MRI Scans.

[Tofer]

I noticed a topic on S Spine & Nerve Hospital 2 years ago, and would like to follow on from that earlier topic.

 

I recently visited Bangkok Hospital in Phuket with my sciatica problem, and was attended by the spine surgeon / physician Narote Treenarong, who appeared very professional, considerate and experienced. I was booked in for Xrays and an MRI scan, unfortunately I reacted with claustrophobia, being stuck head first in a tunnel scanner. As a result they could not definitively diagnose the problem, although the Xrays showed probable lumber spondylosis / spinal osteoarthritis. The nursing and admin staff were very efficient, helpful and considerate and the costs were comparatively reasonable - consultation @ B1,000, medical services @ B200, 4 x Xrays @ B2,430,and he gave me a 30 day course of Opalmon tablets @ B4,230. I was impressed that the medication was even slightly cheaper than my local and very reasonably priced pharmacy.

 

I was offered the option of an anesthetic to overcome the MRI claustrophobia problem, but the costs escalated from B13,000 to around B70,000 for the scan, so I have been considering the open scanner at S spine & Nerve Hospital in Bangkok for the MRI. Having read the post from 2 years hence, with the less than encouraging review of this hospital, I am now wondering what my options are. 

 

I've spoken to Bangkok Christian Hospital, but they only have a tunnel scanner at B8,500, a fair bit cheaper than most. He was appalled when I told him they fed me in head first in Phuket, and assured me feet first was OK, even that I could have my head outside the scanner, which makes sense since my problem appears to be (from my Xrays) around the L4-L5 & L5-S1 joints in the lumber region. I'm disappointed that Phuket BH did not come up with this as a solution, particularly as they said they get hundreds of people reacting the same way.

 

The important issue at this stage is to get an MRI scan to facilitate an accurate diagnosis, since disc herniations and/or bone impingement of the sciatic nerve cannot be identified without it, and would appreciate if anyone knows of an open type MRI scanner anywhere other than SSNH. I've already checked Krabi, Trang and Phuket. Surat Thani or Hatyai would also be convenient for me in Krabi.

[Sheryl]

Bangkok Hospital in Bangkok has an open MRI.

[Will B Good]

1 hour ago, Tofer said:

but the costs escalated from B13,000 to around B70,000 for the scan

Hell....that's cheap ....isn't it???

[ChaiyaTH]

CT/MRI scans always start at like 15,000 baht ish as far I experienced with accidents. That is excluding the fees of the big docs tho, those run easily to another 5-10K for a 15 minute chat.

[ChaiyaTH]

3 hours ago, Will B Good said:

Hell....that's cheap ....isn't it???

Not at all, certainly not in Thailand. The people who handle it get paid bogus salaries and the actually Doc fee comes after that. It's doable with western income and no insurance, I do agree on that end.

Edited October 26, 2021 by ChaiyaTH

[WhiteBuffaloATM]

Remember doing Phuket BPH MRI Brain Scan years back as part of a Full Routine Med Check every two years.still got the pictures ! 12k List Price. Head First always standard I thought. Not Clausto. but remember yelling at the tech NOT to leave his viewing area during the scan after seeing him try to walk out ! My irrational fear was a power cut whilst being left or stuck forgotten in there indefinitely …..CAT Heart Scan 8k I think then. MRI is 40 minutes so you really have to be able to just relax, close your eyes and go over some plans in your head or doze despite the metallic orchestra ! 

Or get Hypnotized. Sedation Option is far too expensive. Sheryl has found you an Open Scanner in Bangkok I see…….

[Will B Good]

4 minutes ago, WhiteBuffaloATM said:

Remember doing Phuket BPH MRI Brain Scan years back as part of a Full Routine Med Check every two years.still got the pictures ! 12k List Price. Head First always standard I thought. Not Clausto. but remember yelling at the tech NOT to leave his viewing area during the scan after seeing him try to walk out ! My irrational fear was a power cut whilst being left or stuck forgotten in there indefinitely …..CAT Heart Scan 8k I think then. MRI is 40 minutes so you really have to be able to just relax, close your eyes and go over some plans in your head or doze despite the metallic orchestra ! 

