Pattaya - Where's best for a suspected kidney/bladder infection urine test?

[aldriglikvid]

On this subject,

 

I believe I've caught an UTI or STI because I have an almost constant urge to pee (and some lower abdominal pain). 

 

I wouldn't rule out Bangkok Pattaya Hospital if its anything severe, but if all I need is some antibiotics (or similar) - I'd be delighted if I could make the aforementioned tests at a smaller clinic or more affordable hospital. 

 

What places would you guys recommend? Thanks 

 

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[Smokin Joe]

I had a UTI in Nov 2022. I woke up about 4 or 5 AM to pee and it was bloody at the end, like very bloody. I was definitely going to the hospital but waited until normal business hours. In the time up until I went I had an increasing urge to pee more often and although there was no pain at first it started to get more and more uncomfortable each time.

 

I went to Bangkok Pattaya because I assumed I only had a few more days to live and cost was not an issue.

 

I've posted a copy of my bill to show that BPH is not always quite as expensive as everyone assumes. The Doctors fee and Urine exam was about 1000 Baht. I also got a free digital prostate check.

 

The Doc had me take some antibiotics by IV and that was the majority of the costs for the final bill. No more bloody pee within two hours so I was happy.

 

If he had prescribed oral meds I assume I could have asked him just to write down the med/dosage/how long and bought them at Fascino for a savings over Hospital prices.

 

[BenStark]

On 10/23/2023 at 1:26 PM, scubascuba3 said:

On 10/23/2023 at 12:57 PM, cjinchiangrai said:

Any public hospital for a few hundred baht. 

Don't they force you to see a doctor first for 500+?

 

Doctors cost is next to nothing if you have a yellow book................which you consider a waste of time

[BenStark]

6 minutes ago, Smokin Joe said:

I went to Bangkok Pattaya because I assumed I only had a few more days to live

 

Woehahah

 

6 minutes ago, Smokin Joe said:

 

 

You consider that a reasonable cost for an UTI treatment?

[Smokin Joe]

5 minutes ago, BenStark said:

 

Woehahah

 

 

You consider that a reasonable cost for an UTI treatment?

 

Yes I do. But I am looking at it as the cost of the meds being a separate issue from the cost of tests and diagnosis. Seeing a specialist, getting urine, or blood, tests and getting a diagnosis is not very expensive in my opinion at BPH.

[aldriglikvid]

3 hours ago, Smokin Joe said:

I had a UTI in Nov 2022. I woke up about 4 or 5 AM to pee and it was bloody at the end, like very bloody. I was definitely going to the hospital but waited until normal business hours. In the time up until I went I had an increasing urge to pee more often and although there was no pain at first it started to get more and more uncomfortable each time.

 

I went to Bangkok Pattaya because I assumed I only had a few more days to live and cost was not an issue.

 

I've posted a copy of my bill to show that BPH is not always quite as expensive as everyone assumes. The Doctors fee and Urine exam was about 1000 Baht. I also got a free digital prostate check.

 

The Doc had me take some antibiotics by IV and that was the majority of the costs for the final bill. No more bloody pee within two hours so I was happy.

 

If he had prescribed oral meds I assume I could have asked him just to write down the med/dosage/how long and bought them at Fascino for a savings over Hospital prices.

 

This is actually very helpful and encouraging. Considering all the warnings I've seen about BPH, I'd figured a UTI/STI exam would be a +10-20k stunt and simply not worth it. 

Did you come in on "a emergency" or was it a booked appointment? 

 

Edited February 2 by aldriglikvid

[scubascuba3]

7 hours ago, BenStark said:

 

Doctors cost is next to nothing if you have a yellow book................which you consider a waste of time

Same without yellow book, they aren't interested in that 

[scubascuba3]

8 hours ago, aldriglikvid said:

On this subject,

 

I believe I've caught an UTI or STI because I have an almost constant urge to pee (and some lower abdominal pain). 

