Spine Surgery In Chiang Mai...

[David T Pike]

Hi Folks! 

                    I am considering getting a L-5/S-1 spine fusion done at Chiang Mai RAM. I currently have a L-2 through L-5 fusion but it has proved to be too much for my S-1 to handle. (such is the nature of the beast)

  I must have it done at Chiang Mai Ram due to the fact that I must go to a hospital that offers the US Veterans Administrations FMP (Foreign Medical Program). This way I do not have to come up with the money in advance to pay for it. I know Chiang Mai Bangkok Hospital has the FMP but they have changed their requirements and want 20% of the surgery up front. Also I refuse to go there any longer due to the fact of their handlings of the FMP program and it's director there.

  Does anyone have any experience or knowledge of any spine surgeons* at Chiang Mai Ram? 

 (*as a foot note I could possibly get the FMP to cover any spine surgeon in the Chiang Mai area no matter what hospital.)

       Thank you for any feedback!

Edited December 28, 2021 by metisdead
ALL CAPS removed from topic title.

[Dellboy218]

I had LS5 spinal fusion plus titanium done in the Ram 11 years ago.  This was done under Professor Sudhee Sudasna.  He was also the teaching professor at CMU.  He would be around 80(?) now so passed carrying out operations if in fact he is still around.  I expect other people on here will remember him as he was very well known and one of the top spine surgeons in the country.  I had 2 operations with little in the way of problems afterwards.  Others may know more of Sudhee or you could ask at the Ram.

Edited December 28, 2021 by Dellboy218

[David T Pike]

15 hours ago, Dellboy218 said:

I had LS5 spinal fusion plus titanium done in the Ram 11 years ago.  This was done under Professor Sudhee Sudasna.  He was also the teaching professor at CMU.  He would be around 80(?) now so passed carrying out operations if in fact he is still around.  I expect other people on here will remember him as he was very well known and one of the top spine surgeons in the country.  I had 2 operations with little in the way of problems afterwards.  Others may know more of Sudhee or you could ask at the Ram.

Hey DB! Thanks for that info. I researched Dr Sudhee Sudasna and looks like a well respected surgeon in Chiang Mai. But as you said he is past his OR days.

 

   I am seeing Dr Natt Klapajon, a neurologist at CM RAM, tomorrow and I'll inquire about Dr Sudhee.

 

  I just hope I can find some relief. I am on methadone and morphine but still hurt 24/7. I don't know if I need the L-5/S-1 fused or even the SI joint. We shall see. Maybe get some exploratory epidural injections done to pin point my pain source. This aint my first rodeo and I am familiar with bull riding. If first you dont succeed, GET BACK ON THE BULL! ????

[ThaiPauly]

If I was you I would consult the spinal centre at Bumrungrad Hospital.

 

Although more expensive you only have one back be careful who you entrust it to.

 

I had surgery carried out by Dr.Sudhee some 16 or 17 years ago to releive a sciatic nerve problem

He is the consumate professional,  but I am sure he is done now, he was over 65 when he operated on me

[David T Pike]

20 hours ago, ThaiPauly said:

If I was you I would consult the spinal centre at Bumrungrad Hospital.

 

Although more expensive you only have one back be careful who you entrust it to.

 

I had surgery carried out by Dr.Sudhee some 16 or 17 years ago to releive a sciatic nerve problem

He is the consumate professional,  but I am sure he is done now, he was over 65 when he operated on me

        I sent a request to Dr Wicharn Yingsakmongkol at Bumrungrad for a 2nd opinion about my triple level fusion at Bangkok Hospital in Chinge Mai. Unfortunately I did not get a reply. The courier said the letter, MRI, CT Scan and x-rays were undeliverable. I will try again before I get anything done... 

 

 I am seeing a Surgeon who worked under Dr/Professor Sudhee (Dr Torphong Bunmaprasert) when he practiced. I will see what he has to say and then reach out to Dr Wicharn once again for a 2nd opinion. Hopefully they can freaking deliver the records this time! ????

[cardinalblue]

Your back is important….send your records by mail/carrier to bkk…

 

ridiculous to let computers stop you…

[ThaiPauly]

On 1/4/2022 at 1:27 PM, David T Pike said:

        I sent a request to Dr Wicharn Yingsakmongkol at Bumrungrad for a 2nd opinion about my triple level fusion at Bangkok Hospital in Chinge Mai. Unfortunately I did not get a reply. The courier said the letter, MRI, CT Scan and x-rays were undeliverable. I will try again before I get anything done... 

 

 I am seeing a Surgeon who worked under Dr/Professor Sudhee (Dr Torphong Bunmaprasert) when he practiced. I will see what he has to say and then reach out to Dr Wicharn once again for a 2nd opinion. Hopefully they can freaking deliver the records this time! ????

 

I cant find the pm button on here anymore so send me a message and I will talk to you about our experiences with one of these doctors

 

[David T Pike]

19 hours ago, cardinalblue said:

Your back is important….send your records by mail/carrier to bkk…

 

ridiculous to let computers stop you…

Roger that! It is great that I can pay 1000thb for a 3 email cyber appointment with the surgeons at Bumrungrad Spine Institute. They are considered to have the best spine surgeons in Thailand and possibly the globe.

 

  As soon as I have my new MRI, Xrays and diagnosis and treatment plan from Chiang Mai RAM hospital I will send them via courier to them. Thai time I have the correct address and contact person and ph#.  ????