Hip Replacement in Phuket, BKK, or Chiang Mai

[Ebumbu]

Hello expats. I'm going to need a total hip replacement on my right hip. Can't put it off much longer. I'm told that Thailand's #1 hip surgeon is Dr. Chanakarn in Chiang Mai. On the other hand, my local Bangkok Phuket hospital seems to have seasoned and competent hip surgeons. I'd like to avoid the travel (partly because I can barely walk). But, I don't want to be stupid if Dr. Chanakarn is a miracle worker. I'm weighing options. This is too important to make cost a deciding factor. CM would be cheaper by 150k baht or more. 

Does anyone have experience with orthopedic surgeons in Thailand? Bangkok Hospital in Bangkok has a very seasoned guy who writes textbooks on this stuff. I figure I'll talk with three doctors. Thanks for any guidance! 

[Sheryl]

Dr. Chanakorn is certainly the #1 specialist for this in Chiang Mai, but hardly in the whole of Thailand. In Bangkok in particular, there are a number of highly qualified doctors. I would particulalry recommend:

 

https://www.medparkhospital.com/en/doctor/prof-dr-keerati-charoencholvanich

https://www.samitivejchinatown.com/en/doctor/19

https://www.siphhospital.com/en/medical-services/find-doctor?doctor_id=197&medical_id=0&day=&startTime=&endTime=

(same doctor, different hospitals. Lowest cost would probably be at SIPH but you need to confirm).

 

or:

 

https://www.bumrungrad.com/en/doctors/Somyot-Piyaworakhun

https://www.vichaiyut.com/en/profile_doctor/dr-somyot-piyaworakhun/

(cost likely less at vichaiyut)

 

At Bangkok Hospital  Phuket there seems to be only one doctor trained in hip replacement and I have no feedback on him. There is a German ortho specialist (Gerhard Melcher) in Phuket who is well regarded but AFAIK does only knee replacements, not hips.

 

[Ebumbu]

Thank you. I'm going to see this doctor on Thursday. He's been doing hips 15+ years. But, I better go with known specialists. Anyone know this guy? 

 

https://www.phukethospital.com/doctor/anupab-imsumran/
 

They seem to have a couple hip specialists. It's a place to start. Will mail results to other doctors. Usually, my intuition will kick in after I have more data. 

[Ebumbu]

I'll ask the German doctor in Phuket for local recommendations for hip. I'll ask him how local compares to BKK. Good lead! 

[DrJack54]

I used this guy 5 weeks ago.

Bangkok. Phythai 1 private. 

Excellent result..

[Ebumbu]

  On 7/19/2022 at 3:30 PM, DrJack54 said:

I used this guy 5 weeks ago.

Bangkok. Phythai 1 private. 

Excellent result..

 

Expand  

 

Hi. Awesome. Which hospital please? What does Phythai mean? You had a private room? I am really just starting my search after I had a really serious hip flareup and am on crutches at the moment. 

Did you have a hip replacement? 

 

Thanks! 

[DrJack54]

  On 7/19/2022 at 3:33 PM, Ebumbu said:

Hi. Awesome. Which hospital please

Expand  

Here is recent thread I started.

 

Be aware that I was self funded and had top shelf room etc.

The total all up was approx 350k ....so not for faint hearted but care etc was 5 star. .

Now 5 week post op and tomorrow my walk routines will be single walking stick arm support. 

 

 

[chickenslegs]

  On 7/19/2022 at 3:33 PM, Ebumbu said:

 

Hi. Awesome. Which hospital please? What does Phythai mean? You had a private room? I am really just starting my search after I had a really serious hip flareup and am on crutches at the moment. 

 

Thanks! 

Expand  

I think this is a small typo. Phyathai is a group of hospitals with locations in Bangkok and Sriracha.

https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-d&sxsrf=ALiCzsZhTgVvu21SjMVF4G_CRt8a0RRwMQ:1658245081659&q=Phyathai+Hospital&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj6tauopIX5AhVwTmwGHZYqAEsQ1QJ6BAgTEAE&biw=1366&bih=624&dpr=1

[Ebumbu]

  On 7/19/2022 at 3:45 PM, DrJack54 said:

Here is recent thread I started.

Be aware that I was self funded and had top shelf room etc.

The total all up was approx 350k ....so not for faint hearted but care etc was 5 star. .

Now 5 week post op and tomorrow my walk routines will be single walking stick arm support. 

 

 

Expand  

Super. Bangkok Phuket is 550,000 THB, and that's because of a special package deal. 350 is damn cheap compared to my country. It's 1/10th the price of US. I was expected at least 400,000 minimum. I will pursue this guy. Thank you! 

