Experiences Of Kidney Stone Treatment (In Bkk) ?

[cbrer]

I seem to have a kidney stone, for quite a while. Time to get it treated. But I am cautious of Thai hospitals and prices.

Does anyone have experiences of treatment??

I presume I will be looking at an IVP - Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP) to exactly locate it, then treatment of it. I would hope for Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, which is noninvasive and done through shockwaves to shatter it up.

I'm about to email some Thai hospitals as to their procedures and costs..... but you know, Thai businesses responding to English emails.

Anyone have experiences? (PS. I'm not looking for home remedies, I've tried, they weren't successful, thanks).

[Ulysses G.]

I had quite a few over the years, but just let them pass on their own and screamed a lot. A few years ago, I read somewhere that drinking one fresh coconut a day will prevent them and have not had one ever since.

[cbrer]

Thanks.

I've had this for almost a year, it's moved down the urethra but will not pass. It's time to get it seen to.

Edited February 12, 2013 by cbrer

[Sheryl]

Lithotripsy can be done by most hospitals here. But cost will be an issue.

The least expensive option is a government hospital but a fair amount of red tape and long waits and best to have a Thai speaker with you the first day to help navigate through the system. I f you decide to go that route I suggest you try the Chulalongkorn Hospital after hours clinic ("clinic nok wela" ) on the 13th floor of the OPD bldg but double check that). If possible request to see Dr. Supoj Ratchanon. You will not be able to do anything by email or phone, you'll have to go in person (and possibly make several trips, i.e. one to book an appointment, another to see the doctor,etc)) But the cost will be a fraction of the private hospitals.

Next up in the cost scale would be one of the private non-profits, for that I suggest St Louis Hospital

http://www.saintloui...ept_id=17 Many of the docs there are also at Chula and doing private practice on the weekends. It will cost 2-3 times as much as at Chula but should be able to book by phone and get it all done in a visit or two, no red tape and minimal language barrier.

St Louis sometimes answers emails so you could try emailing to get a cost estimate. It will be less than at places like Bumrungrad where I think it runs about 100,000 baht.

You will not necessarily need an IVP, it may be possible to visualize the stone with ultrasound.

And as it sounds like the pain is not that excruciating the doctor may advise trying first with fluids and medication if this has not already been tried. there are drugs that can help relax the ureter so the stone can pass. Will of course depend on the size of the thing.