Who Do You Trust More....your Dr, Pharmacist Or Dr Google

[Satcommlee]

Are you saying that you have a comprehension problem?

Oh that's a new one, is it treatable? What drugs do I need for that? There's nothing on google.

[rene123]

I like the system here in Thailand. If I have a problem I can look it up on the internet and find a drug (prescription) that is recommended. Then, I can go to just about any pharmacist and get what I want at a reasonable cost without paying a huge dispensing fee. In Canada, which has so called "free" medical, I have to see a doctor first, who will then prescribe a drug which I will have to purchase at the pharmacy. The dispensing fee is often as much as the drugs. And, I have to wait at least a week for an appointment with a doctor, unless it is an emergency. It that case I will have to go to a hospital and wait for an hour or so. The few times I've been in a Thai hospital I was attended to quite quickly and the cost was minimal.

[danbradster]

I had swimmer's ear with no visible symptoms for 1 year or more. The ear and nose doctor sent me away because he could see no visible symptoms. I googled the symptoms to verify and found what medicine to get, then I got some medecine from the chemist for like 20 baht and 2 weeks it was fixed.

In some cases doctors are useful, in other cases they are a waste of a consulting fee.

[Neeranam]

Incidentally, you didn't answer my question - why didn't you just go to an AA meeting if you wanted the support of others, why go to a psychiatrist to ask where you can meet other "alcoholics"?

At the time, the nearest one was 450 km away. Also, I wanted to help the local alkies get freedom from the booze. Incidentally, now there are 17 meetings a week within an hours drive.

AA teaches people they can never be free, that's what I find sad.

Wrong - you haven't a clue as to what your talking about.

Incidentally, you never answered my question as to whether you know better than the The American Medical Association, The World Health Organization, American Psychiatric Association, the American Hospital Association, the American Public Health Association, the National Association of Social Workers,the American College of Physicians ,Joint Committee of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence and the American Society of Addiction Medicine

Edited February 10, 2013 by Neeranam

[Oscar2]

I don't think I need to worry too much about opinions written on the Mayo Clinic's site and it never hurts to double check. I check that against WebMD. Hey, they are just opinions, but a couple of times I have learned important things from them.

Do I think doctors are human and can make mistakes? Of course. I even made a mistake once myself. (I thought I was wrong but I wasn't hahaha.)

everyone should double-check any medical advice given to them. everyone should double-check and check for drug interactions with other medicines you are taking. when is the last time, if any, a pharmacist in Thailand has asked you what other medicines you are taking??? Mayo Clinic's site is a good reference. everyone should research what they are taking before taking a medicine prescribed to you. Dr.'s make mistakes all the time.

[mickjn]

Doctors at big hospitals BKK etc are as good as any in the world

I would be happier if you had written the word 'some' at the beginning of your message. When in any doubt I consult a good lady doctor at one of the BKK hospitals with 4 different US qualifications and who worked in the US for 6 years. I trust her completely.

Are you saying that some of the doctors that work in the big hospitals in BKK are no good,

Are you saying that you have a comprehension problem?

Not at all,

[Potosi]

I like the system here in Thailand. If I have a problem I can look it up on the internet and find a drug (prescription) that is recommended. Then, I can go to just about any pharmacist and get what I want at a reasonable cost without paying a huge dispensing fee. In Canada, which has so called "free" medical, I have to see a doctor first, who will then prescribe a drug which I will have to purchase at the pharmacy. The dispensing fee is often as much as the drugs. And, I have to wait at least a week for an appointment with a doctor, unless it is an emergency. It that case I will have to go to a hospital and wait for an hour or so. The few times I've been in a Thai hospital I was attended to quite quickly and the cost was minimal.

Have you been to a doctor or hospital in Thailand, ever? I went to a hospital two weeks ago. 1.) A long queue at the reception. 2.) A long queue at the reception in the building the first reception sent me to. 3.) See the doctor. Turns out this Thai quack is as incompetent as they can possibly be, and almost incapable to communicate in English. Met quite a lot like this one over the years, and precious few that compare to a doctor in the West. 4.) Pay bill. 5.) Pick up of the prescribed drugs at the pharmacy presenting the paid bill. Turns out amongst the drugs is an injection. Pharmacist tells me to join the queue at Room II to get the shot. 6.) Staff in Room II asks me after some waiting in front of it what I'm doing there? Shots are administered in Room XI. 7.) Injection in Room XI.