Or get Hypnotized. Sedation Option is far too expensive. Sheryl has found you an Open Scanner in Bangkok I see…….

I wonder what the fuss was about.......how easy is it lie there doing nothing for, as it turned out, 90 minutes!

 

But I was really struggling at the end and on the edge of crawling out.

 

The killer was holding my arms above my head whilst they remotely injected dyes.....that was so painful.

[WhiteBuffaloATM]

Forgot about the Dye  ! That Warm Rush like you’re about to wet yourself….But 90 minutes though, mine definitely 40 mins but only Brain.90 mins maybe Spine & Brain then ? or my brain so small !

[The Hammer2021]

Try and get over your irrational fear. Your inherent tension might be the cause of your sciatica which is an awful affliction but comes and goes without rhyme or reason. I find the MRI noises very relaxing and I usually sink into a deep sleepy trance.

Edited October 26, 2021 by The Hammer2021

[Golden Triangle]

I went to Bangkok Pattaya hospital when I started having balance problems, 25 k baht for a brain scan ( MRI ) that was about 3 or more years ago, I still have the CD of the event, they couldn't even get the date right. Took it to another hospital, same result, fall a huge scam.

 

Oh, and the problem gets progressively worse, chuffin great, not.

[Tofer]

18 hours ago, Will B Good said:

Hell....that's cheap ....isn't it???

I don't think so, not when Thais are charged B8,500.

 

I could get one done in an open scanner through a Harley St. (London) specialist for under stg. 300, however that's where the reasonable competitiveness ends in terms of charges and treatment.

 

I discovered yesterday that BCH only charge the regular B8,500 even for foreigners, but it's a tunnel type. BNH charge B15,000 and will administer, I presume, a sedative which they call "special medicine". 

[Tofer]

14 hours ago, WhiteBuffaloATM said:

Forgot about the Dye  ! That Warm Rush like you’re about to wet yourself….But 90 minutes though, mine definitely 40 mins but only Brain.90 mins maybe Spine & Brain then ? or my brain so small !

Ha Ha, good one. 

 

I was advised for my lumber region that it would take an hour.

 

From my perspective, it's not worth messing about again with a tunnel type, even feet first with medication, since the open type are no more expensive. In fact, SS&NH are the cheapest @ B12,500, plus their consultation at B1,700 ( a tad high), but a small price to pay for the stress less procedure, plus you get a second opinion on recommended treatment, assuming I would go elsewhere for treatment, since the opinion of that place in the last post on the subject.

Edited October 27, 2021 by Tofer

[Tofer]

18 hours ago, Sheryl said:

Bangkok Hospital in Bangkok has an open MRI.

Thank you Sheryl. Makes sense also, since I had Xrays from Phuket BH. I'll get onto them today.

[Tofer]

13 hours ago, The Hammer2021 said:

Try and get over your irrational fear. Your inherent tension might be the cause of your sciatica which is an awful affliction but comes and goes without rhyme or reason. I find the MRI noises very relaxing and I usually sink into a deep sleepy trance.

You are probably right, as I certainly feel more pain when I tense up, expecting the pain in my mind.

 

I took to humming "singing in the rain" in the shower to try to take my focus off the pain.... ????

 

They never got around to turning the monster machine on before I was annihilating the panic button, and getting out of there. ???? I surrender! At least, I would have raised my hands if there'd been room to move in there.

[Old Croc]

Even though it didn't work for you you're lucky you didn't have to try BHP's old scanner.  lt was so small I couldn't get my shoulders into the tunnel! They did later purchase a bigger model and even gave me a test run to try for size.  I was able to fit, but never did get around to having the scan.

I also discovered there was an open model in Bangkok and thought about going there, but my doctor at the time said the open model wasn't as effective.

[Tofer]

1 hour ago, Old Croc said:

Even though it didn't work for you you're lucky you didn't have to try BHP's old scanner.  lt was so small I couldn't get my shoulders into the tunnel! They did later purchase a bigger model and even gave me a test run to try for size.  I was able to fit, but never did get around to having the scan.

