "Prat ram 9" hospital across from the Mall. I had about 1/3 sight gone and went the the government hospital in Korat. They would not be able to help me for about 2 weeks but a nurse there told me to contact this Doc. He told me to come right in. met him at the U hospital, but did the operation at Prat Ram 9. About 24000 baht. 3 days. But as I said this was 8 years ago.

[bunnydrops]

Maybe an explanation of the price difference from above. I only had to have the "bubble" injected into my eye. No cutting.

[thaibeachlovers]

4 hours ago, NanLaew said:

My backup plan would be to go home to the UK where I wouldn't need to languish for 2 weeks in quarantine and get it sorted there.

 

In the UK would you even qualify for NHS free treatment? I understand you have to be living in the UK to do so, but I may be wrong.

I believe that Moorfields Eye hospital in London has an A and E department where you can go without a GP referral, and Moorfields is perhaps the best eye hospital in the UK. It will have a web site if interested.

 

Given that even just travelling time to the UK may be too long to retain your sight, and the procedure is not particularly complicated I would suggest getting treated ASP in LOS would be the best solution.

 

Edited August 21, 2021 by thaibeachlovers

[bunnydrops]

6 hours ago, NanLaew said:

My backup plan would be to go home to the UK

I was told not to fly or do any hard work. My guess is that there must be a pressure difference that speeds up the process. How far along are you?

[NanLaew]

On 8/22/2021 at 6:29 AM, thaibeachlovers said:

In the UK would you even qualify for NHS free treatment? I understand you have to be living in the UK to do so, but I may be wrong.

I believe that Moorfields Eye hospital in London has an A and E department where you can go without a GP referral, and Moorfields is perhaps the best eye hospital in the UK. It will have a web site if interested.

 

Given that even just travelling time to the UK may be too long to retain your sight, and the procedure is not particularly complicated I would suggest getting treated ASP in LOS would be the best solution.

 

I wouldn't qualify for free NHS but what price is too much to save one's eyesight?

 

I can be in the UK within 24-hours and getting a consultation within a few days. Due to the dangers of more permanent damage, a referral will be pretty quick.

 

I am only 3 hours from Bangkok but I would then do 14 or 15 day ASQ before getting a consultation.

 

So far, my online inquiries about treatment in Thailand suggests that there's no elective surgery being done at government or private hospitals due to C-19 restrictions. These may be eased on 1st September, depending on government edict. This may also vary between provinces.

[NanLaew]

On 8/22/2021 at 8:06 AM, bunnydrops said:

On 8/22/2021 at 1:36 AM, NanLaew said:

My backup plan would be to go home to the UK

I was told not to fly or do any hard work. My guess is that there must be a pressure difference that speeds up the process. How far along are you?

My understanding is that flying isn't permitted for up to 12 weeks AFTER surgery, especially the ones where they either inject a bubble or totally replace the vitreous gel with something else. I haven't had anything done yet.

 

So my options are a 3 hour flight and a 2 week wait to get it done in Thailand (at a moderate cost) and then recuperate at home or, 20 hours of travel before getting it done pretty much immediately (and more expensively) in the UK but can't fly home to Thailand for at least 2 months.

[Sheryl]

34 minutes ago, NanLaew said:

My understanding is that flying isn't permitted for up to 12 weeks AFTER surgery, especially the ones where they either inject a bubble or totally replace the vitreous gel with something else. I haven't had anything done yet.

 

So my options are a 3 hour flight and a 2 week wait to get it done in Thailand (at a moderate cost) and then recuperate at home or, 20 hours of travel before getting it done pretty much immediately (and more expensively) in the UK but can't fly home to Thailand for at least 2 months.

Where are you now?

[NanLaew]

6 hours ago, Sheryl said:

Where are you now?

Offshore Malaysia. Project ends around 6 September. Nobody can replace me due to the mandatory 14-day pre-boarding quarantine for any replacement.

 

I can be ashore overnight and Malaysian MOH inbound Covid clearance formalities will be at least 48-hours. After that, it's a 1 hour domestic flight before 19 hours flying to the UK. I have a Seaman's ticket so I am exempt from the UK's inbound quarantine and testing rules. Otherwise it's about 2 hours flying to Bangkok... then 14 or 15 days ASQ, no exemptions.

 

I contacted a recommended private hospital specializing in eye surgery near my UK destination and gave them an ETA of around 17 September. The said the earliest consultation/referral would be 20 September. I am still working on the Thai options.

 

I could dodge a bullet and try and get this sorted in Kuala Lumpur very quickly but again, I would have to remain in city for at least 2 months post-op. KL's the equivalent of Bangkok's 'deep red' lock-down but on steroids.

Edited August 26, 2021 by NanLaew

[mokwit]

Contact the the Thai "eye doctor" association. There is a member in either Kalasin or Kon Khaen (forget which), but whether he can do detached retina I don't know. His name is not on the list of members on the web site but my girlfriend got it by 'phoning the association.

[Sheryl]

1 hour ago, NanLaew said:

Offshore Malaysia. Project ends around 6 September. Nobody can replace me due to the mandatory 14-day pre-boarding quarantine for any replacement.

 

I can be ashore overnight and Malaysian MOH inbound Covid clearance formalities will be at least 48-hours. After that, it's a 1 hour domestic flight before 19 hours flying to the UK. I have a Seaman's ticket so I am exempt from the UK's inbound quarantine and testing rules. Otherwise it's about 2 hours flying to Bangkok... then 14 or 15 days ASQ, no exemptions.

 

I contacted a recommended private hospital specializing in eye surgery near my UK destination and gave them an ETA of around 17 September. The said the earliest consultation/referral would be 20 September. I am still working on the Thai options.