[DrJack54]

  On 7/19/2022 at 3:56 PM, Ebumbu said:

Super. Bangkok Phuket is 550,000 THB, and that's because of a special package deal

Expand  

First up just sent you detailed pm and short video.

So my package was 350k baht.

That included 5 nights in hospital and of course all the operation costs etc.

Note I spent first night in ICU due to history of DVT etc.

Post operation also in price is daily visit from my doctor.

Note I actually never met the surgeon...he is the head honcho and basically does the driving in the F1 and leaves the follow up care to other doctor.

There was an extra approx 40k for various add ONS such as medication and various other costs such as daily visits from my heart/blood guy. 

Naturally all the meals etc is included.

It's top shelf but of course not cheap 

Good luck.

 

[rodknock]

the one thing i noticed looking at the doctors is the small amount of time and days they are available at the hospitals.

 

[DrJack54]

  On 7/19/2022 at 10:54 PM, rodknock said:

the one thing i noticed looking at the doctors is the small amount of time and days they are available at the hospitals.

 

Expand  

Not sure if that applies to private care.

I was able to have my operation basically straight away.

Since I take a daily anticoagulant I had to wait a few days after stopping that medication for operation.

All up about one week from first consultation to op table. 

[Ebumbu]

  On 7/19/2022 at 10:18 PM, DrJack54 said:

First up just sent you detailed pm and short video.

So my package was 350k baht.

 

 

Expand  

Hi Dr Jack. Thank for your PM. I may have some questions shortly. This hip thing has been a sudden crash. Now muscles are twitching, walking without one crutch isn't possible, and sleep is very difficult. Can't sleep on my right side (bad side). I'm out of time and feel overwhelmed. I will attempt to get a steroid shot in the joint to buy me some time. I've learned to look for the anterior approach for quicker recovery and less risk of dislocation. 550,000THB sounds too high, but not sure about traveling in this condition. So much effort to coordinate. 

 

Anyway, tomorrow I am getting to Bangkok Phuket hospital for evaluation. My top questions are about anterior approach and robot assisted surgery. Scary stuff for sure. I've never had surgery in my life. Never spent a night in a hospital. Aging is a challenge, eh? 

 

Also can't sleep on my back. I better start practicing I guess. Not sure if I can. 

 

[DrJack54]

  On 7/20/2022 at 4:22 AM, Ebumbu said:

Hi Dr Jack. Thank for your PM. I may have some questions shortly. This hip thing has been a sudden crash. Now muscles are twitching, walking without one crutch isn't possible, and sleep is very difficult. Can't sleep on my right side (bad side). I'm out of time and feel overwhelmed. I will attempt to get a steroid shot in the joint to buy me some time. I've learned to look for the anterior approach for quicker recovery and less risk of dislocation. 550,000THB sounds too high, but not sure about traveling in this condition. So much effort to coordinate. 

 

Anyway, tomorrow I am getting to Bangkok Phuket hospital for evaluation. My top questions are about anterior approach and robot assisted surgery. Scary stuff for sure. I've never had surgery in my life. Never spent a night in a hospital. Aging is a challenge, eh? 

 

Also can't sleep on my back. I better start practicing I guess. Not sure if I can. 

 

Expand  

You sound in a bad way.

I share some similarities with yourself.

Mine came like a shot out of the blue.

No prior issues.

Also had never spent a night in hospital. Nothing 

Being 68 and heavy 95 kg 180cm maybe a reason that I had posterior option.

In my thread that I provided link I had lot of advice to opt for anterior method and lots of advice to seek second opinion.

I was very thankful for the advice but went for it and glad I did. 

It's very difficult to obtain opinions and shop around when you are in pain.

Especially when it involves movement.

Just getting to the hospital (taxi) was semi major project.

The hospitals (private) here are fantastic. 

 

Tomorrow I go for my final "check up" ...and that's exactly 6 weeks post operation.

I'm now mixing up my hallway walk 250m each time about 6 times per day. 

Today going to walk couple of laps on one stick.

Was able to go to Bang Saen car races couple of weeks ago and that involved stairs, so it's not a nice thing to have but seriously not horrible.

 

Flying to Oz in 5 weeks and hope to do that without stick.

Time will tell.

I have experienced Zero pain which has surprised me. 

 

 

[Sheryl]

  On 7/19/2022 at 10:54 PM, rodknock said:

the one thing i noticed looking at the doctors is the small amount of time and days they are available at the hospitals.

 

Expand  

That refers only to their general outpatient consultation hours, which are limited as they also work at government hospitals in a teaching caapcity.

 

Surgery times and rounds on hospital patients are not reflected in the posted hours, and will not be a problem.

