I have an ongoing condition called cervical radiculopathy, resulting from two severe spinal injuries, and complicated by a degenerative condition of my vertebrae. Before moving to Thailand from the United States, I was on a regular regimen of Morphine Sulphate extended release tablets (15mg) and Norco (10/325mg) - which is like Vicodin but with less Tylenol. In addition, I take Gabapentin (900mg) and Naproxin (500mg). On arriving in Ao Nang I visited a doctor here who told me that he couldn't prescribe the morphine or any vicodin-like medications, and that I would have to go to a hospital in Phuket to get them. So I took the ferry to Phuket and went to the Phuket International Hospital. I saw a doctor there who did prescribe the Morphine Sulphate for me, but in a lesser strength and quantity than I got in the States. He had never heard of Norco, and for some reason did not prescribe the Vicodin, which I didn't realize until I was checking out at the hospital pharmacy. I also needed and got a prescription for Imuran, for my ulcerative colitis, another medication apparently unavailable in Krabi.

When I got the hospital bill, I almost went into shock - while the cost of the hospital visit, including the consultation and an x-ray, was negligible, the two prescriptions for the morphine and the imuran came to over $500.00! That, combined with the cost of the ferry to Phuket and an overnite stay in a hotel, was prohibitive - there is no way I could repeat this on a monthly basis. And anyway, as I only got the one pain medication and in a reduced quantity, I ran out before my next appointment date anyway. I am now taking paracetamol with codeine, which I can get from some local pharmacies - but it barely makes a dent in my severe pain - and is expensive to boot.

Surely there must be a local alternative - perhaps a pain specialist, orthopedist or neurologist in Krabi or nearby who could actually prescribe one or more of my needed medications for purchase here, without having to travel to Phuket?

Any advice would be much appreciated!

Strong pain relievers in Thailand are nearly impossible. My after surgery pain medication for a hernia operation was Tylenol. Private hospital.

This wont be even close to what you need but it will be better than paracetamol. Go to a local pharmacy and ask for Tremadol or Tremacap. They have an import which costs 200B for 10 pills, but they have Thai made which is only 30 baht for 10 pills. You can get a box of 25 packs (10 pills a pack) for under 300B about 250-270 depending on the pharmacy.

i would also tell the pharmacist you have server pain and ask if they can provide something else. I get kidney stones. In the USA they give me vicadine, Here I take tremadal.

I also take a muscle relaxant, which between the two works good. Not sure the muscle relaxant will be of any good to you.