 

I wouldn't rule out Bangkok Pattaya Hospital if its anything severe, but if all I need is some antibiotics (or similar) - I'd be delighted if I could make the aforementioned tests at a smaller clinic or more affordable hospital. 

 

What places would you guys recommend? Thanks 

 

usually but not always you get a discharge with an STI like gonorrhea or Chlamydia. If you are in Pattaya you can go to the Lifecare lab or if fairly certain it's an STI because of a recent encounter can start antibiotics. An inexpensive clinic is the one on Pattaya Tai by 3rd road crossroads 

[Smokin Joe]

5 hours ago, aldriglikvid said:

This is actually very helpful and encouraging. Considering all the warnings I've seen about BPH, I'd figured a UTI/STI exam would be a +10-20k stunt and simply not worth it. 

Did you come in on "a emergency" or was it a booked appointment? 

 

 

It was either a Saturday or Sunday morning when I went. I went to the Emergency Room first. The ER told me just to go to the Urology Dept since they had Doctors on duty at the time.

 

That's another good thing about BPH. In many cases you can just walk in and see a specialist like a Urologist, Cardiologist, ENT etc. You might have to wait awhile as they will work you in between appointments. In the case of my UTI I waited no more than 30 minutes.

 

I had my first ever colonoscopy at BPH in 2019. I had a routine physical at Pattaya International and they told me the cost. Can't remember the cost but I went to BPH and it was cheaper there. The Doctor I talked to said I could even have it done later that same day. Wasn't mentally prepared for that so did it the next day.

Colonoscopy cost at BPH in 2019 was 18,600 Baht and included removal and biopsy of two polyps. There was also a 820 Baht Initial consult fee and an 820 Baht fee for a follow up consult to see the results.

[KhunLA]

Depending how long you put off treatment.   I would just buy some Doxy or Cipro for UTI.

 

Avoid Levofloxacin as not good if you exercise/stress tendons & ligaments.

 

By the time any culture came back, you'd be cured.  Might even feel relief, while waiting to be seen at a govt hosp, is you took it early enough in the morning.  

Edited February 3 by KhunLA

[BenStark]

4 hours ago, scubascuba3 said:

Same without yellow book, they aren't interested in that 

 

Then why you say in your previous post it is +500 baht ?

[Sheryl]

13 hours ago, BenStark said:

 

Woehahah

 

 

You consider that a reasonable cost for an UTI treatment?

He was treated not just for UTI but also for BPH (benign prostate enlargement)

[Sheryl]

2 hours ago, KhunLA said:

Depending how long you put off treatment.   I would just buy some Doxy or Cipro for UTI.

 

Avoid Levofloxacin as not good if you exercise/stress tendons & ligaments.

 

By the time any culture came back, you'd be cured.  Might even feel relief, while waiting to be seen at a govt hosp, is you took it early enough in the morning.  

Cipro is same class of drug as levofloxacin and has same risks as regards tendonitis.

 

I strongly advise against taking antibiotics before getting a urine culture as will add to the difficulty in getting organism to grow in culture.  Thai doctors are fond of shotgun antibiotic treatment and will usually want to do that first. Should hold fast and demand a culture first.

 

That said,  if there is any chance of STI a regular culture alone is not sufficient, need separate tests for chlamydia and gonorrhea (the former done on urine, the latter on urethral swab)

 

Also, in men, often the infection is in the prostate not bladder and in that case can be difficult to culture (should still try though). Semen culture can be sensitive than urine culture.

[Sheryl]

14 hours ago, aldriglikvid said:

On this subject,

 

I believe I've caught an UTI or STI because I have an almost constant urge to pee (and some lower abdominal pain). 

 

I wouldn't rule out Bangkok Pattaya Hospital if its anything severe, but if all I need is some antibiotics (or similar) - I'd be delighted if I could make the aforementioned tests at a smaller clinic or more affordable hospital. 

 

What places would you guys recommend? Thanks 

 

You can get a urine culture and sensivitity plus tests for chlamydia and gonorrhea at LifeCare labs. Do this BEFORE taking any antibiotics.