[Ebumbu]

At this point, it appears that only Bumrungrad and Bangkok Hospital BKK have the anterior approach. I'm not obese, so I think I can get this approach. The Bangkok doctor is very impressive (Dr. Phonthakorn Panichkul). Probably going in this direction: 

 

https://www.nationthailand.com/life/30404357

 

Very impressed with the presentation. Seems low likelihood of a disaster. I think they can help coordinate travel assistance. Like Dr. Jack said, even hailing a taxi would be an ordeal. I need to be in a wheelchair, essentially. I can walk a few blocks, with a cane, max. 

[Sheryl]

  On 7/20/2022 at 9:17 AM, Ebumbu said:

At this point, it appears that only Bumrungrad and Bangkok Hospital BKK have the anterior approach. I'm not obese, so I think I can get this approach. The Bangkok doctor is very impressive (Dr. Phonthakorn Panichkul). Probably going in this direction: 

 

Expand  

Yes, he is an excellent choice.

[Ebumbu]

  On 7/20/2022 at 5:02 AM, DrJack54 said:

You sound in a bad way.

I share some similarities with yourself.

Mine came like a shot out of the blue.

No prior issues.

Expand  

Agree: I'm in a bad way. Any hip exercise will put me on the floor. I wanted to put this off until next year. Doesn't seem likely now. If I can't walk or stand, I'm out of time. 

 

 

[DrJack54]

  On 7/20/2022 at 10:21 AM, Ebumbu said:

Agree: I'm in a bad way. Any hip exercise will put me on the floor. I wanted to put this off until next year. Doesn't seem likely now. If I can't walk or stand, I'm out of time. 

 

 

Expand  

One post in my previous thread was from a guy that was in pain and was given cortisone injection and stated it was like a light switch for him. 

Would possibly buy you time.

 

My situation was slightly different in that my heart blood doctor was at that hospital and they sort of formed a team to plan what was best. 

As I have mentioned previously think for me it was best path. 

At 68 and regarded as overweight glad I took this option.

Your current pain sounds worse than mine prior to my operation so hopefully hospital can improve your situation with medication in the meantime.

Obviously you have more options in Bangkok but I think you mentioned Phuket is your location. 

Think you are hoping to have anterior method.

By all means stick with that.

My posterior incision was not small but as mentioned my recovery so far (in my mind) has been fine without any pain at all. 

Best of luck. 

 

[Ebumbu]

  On 7/20/2022 at 11:05 AM, DrJack54 said:

One post in my previous thread was from a guy that was in pain and was given cortisone injection and stated it was like a light switch for him. 

Would possibly buy you time.

 

My situation was slightly different in that my heart blood doctor was at that hospital and they sort of formed a team to plan what was best. 

As I have mentioned previously think for me it was best path. 

At 68 and regarded as overweight glad I took this option.

Your current pain sounds worse than mine prior to my operation so hopefully hospital can improve your situation with medication in the meantime.

Obviously you have more options in Bangkok but I think you mentioned Phuket is your location. 

Think you are hoping to have anterior method.

By all means stick with that.

My posterior incision was not small but as mentioned my recovery so far (in my mind) has been fine without any pain at all. 

Best of luck. 

 

Expand  

Yes, will go for the steroid injection. Otherwise, we're looking at daily opioids to deal with this situation. Want to avoid. 

Dr. Phonthakorn Panichkul talked about a "bikini incision" for the anterior approach. Talked about lowering risk of infection, and I see they operate in positive-air flow spacesuits, apparently. I can't beat that. They look like they're working at the International Space Station. Doctor looks very young, but at least he won't keel over mid-way though. ????

Cost is going to bite me, but I get one chance at getting this right. Not sure how and if I can negotiate cost. Probably not. A hip is more important than a car. They're going to serve me up, but it will be a nice, clean room. Went to Mission Hospital here in Phuket for the first time. The place was dirty. I went for some dental work and wound up leaving partially because of stains on walls and ceiling. An immaculately clean place will help me stay calm. It won't be fun. Gotta do it. 

[DrJack54]

  On 7/20/2022 at 11:26 AM, Ebumbu said:

Dr. Phonthakorn Panichkul talked about a "bikini incision" for the anterior approach. Talked about lowering risk of infection, and I see they operate in positive-air flow spacesuits, apparently. I can't beat that. They look like they're working at the International Space Station. Doctor looks very young, but at least he won't keel over mid-way though. ????

Cost is going to bite me, but I get one chance at getting this right. Not sure how and if I can negotiate cost. Probably not. A hip is more important than a car. They're going to serve me up, but it will be a nice, clean room. Went to Mission Hospital here in Phuket for the first time. The place was dirty. I went for some dental work and wound up leaving partially because of stains on walls and ceiling. An immaculately clean place will help me stay calm. It won't be fun. Gotta do it. 