I also discovered there was an open model in Bangkok and thought about going there, but my doctor at the time said the open model wasn't as effective.

Maybe that's why they charge foreigners 50% more, since they've had to buy a bigger machine for us giants.

 

I've confirmed with BH in Bangkok, and they are coming back to me on price, initially B18,000 was quoted, then following my Yorkshire pleading they managed to find a promotion for B9,000, so happy days. The difference will cover my trip expenses, thereabouts.

 

Fingers crossed the open style does the job. I can't imagine they would use one otherwise. I think you were spun a line....

Edited October 27, 2021 by Tofer

[HashBrownHarry]

4 hours ago, Tofer said:

I don't think so, not when Thais are charged B8,500.

 

I could get one done in an open scanner through a Harley St. (London) specialist for under stg. 300, however that's where the reasonable competitiveness ends in terms of charges and treatment.

 

I discovered yesterday that BCH only charge the regular B8,500 even for foreigners, but it's a tunnel type. BNH charge B15,000 and will administer, I presume, a sedative which they call "special medicine". 

BKK / Khon Kaen was 9K - farang.

[Leveraged]

Maybe go back and ask for a dose of valium or something before going into the MRI 

[Tofer]

15 hours ago, Leveraged said:

Maybe go back and ask for a dose of valium or something before going into the MRI 

That is probably what the "special medicine is from BNH, unless they have a secret supply of magic cookies...

 

[Tofer]

21 hours ago, HashBrownHarry said:

BKK / Khon Kaen was 9K - farang.

Was that on a promotional package, or just their regular charge?

Edited October 28, 2021 by Tofer

[HashBrownHarry]

1 hour ago, Tofer said:

Was that on a promotional package, or just their regular charge?

No idea, sorry.

 

It was about 2.5 years ago.

 

Current price should be on their website?

[Sheryl]

Prices will vary not only with the hospital but also with the type of MRI (which part of the body, with or without contrast)

[Tofer]

22 hours ago, HashBrownHarry said:

No idea, sorry.

 

It was about 2.5 years ago.

 

Current price should be on their website?

No problem, Thanks.

 

I'm already booked into BH Bangkok on Tuesday for their Lumber spine promotional package @ B9,000, in the Open MRI scanner, which seems very reasonable.

Fingers crossed I can keep my claustrophobia under control in that machine.

[Tofer]

3 hours ago, Sheryl said:

Prices will vary not only with the hospital but also with the type of MRI (which part of the body, with or without contrast)

Yes, thanks Sheryl. The promotional package makes the distinction of specific regions to get the special prices. Hopefully the lumber spine scan will adequately cover my problem, which I believe is around the L4/5 & L5/S1 discs.

 

Do you have any recommendations for a strong sedative I could take, just to be sure I'm dosed up enough not to get another claustrophobia attack? BNH mentioned they have a "special medicine" to overcome the problem, but obviously I've no idea what they are referring to.

[HashBrownHarry]

10 minutes ago, Tofer said:

No problem, Thanks.

 

I'm already booked into BH Bangkok on Tuesday for their Lumber spine promotional package @ B9,000, in the Open MRI scanner, which seems very reasonable.

Fingers crossed I can keep my claustrophobia under control in that machine.

i never found my MRI that bad tbh, worst part was it was freezing!

[Tofer]

5 minutes ago, HashBrownHarry said:

i never found my MRI that bad tbh, worst part was it was freezing!

Just one of those things, I cannot stand tight confining spaces. I had to stop watching a film called "Buried Alive" one evening, I was becoming panicky just watching it, and was sure I'd have nightmares if I didn't quit.

Thanks for the heads up I'll take a cardigan. ????

[HashBrownHarry]

Just now, Tofer said:

Just one of those things, I cannot stand tight confining spaces. I had to stop watching a film called "Buried Alive" one evening, I was becoming panicky just watching it, and was sure I'd have nightmares if I didn't quit.