I hate for profit medicine. The time and effort it costs are monstrous, and the quality total crap. DIY by googling and self-diagnosis are ways to try and keep the costs down, and to escape the industry.

[chiangmaikelly]

I like the system here in Thailand. If I have a problem I can look it up on the internet and find a drug (prescription) that is recommended. Then, I can go to just about any pharmacist and get what I want at a reasonable cost without paying a huge dispensing fee. In Canada, which has so called "free" medical, I have to see a doctor first, who will then prescribe a drug which I will have to purchase at the pharmacy. The dispensing fee is often as much as the drugs. And, I have to wait at least a week for an appointment with a doctor, unless it is an emergency. It that case I will have to go to a hospital and wait for an hour or so. The few times I've been in a Thai hospital I was attended to quite quickly and the cost was minimal.

Have you been to a doctor or hospital in Thailand, ever? I went to a hospital two weeks ago. 1.) A long queue at the reception. 2.) A long queue at the reception in the building the first reception sent me to. 3.) See the doctor. Turns out this Thai quack is as incompetent as they can possibly be, and almost incapable to communicate in English. Met quite a lot like this one over the years, and precious few that compare to a doctor in the West. 4.) Pay bill. 5.) Pick up of the prescribed drugs at the pharmacy presenting the paid bill. Turns out amongst the drugs is an injection. Pharmacist tells me to join the queue at Room II to get the shot. 6.) Staff in Room II asks me after some waiting in front of it what I'm doing there? Shots are administered in Room XI. 7.) Injection in Room XI.

I hate for profit medicine. The time and effort it costs are monstrous, and the quality total crap. DIY by googling and self-diagnosis are ways to try and keep the costs down, and to escape the industry.

1. How much did it cost?

2. Did it work?

3. How long waiting total?

[inthepink]

Incidentally, you didn't answer my question - why didn't you just go to an AA meeting if you wanted the support of others, why go to a psychiatrist to ask where you can meet other "alcoholics"?

At the time, the nearest one was 450 km away. Also, I wanted to help the local alkies get freedom from the booze. Incidentally, now there are 17 meetings a week within an hours drive.

AA teaches people they can never be free, that's what I find sad.

Wrong - you haven't a clue as to what your talking about.

I know exactly what I am talking about. Read their hand-outs, their advice on the web or the big book for confirmation. I believe all they promise you is that you might be able to live a "satisfactory" life. Doesn't sound very appealing to me.

If all those associations you mentioned believe that alcoholism is a disease, then yes, I think I know better than them. It's a self-serving argument used by weak, selfish people to justify their pathetic behaviour in my opinion. And I don't say that with any feelings of superiority, I say it as one who has exhibited such pathetic behaviour himself. However, I think that growing up and taking responsibility for your own actions is infinitely preferable to blaming it all on outside forces, attractive as that option may be.

Edited February 11, 2013 by inthepink

[chiangmaikelly]

Incidentally, you didn't answer my question - why didn't you just go to an AA meeting if you wanted the support of others, why go to a psychiatrist to ask where you can meet other "alcoholics"?

At the time, the nearest one was 450 km away. Also, I wanted to help the local alkies get freedom from the booze. Incidentally, now there are 17 meetings a week within an hours drive.

AA teaches people they can never be free, that's what I find sad.

Wrong - you haven't a clue as to what your talking about.

I know exactly what I am talking about. Read their hand-outs, their advice on the web or the big book for confirmation. I believe all they promise you is that you might be able to live a "satisfactory" life. Doesn't sound very appealing to me.

If all those associations you mentioned believe that alcoholism is a disease, then yes, I think I know better than them. It's a self-serving argument used by weak, selfish people to justify their pathetic behaviour in my opinion. And I don't say that with any feelings of superiority, I say it as one who has exhibited such pathetic behaviour himself. However, I think that growing up and taking responsibility for your own actions is infinitely preferable to blaming it all on outside forces, attractive as that option may be.

Alcoholic Anonymous (Big Book) bottom of page 132 and top of 133. Happy joyous and free. If you wanted to know the truth you would open a topic in the appropriate forum. http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/forum/98-i-drink-too-much-forum/

But I don't think you want the truth. You only want to make people feel bad or sad and pretend that you are a better person. There is a lot of that here.

[Sheryl]

Whether it is doctor, pharmacist OR internet, all 3 can and do vary widely in quality.

Should always carefully research and chose your doctor. I am constantly amazed at how little time and effort people put into that. There are some world class doctors here in Thailand but also plenty of mediocre and even downright incompetent ones.

