Heart Valve doctor needed

[NewGuy]

My sister-in-law has a heart valve problem. She has fallen several times because of the issue. She lives in Pattaya and sees a doctor on Soi 4 (I don’t know the doctor’s name). It would be best for her to see an excellent doctor in the field in Phitsanulok, 20 kms from the family spread. Failing that, an excellent Bangkok specialist would be the next best choice. I guess Rayong, Si Racha and Chonburi specialists would also do the trick.

 

To lighten the mood, here’s how she pronounces ‘valve’. With a strong tone she says ‘waw’. Makes sense if you’ve been here for a bit. Ha ha.

[CharlieH]

Sheryl, is unable to access the forum at present and has asked for this to be posted for you.

 

“This sort of problem cannot be managed at a clinic. Only at a tertiary level hospital.  As she is living in Pattaya first stop should be Chonburi Regional Hospital in Chonburi town, taking all records with her including whatever diagnosed the heart valve problem.

 

Alternatively if she wants to be treated in Pitsanoluk should go to the government regional hospital in Pitsanoluk town or Naruesan University Hospital.

 

In both cases they may have to refer her onward but at least this way it might be covered under the “30 baht” system — assuming that is what she is enrolled in and that one of these places is the hospital for the district where she is registered in a tabian ban. If she is registered elsewhere she will need a letter of referral from her primary hospital but suggest first going on her own then getting them to issue a letter back to the primary hospital, saves time. 

 

If on the other hand she is under Social Security (through her work) then have to start at whatever is her nominated SS hospital.

 

Failure to go through the proper system of referral means that treatment would cost her not less than 200-300,000 baht , maybe more, even at a government hospital (as opposed to free/nearly free). 

 

Should not delay, this can be serious. “

[NewGuy]

Thank you CharlieH and thanks to Sheryl for the reply. I must admit I regret that particular doctor names were not suggested. It will make it more difficult for me to sell the right course of action. I will try my best. Cheers, Alan

[sirineou]

Not sure if it applies to your sister in law, but something to be aware of. 

If available at the hospitals available to her, and if the problem is Aortic valve, and there needs to be a valve replacement, Have her look into TAVR valve system,. It is a system where they go trough through a main artery and don't have to open you up. Opening the chest cavity can be  traumatic. 

It is offered at the Queen Sirikit Heart Center of the Northeast in Khon Kaen, so I am sure there must be an equivalent hospital  in your area that offers it.

More info of the procedure at the link below' 

https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/transcatheter-aortic-valve-replacement/about/pac-20384698

[Sheryl]

1 hour ago, NewGuy said:

Thank you CharlieH and thanks to Sheryl for the reply. I must admit I regret that particular doctor names were not suggested. It will make it more difficult for me to sell the right course of action. I will try my best. Cheers, Alan

Going through the government system cannot choose the doctor.

 

If she wants recommendation for a specific doctor at a private hospital I can provide but looking at >800K cost (assuming valve replacement needed)

[NewGuy]

Thanks Sheryl

[NewGuy]

Khun Sirineou, wow.

 

That article was clearly written, I almost followed it, haha. I’m not sure what the valve issue is exactly. I will print it out and encourage her to show it to whatever doctor she ends up seeing.

 

If I was the patient I would follow your advice.

 

Thanks and good health to us all.

[oxo1947]

2 hours ago, sirineou said:

Not sure if it applies to your sister in law, but something to be aware of. 

If available at the hospitals available to her, and if the problem is Aortic valve, and there needs to be a valve replacement, Have her look into TAVR valve system,. It is a system where they go trough through a main artery and don't have to open you up. Opening the chest cavity can be  traumatic. 

It is offered at the Queen Sirikit Heart Center of the Northeast in Khon Kaen, so I am sure there must be an equivalent hospital  in your area that offers it.

More info of the procedure at the link below' 

 

Yer we call it the Jena valve---developed by the British--- I go to the same hospital sirineou, & will probably need one in a few years---I dont know the cost but I was in that hospital 2 years ago, had to have blood transfusion 4 nights in a private room top care 3 or 4 Bags of blood ...total cost 14,000Baht....(yer thats fourteen) but thats Issan in relation to BKK/Pattaya/Phuket ...or any Falang'svile,

 

About the choosing a  Doctor --if she is going in privately , then I would have thought that you could. I had a hip replacement at Goverment hospital here Udon Thani--first move was to look/ask around about the best doctors (my wife done all the leg work there) then, they usually (up here anyway) have their own clinic which they go to evenings etc.  Go see them there not at the hospital.  

 

** Sheryl is usually correct in what she posts --but thats how I done for my last 2 opps)   good luck.

 

 

*Edit---We will all be interested in the pricing when/if  she does have it ---please come back and update.

 

 

Edited November 25, 2023 by oxo1947

[JeffersLos]

I'm not a doctor but can have a look at it if she wants.