 

If the infection is in the prostate, culture may not show it. Also, aside from infection, need to consider possibility of renal or bladder stones especially given the lower abdominal pain. These can be diagnosed by ultrasound.

 

This urologist at BPH has been recommended by other board members

https://bangkokpattayahospital.com/doctor/dr-jimmy-kongcharoen/

 

And this one looks exceptionally well qualified, especially for prostate issues

https://bangkokpattayahospital.com/doctor/niti-navanimitkul-m-d/

 

 

[KhunLA]

38 minutes ago, Sheryl said:

Cipro is same class of drug as levofloxacin and has same risks as regards tendonitis.

 

I strongly advise against taking antibiotics before getting a urine culture as will add to the difficulty in getting organism to grow in culture.  Thai doctors are fond of shotgun antibiotic treatment and will usually want to do that first. Should hold fast and demand a culture first.

 

That said,  if there is any chance of STI a regular culture alone is not sufficient, need separate tests for chlamydia and gonorrhea (the former done on urine, the latter on urethral swab)

 

Also, in men, often the infection is in the prostate not bladder and in that case can be difficult to culture (should still try though). Semen culture can be sensitive than urine culture.

In OP's case (last year) I'd see a doc also, as pissing blood would necessitate testing for me.   But if just a tingle in the jingle, I'd go with Doxy, and if not relief in a day, then go the culture route.

 

Apparently cipro has been found to not affect tendons, which I also believed, till googled before posting.   From the link I posted: 

 

[Sheryl]

16 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

In OP's case (last year) I'd see a doc also, as pissing blood would necessitate testing for me.   But if just a tingle in the jingle, I'd go with Doxy, and if not relief in a day, then go the culture route.

 

Apparently cipro has been found to not affect tendons, which I also believed, till googled before posting.   From the link I posted: 

 

Again, I strongly disagree with taking doxy or any other antibiotic first as it will make it difficult to subsequently culture the orgainism.

 

While the study you mention did not find increased incidence of tendon tears with Cipro other studies did, and even more of an increased incidence of tendonitis.

"In a World Health Organization (WHO) survey in Australia of tendon disorders associated with FQ use, ciprofloxacin was found to be the causal agent in 90 percent of cases, with the risk of tendinopathy appearing to be dose independent." https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2921747/

 

The US FDA requires  a black box warning on all quinolones including cipro https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2483892/

 

That said, the incidence of tendon problems (rupture being the most serious but not the most common tendon problem encountered) with these drugs is not very high and usually encountered with longer use.  If there is no better alternative and the drug is necessary, should not hesitate to use it, but indiscriminate use or use when there are safer alternatives, should be avoided.

[aldriglikvid]

All very helpful, bless. 

 

1)

 

I'll make sure taking proper tests before taking on any broad antibiotics treatment. As mentioned by a helpful user earlier a prostate infection or inflammation of the prostate might be hard to diagnose with urine culture/swabs; what test should I push for there? Or should I assume the MD has it in his playbook already? 🙂

 

 

2) If I'm given a set of medicine, can I opt-out at buying these in their pharmacy or is it a combined setup only?

[BritManToo]

15 hours ago, aldriglikvid said:

What places would you guys recommend? Thanks 

I'd reccomend the local pharmacy and a course of Cipro 500, about 100-200bht.

[Sheryl]

10 minutes ago, aldriglikvid said:

All very helpful, bless. 

 

1)

 

I'll make sure taking proper tests before taking on any broad antibiotics treatment. As mentioned by a helpful user earlier a prostate infection or inflammation of the prostate might be hard to diagnose with urine culture/swabs; what test should I push for there? Or should I assume the MD has it in his playbook already? 🙂

 

 

2) If I'm given a set of medicine, can I opt-out at buying these in their pharmacy or is it a combined setup only?

 

For prostatitis, PSA test can be helpful

 

You can always refuse to buy medications at hospital pharmacy (and should, unless you need a controlled substance,  as the mark-up is considerable). Best to find out from the doctor the name and dosage recommended and tell him you will buy it outside. If nonetheless it ends up ordered on your chart (in some hospitals the diagnosis automatically generates some "extra" and unnecessary prescriptions) then just refuse it at the cashier. I find it easier it just say I already have the medication.