As for "pharmacists", most of the people behind pharmacy counters aren't full fledged pharmacists (and this includes many of those in white coats). Take the time to find a pharmacy with a "real", English speaking, pharmacist and that will be a big help.

And for Mr. Google, he'll lead you to all sorts of bizarre places and wrong information just as often as to reliable ones. There are a few standard online resources worth bookmarking as follows:

www.mayoclinic.com

http://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/default.aspx

http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Pages/hub.aspx

The above sites have detailed information on both medical conditions and medications.

For drug reference only this is also good:

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginformation.html

Limiting yourself to sites like these rather than Mr. Google will help avoid falling into the abyss of misinformation which is out there in cyberspace.

And, of course, use your own common sense in sizing up the reliability of health professionals you deal with. Those unwilling to answer questions are often so because they are not confident in their own knowledge. I find there is a direct inverse relationship between expertise and feeling threatened by patients asking questions.

Seeking out doctors who trained and worked in the West also helps as they have been "socialized" in the ways and expectations of farangs.

[rene123]

Thanks for adding your helpful information, Sheryl. I've heard you are the resident "expert" here. It never hurts to research, but one thing I learned back in Canada from a couple of female nurse friends of mine. They were always self diagnosing the small problems they had, and to hear they talk they were always coming down with something just a little worse than the Bubonic plague.

[utalkin2me]

Doctors at big hospitals BKK etc are as good as any in the world

I would be happier if you had written the word 'some' at the beginning of your message. When in any doubt I consult a good lady doctor at one of the BKK hospitals with 4 different US qualifications and who worked in the US for 6 years. I trust her completely.

Can you tell us who these world renowned doctors are? If yes, thanks in advance. If no, why not?

[chiangmaikelly]

Doctors at big hospitals BKK etc are as good as any in the world

I would be happier if you had written the word 'some' at the beginning of your message. When in any doubt I consult a good lady doctor at one of the BKK hospitals with 4 different US qualifications and who worked in the US for 6 years. I trust her completely.

Can you tell us who these world renowned doctors are? If yes, thanks in advance. If no, why not?

I don't know about him but if it was me I would not tell you anything because you seem impolite. I have always had success messaging a person for the name of a doctor or other professional. The, "if no why not" seems confrontational to me.

[Sheryl]

Yes, it is.

In the health forum I have on innumerable occasions listed specific specialists who are outstanding in their field...for the benefit of people seeking a doctor for a specific problem.

But I have no interest whatsoever in compiling lists or repeating that information simply to argue with someone who holds biased views, and I see no reason why Bagwan should share the name of his doc for that purpose either.

(Bagwan I would appreciate if you could PM it to me though for future reference)

[richard_smith237]

I trust myself more than any of the choices (Dr, Pharmacist, Google)... I trust myself to use my judgement that the Doctor is capable or not, I ask pertinent questions and evaluate a Doctors response. Some are terrible, some are excellent. I've mostly had excellent Doctors but I still approach each new situation and on its individual merit develop an opinion from there.

Most times I can self diagnose every day cases, but I also feel it wise to see a Doctor - or in many cases a specialist in a certain field.

I will always run double checks on the Internet, but again each piece of information should be evaluated on its individual merit, there is plenty of rubbish out there, but also plenty of excellent information... That said, we need to be very careful, for the the un-educated a little bit of knowledge without true understanding can be dangerous, while knowing a little a smart person will also be aware of how much he might not know.

I have little trust in Pharmacists and will usually research what I am prescribed.

Only once have I lost trust completely in a Doctor - After a wake-boarding accident and with almost paralysing back pain and weak legs I was told I'd pulled a muscle and was refused an x-ray when I requested it (at Samitivej, Bkk). I didn't even need to say anything to the Doctor, my wife and I simply walked (hobbled) out of the hospital and drove straight to Bumrungrad who x-rayed and MRI'd me (I'd ruptured 3 disks).... When in doubt, get a second opinion...

Edited February 11, 2013 by richard_smith237

[utalkin2me]

Yes, it is.

In the health forum I have on innumerable occasions listed specific specialists who are outstanding in their field...for the benefit of people seeking a doctor for a specific problem.

But I have no interest whatsoever in compiling lists or repeating that information simply to argue with someone who holds biased views, and I see no reason why Bagwan should share the name of his doc for that purpose either.