Expand  

My room was same as impressive hotel room. 

Had it all and with partner staying in room it was as good as one could hope for. 

One of the reasons I did not opt for anterior is that it's highly specialized and I stuck with the grand master. 

Reading between the lines seems to me you are slightly over stating the advantages of anterior.

I traveled Bangkok to Bang Saen 3 weeks post op for Speed Festival.

Up and down stairs to room. 

Zero discomfort. 

As you see from pic of incision that was not long after op.

Zero infection.

Picture with gang 3 weeks post op.

Don't look in too much discomfort 

 

[Ebumbu]

  On 7/20/2022 at 11:37 AM, DrJack54 said:

My room was same as impressive hotel room. 

Had it all and with partner staying in room it was as good as one could hope for. 

Expand  

How was their wifi? I will need to get work done while recovering. I can listen to my audio books rather than a TV, hopefully. Spend the time productively. With anterior approach, they have you standing up on day two. Maybe walking to bathroom. Cool. Better a hip than a kidney or something. 

[DrJack54]

  On 7/20/2022 at 11:42 AM, Ebumbu said:

How was their wifi?

Expand  

Didn't even try it.

I had a True package for the hospital stay. 

[DrJack54]

  On 7/20/2022 at 11:42 AM, Ebumbu said:

. With anterior approach, they have you standing up on day two.

Expand  

In the scheme of things that wasn't important for me.

Perhaps would be if I was working. 

Being retired I'm happy with the steady as she goes approach. 

As shown in Pic above ...after 3 weeks at a festival and few weeks from now flying to Oz. 

It ain't a race. 

[Ebumbu]

  On 7/20/2022 at 11:52 AM, DrJack54 said:

In the scheme of things that wasn't important for me.

Perhaps would be if I was working. 

Being retired I'm happy with the steady as she goes approach. 

As shown in Pic above ...after 3 weeks at a festival and few weeks from now flying to Oz. 

It ain't a race. 

Expand  

How long until you were confident about walking without a cane or walker? How about going up and down stairs unassisted? I appreciate your input. Will read your long thread tomorrow. More data is better. Being without hip pain is going to be something I have not experienced in almost 10 years. 

[DrJack54]

  On 7/20/2022 at 12:05 PM, Ebumbu said:

Being without hip pain is going to be something I have not experienced in almost 10 years

Expand  

The good news is that with the new hip it's instantly a success in relation to pain.

At least in my case. 

As I have stated several times I have Zero pain in the hip.

Sight discomfort...more like a feeling of over exercise etc.

Can't stress enough that one size does not fit all.

You are very interested in recovery times. 

What is your age.

The change in my body etc has been massive in say last five years. 63 to 68.

Minor things such as couple of falls.

One just catching edge of small platform at homepro.

Things such as that. 

In turn I'm adopting a cautious approach.

You ask how quickly can you walk unaided etc.

I'm not trying at this point.

I'm sticking to daily walking distance.

Tomorrow moving to some with one stick.

Rule #1,2,3 for hip replacement is "don't fall".

I have no interest in a time frame.

I pushed it early and other parts of my body were sore.

The expert in these health forums (Sheryl) typed one thing in my thread that I stored away...."listen to your body" .....it will tell you if you are pushing too hard.

The stairs are not two difficult with one stick.

Tomorrow I'm driving my partner somewhere and then return home. That will involve flight of stairs and of course driving (automatic) ...

I had left hip replacement.

Story about nothing except to show recovery isn't too slow or debilitating.

 

[Ebumbu]

  On 7/20/2022 at 12:32 PM, DrJack54 said:

What is your age.

Expand  

57. 

[jerrymahoney]

  On 7/20/2022 at 12:32 PM, DrJack54 said:

The stairs are not two difficult with one stick.

Expand  

Four months after hip replacement I moved into a new house with my room on the second floor. Looked at the stairs and said "No Way". Put in the bannister.

[DrJack54]

  On 7/20/2022 at 11:18 PM, jerrymahoney said:

Looked at the stairs and said "No Way". Put in the bannister.

Expand  

Good move.

I wouldn't be confident without bannister

[Ebumbu]

  On 7/20/2022 at 11:18 PM, jerrymahoney said:

Four months after hip replacement I moved into a new house with my room on the second floor. Looked at the stairs and said "No Way". Put in the bannister.

Expand  

Are you satisfied with your stability after four months? Where did you have your hip done? I'm reaching out to Bangkok Hospital and Bumrungrad. Getting X-rays today in Phuket. Then an MRI, I guess. Will try to get a cortisone injection before I'm wheelchair bound. Taking this very seriously now. Sudden decline. I did split squats and frog pose as rehab and it really tore me up.

 

Thanks.