 

If somehow this did not work out and you arrive at the cashier not yet knowing the exact drug and dose prescribed then you may have to pay the cashier, go to the pharmacy, see what it is and then refuse it and go back to cashier for bill revision and refund. Still possible but adds to how long it takes. You can try asking at the cashier to see the prescription but often does not work as that info may be sent electronically only to pharmacy and cashier may only know the amount for medication but not what it is.

[KhunLA]

43 minutes ago, Sheryl said:

Again, I strongly disagree with taking doxy or any other antibiotic first as it will make it difficult to subsequently culture the orgainism.

 

While the study you mention did not find increased incidence of tendon tears with Cipro other studies did, and even more of an increased incidence of tendonitis.

"In a World Health Organization (WHO) survey in Australia of tendon disorders associated with FQ use, ciprofloxacin was found to be the causal agent in 90 percent of cases, with the risk of tendinopathy appearing to be dose independent." https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2921747/

 

The US FDA requires  a black box warning on all quinolones including cipro https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2483892/

 

That said, the incidence of tendon problems (rupture being the most serious but not the most common tendon problem encountered) with these drugs is not very high and usually encountered with longer use.  If there is no better alternative and the drug is necessary, should not hesitate to use it, but indiscriminate use or use when there are safer alternatives, should be avoided.

Not a Cipro fan, and I would avoid also, as it does give me a mild headache.  Amoxy & Doxy fan when needing, and rare, as I just let the body do it's thing without meds.

 

All infections in most people, clear within 2 weeks, why docs simply give out antibodies and say, 'if not better in 2 weeks, come back in' 

 

If viral infection, they don't work anyway.  If bacterial, then might clear up a bit earlier.  

 

I prefer my healthy immune system, and simply don't get sick.

 

OP ... yea, hope he/she saw a doc.

[scubascuba3]

5 hours ago, BenStark said:

 

Then why you say in your previous post it is +500 baht ?

it was a question, Pattaya City hospital, perhaps semi private charged 500 baht years ago when a tourist, the clinic i go to above, 100 baht, they would laugh in your face if you got the prized yellow book out

[BenStark]

14 minutes ago, scubascuba3 said:

it was a question, Pattaya City hospital, perhaps semi private charged 500 baht years ago when a tourist, the clinic i go to above, 100 baht, they would laugh in your face if you got the prized yellow book out

 

The3 clinic you go 100 baht, but can't do the required tests for a suspected kidney infection. Great alternative.

[scubascuba3]

3 minutes ago, BenStark said:

 

The3 clinic you go 100 baht, but can't do the required tests for a suspected kidney infection. Great alternative.

The clinic i recommended wasn't for testing but for doctor advice about suspected STI, usually they treat with antibiotics without test results anyway, same UK, maybe other countries too

[BenStark]

8 minutes ago, scubascuba3 said:

The clinic i recommended wasn't for testing but for doctor advice about suspected STI, usually they treat with antibiotics without test results anyway, same UK, maybe other countries too

 

Good attempt at deflecting, but no cigar.

 

You started this topic yourself, so you know it isn't about STI, and your claim about the 500+ baht charge was also not for STI.

[scubascuba3]

37 minutes ago, BenStark said:

 

Good attempt at deflecting, but no cigar.

 

You started this topic yourself, so you know it isn't about STI, and your claim about the 500+ baht charge was also not for STI.

You are confused, common at your age, I replied to a post earlier today asking a question, not about my opening post

[BenStark]

7 minutes ago, scubascuba3 said:

You are confused, common at your age, I replied to a post earlier today asking a question, not about my opening post

 

More deflection, and we all know you have to resort to hidden insults when you are losing the argument, common with a born loser.

 

This was a response to your OP

 

Edited February 3 by BenStark

[Sheryl]

Please stop bickering. NOW.