 

I could dodge a bullet and try and get this sorted in Kuala Lumpur very quickly but again, I would have to remain in city for at least 2 months post-op. KL's the equivalent of Bangkok's 'deep red' lock-down but on steroids.

 

Why not get it treated in Malaysia? Very good health care there.

 

This really should not wait.

[NanLaew]

26 minutes ago, Sheryl said:

 

Why not get it treated in Malaysia? Very good health care there.

 

This really should not wait.

Depending on the procedure, I could be 'stuck' in Malaysia post-op since flying is not recommended. I have lived and worked in KL before and they do have facilities but I am unaware if they have stopped elective surgery same as they have in Thailand. The daily infection rates, red zones and other Covid related details in Malaysia are very similar to Thailands.

Edited August 26, 2021 by NanLaew

[Sheryl]

24 minutes ago, NanLaew said:

Depending on the procedure, I could be 'stuck' in Malaysia post-op since flying is not recommended. I have lived and worked in KL before and they do have facilities but I am unaware if they have stopped elective surgery same as they have in Thailand. The daily infection rates, red zones and other Covid related details in Malaysia are very similar to Thailands.

This is not an elective orocedure. It is energency surgery.

[NanLaew]

19 minutes ago, Sheryl said:

This is not an elective orocedure. It is energency surgery.

Agreed it is an emergency. So is Covid.

[Sheryl]

Just now, NanLaew said:

Agreed it is an emergency. So is Covid.

They still do emergency surgery during COVID.

 

Go to tje nearest Malaysian ER.

[NanLaew]

7 minutes ago, Sheryl said:

They still do emergency surgery during COVID.

 

Go to tje nearest Malaysian ER.

Agreed it is an emergency. So is Covid.

 

An eye doctor I spoke with in Thailand has stressed the urgency but acknowledges that Covid regulations are testing the lemergency facilities that have been set up in Thailand. Notably staffing is an issue as all doctors are involved with the call-out to support ongoing Covid-related issues in hospitals. An eye doctor may not be available at short notice but at least there is some sort of system. I am sure Malaysia offers similar.

 

But it also comes back to the question of being stuck in Malaysia after surgery. I have a home in both the UK and Thailand.

[NanLaew]

45 minutes ago, Sheryl said:

They still do emergency surgery during COVID.

 

Go to tje nearest Malaysian ER.

Doing some further research, I find that using a gas bubble intervention totally proscribes air travel until after the bubble has naturally dissipated. I have seen estimates from 4 to 12 weeks with the tendency towards the longer the safer/better.

 

I also read that removing the vitreous solution and using surgical silicone oil as part of the retinal surgery allows the patient to fly within a relatively short time. However, this will need a follow-up operation to remove/replace the oil.

 

Thanks for leading me towards further research and exploring my options in Malaysia. The bonus would be getting vaccinated while I am here as I am already registered for that through the compulsory MySejahtera app they use here.

[Sheryl]

You really, really need to stop delaying or you will lose your eyesight and travel delays will be the least of your problem - assuming that it is in fact retinal detachment.

[steve187]

7 hours ago, Sheryl said:

You really, really need to stop delaying or you will lose your eyesight and travel delays will be the least of your problem - assuming that it is in fact retinal detachment.

i agree with sheryl here, you really need to get it sorted, losing your eyesight is no fun, i lost mine for a day or so so i know,

you seem to be coming up with all sorts of reason not to see a specialist, can not travel, hospitals closed etc etc, get it sorted and then do the worrying about travel etc later

[phetphet]

Might  another option be Singapore?

 

Being that it is emergency surgery, there may even be exceptional rules regarding any ASQ. Whereby you are taken straight from the plane to hospital.

[Sheryl]

48 minutes ago, phetphet said:

Might  another option be Singapore?

 

Being that it is emergency surgery, there may even be exceptional rules regarding any ASQ. Whereby you are taken straight from the plane to hospital.

Plenty of good medical care where he is, in Malaysia. No need to deal with travel rules. He just needs to priortize this and go straight to the nearest hospital.

[LosLobo]

It is an emergency and time is of the essence.

 

Every hour is critical.

 

Back in 2006, treatment of my retinal detachment was delayed five days and even with world class medical care, I lost 50% of sight in that eye.

Edited August 27, 2021 by LosLobo

[NanLaew]

18 hours ago, Sheryl said:

You really, really need to stop delaying or you will lose your eyesight and travel delays will be the least of your problem - assuming that it is in fact retinal detachment.

I am not willfully delaying.

 

I am 1,000,000% aware of the urgency.

 

10 hours ago, steve187 said:

i agree with sheryl here, you really need to get it sorted, losing your eyesight is no fun, i lost mine for a day or so so i know,

you seem to be coming up with all sorts of reason not to see a specialist, can not travel, hospitals closed etc etc, get it sorted and then do the worrying about travel etc later

Funnily enough, I fully agree with sheryl too. That's why she has a prime spot in this thread and I am very thankful that she responded as soon as she did with good advice that lead me to pursue the options here in Malaysia.

 

Where have I said anywhere I don't want to see a doctor?

 

Where?

 

That's why your 'contribution' doesn't get a rating.

 

9 hours ago, Sheryl said:

Plenty of good medical care where he is, in Malaysia. No need to deal with travel rules. He just needs to priortize this and go straight to the nearest hospital.

Agreed.

 

I now have two appointments with specialists in KL. As soon as I get landed, clear the Malaysian MOH quarantine and PCR testing regime and fly to KL, I will take care of this.

 

Thanks for all the useful advice, experiences based on pre-Covid ease of travel and the other relevant comments. They are all very much appreciated.

 

This thread can be closed now.