(Bagwan I would appreciate if you could PM it to me though for future reference)

Or, let me paraphrase... I wont tell you the name of any world class doctors in Thailand because there really aren't any, lol

Why not just name them? I have never heard such nonsense. IF there are good doctors dont you want people to be healthy regardless of their tact?? Isnt that what this entire forum is for? Or would you rather "moderate" fellow foreigners into becoming seriously ill because they are rude? lol

Seriously, just name some world class Thai doctors. Why is it so hard? Why is pm necessary, isn't positive word of mouth good? Why in the world does it have to be in the health forum? Thread on this subject? Links? I am shooting random darts here when choosing docs, so something is better than nothing. Hook a brotha up.

Look, somebody made a statement about "big bkk hospitals having world class docs". Let him (or others) back it up. Really, just back up the statement.

Edited February 11, 2013 by utalkin2me

[richard_smith237]

Yes, it is.

In the health forum I have on innumerable occasions listed specific specialists who are outstanding in their field...for the benefit of people seeking a doctor for a specific problem.

But I have no interest whatsoever in compiling lists or repeating that information simply to argue with someone who holds biased views, and I see no reason why Bagwan should share the name of his doc for that purpose either.

(Bagwan I would appreciate if you could PM it to me though for future reference)

Or, let me paraphrase... I wont tell you the name of any world class doctors in Thailand because there really aren't any, lol

Why not just name them? I have never heard such nonsense. IF there are good doctors dont you want people to be healthy regardless of their tact?? Isnt that what this entire forum is for? Or would you rather "moderate" fellow foreigners into becoming seriously ill because they are rude? lol

Seriously, just name some world class Thai doctors. Why is it so hard? Why is pm necessary, isn't positive word of mouth good? Why in the world does it have to be in the health forum? Thread on this subject? Links? I am shooting random darts here when choosing docs, so something is better than nothing. Hook a brotha up.

Look, somebody made a statement about "big bkk hospitals having world class docs". Let him (or others) back it up. Really, just back up the statement.

Or just grow up... the members of ThaiVisa.com are not here to waste their time pleasing you.

You can accept that certain respected members of this forum have proved to be an excellent source of information. By forcing the issue you are proving you are just a member... a foolish one at that.

My wife and I are seeing a doctor in Bangkok. Educated in the US, I would consider him World Class - I too am not going to provide you with a name. but I thank the Thai Visa.com medical forum for information.

[jaideeguy]

CTRL + Q to Enable/Disable GoPhoto.it

Agree with Shery's advise and her references, but would like to add that 2nd and even 3rd opinions are cheap here, so for any issues that would require surgery or any heavy meds, see another Dr. before and make notes for yourself before and take notes while visiting dr. and don't forget to ask questions. Most Thai Drs don't like to be questioned, but you are paying!! I've had 30 minute consultations with specialists for 300thb.

[richard_smith237]

CTRL + Q to Enable/Disable GoPhoto.it

Agree with Shery's advise and her references, but would like to add that 2nd and even 3rd opinions are cheap here, so for any issues that would require surgery or any heavy meds, see another Dr. before and make notes for yourself before and take notes while visiting dr. and don't forget to ask questions. Most Thai Drs don't like to be questioned, but you are paying!! I've had 30 minute consultations with specialists for 300thb.

Thats a good point.. I have little trust for the ones who can't handle a question. The excellent doctors always have an intelligent response to any pertinent questions which may crop up during a consultation.

[Sheryl]

[

Thread on this subject? Links? I am shooting random darts here when choosing docs, so something is better than nothing. Hook a brotha up.

There have been innumerable threads, specific to different specialties, on this already in the Health Forum.

If you seriously need to be "hooked up" with a doctor I suggest you state the nature of the problem so that an appropriate specialist can be recommended. Or do a search for that specialty in the Health forum.

[Jdietz]

[mickjn]

Doctors at big hospitals BKK etc are as good as any in the world

I would be happier if you had written the word 'some' at the beginning of your message. When in any doubt I consult a good lady doctor at one of the BKK hospitals with 4 different US qualifications and who worked in the US for 6 years. I trust her completely.

Can you tell us who these world renowned doctors are? If yes, thanks in advance. If no, why not?

Bangkok Pattaya to start,if there is a bad on tell me I will look into it, if you want anymore just ask,

[barefoot1988]

medical is something that change and improve over time. i will trust a good open minded doctor who keep his knowledge updated, not a stubborn one. its everywhere and not just limited to here. personally im really sick of hearing gp telling me to stay off eggs for my high cholesterol