Thanks for the heads up I'll take a cardigan. ????

As someone suggested a light sedative might help with your anxiety?

 

Good luck.

[Sheryl]

1 hour ago, Tofer said:

Do you have any recommendations for a strong sedative I could take, just to be sure I'm dosed up enough not to get another claustrophobia attack? BNH mentioned they have a "special medicine" to overcome the problem, but obviously I've no idea what they are referring to.

 

Any of the benzos (valium, xanax etc) would likely work but these are controlled drugs, you cannot legally buy over the counter.

 

If you do decide to take something I suggest to make it something you have taken before (or do a trial run) as some people have paradoxical reactions. And of course do nto plan on driving afterwards.

[Tofer]

On 10/29/2021 at 5:32 PM, Sheryl said:

 

Any of the benzos (valium, xanax etc) would likely work but these are controlled drugs, you cannot legally buy over the counter.

 

If you do decide to take something I suggest to make it something you have taken before (or do a trial run) as some people have paradoxical reactions. And of course do nto plan on driving afterwards.

Thanks for your advice Sheryl.

 

I tried the Bangkok Hospital in Bangkok, without success. Then Dr. Weerasak of the Bangkok Christian Hospital directed me to try the specialist X-ray centre near Bongkasai Market in Pracha Chuen (? spelling), at the same time as holding open an anesthetic scan appointment for me at the BCH in the afternoon. 

 

The X-ray centre was an even better machine than the BH open scanner, more open and head outside the single arm supported cantilevered scanning plate, although to compensate there is a scanning plate under your back, which caused way too much pain arching my back, for me to endure 1 hour without moving a millimetre, as I was told was required to achieve satisfactory scan images.

 

I ended up back at the BCH for an anesthetic scan. Dr. Weerasak very kindly came back in after an evening surgical procedure, to review / discuss the results. He also arranged an emergency operation, micro- discectomy, for the next evening to remove the severely herniated disc which completely cut off my sciatic nerve at L4/5.

 

For future reference, the BCH, Dr Weerasak and his team provided exemplary treatment, service and reassurance. He was the most pleasant and understanding doctor I have ever met, and his commitment to diagnosing and resolving my problem quickly, far exceeded my expectations. I could not recommend him more highly. Also the BCH charges are probably the most reasonable throughout the private treatment centres.

 

I hope this feedback and knowledge will help someone else in the future.

 

[Sheryl]

2 hours ago, Tofer said:

Thanks for your advice Sheryl.

 

I tried the Bangkok Hospital in Bangkok, without success. Then Dr. Weerasak of the Bangkok Christian Hospital directed me to try the specialist X-ray centre near Bongkasai Market in Pracha Chuen (? spelling), at the same time as holding open an anesthetic scan appointment for me at the BCH in the afternoon. 

 

The X-ray centre was an even better machine than the BH open scanner, more open and head outside the single arm supported cantilevered scanning plate, although to compensate there is a scanning plate under your back, which caused way too much pain arching my back, for me to endure 1 hour without moving a millimetre, as I was told was required to achieve satisfactory scan images.

 

I ended up back at the BCH for an anesthetic scan. Dr. Weerasak very kindly came back in after an evening surgical procedure, to review / discuss the results. He also arranged an emergency operation, micro- discectomy, for the next evening to remove the severely herniated disc which completely cut off my sciatic nerve at L4/5.

 

For future reference, the BCH, Dr Weerasak and his team provided exemplary treatment, service and reassurance. He was the most pleasant and understanding doctor I have ever met, and his commitment to diagnosing and resolving my problem quickly, far exceeded my expectations. I could not recommend him more highly. Also the BCH charges are probably the most reasonable throughout the private treatment centres.

 

I hope this feedback and knowledge will help someone else in the future.

 

Thank you for the update. I'm glad it all worked out for you.

 

Two questions, for future reference:

 

1 - When you say it didn't work out at Bangkok Hospital, what exactly was the problem? Did they nto have an open machine or what?

 

2 - Is the imaging center you refer to this one, or another?    https://www.mrithailand.com/en/