Shoulder surgery

[imincm]

Hello,

theres a good chance i need to have a shoulder surgery in Chiang Mai. I already was in Bangkok Hospital for RMI, but if I really do a surgery here I would like to have some opinions from people that had similliar here and can maybe recommend a hospital/docter.

Thanks!

[oncearugge]

RMI ??

Do you mean MRI?

[Sheryl]

I think we can safely assume he means MRI and that was just a typo.

It would help to know the nature of the problem and the type of surgery proposed, though. If it is a torn rotator cuff, what is the extent of the tear (partial tears can often be treated conservatively)?

[imincm]

Yes MRI.

I think my capsular is ripped of the joint. Both me and the doctor are not native English, but Im pretty sure thats the problem. I had a surgery for the same issue 2.5 years ago back home.

[Sheryl]

Given the uncertainty as to the actual problem and type of surgery proposed, there is a limit to what I can say.

In Chiang Mai, the best surgeon for arthroscopy is Dr. Chanakarn Phornphutkul. He is on the faculty at CMU and can be accessed either through Sripat or Rajavej Hospital Will cost less at Sriphat but more red tape and inconveniences than at Rajvej.

http://sriphat.med.cmu.ac.th/eng/home

https://www.facebook.com/rajavejchiangmai.hospital

At Rajavej he is there in the evenings and on Saturdays. No need for appointment just go. Ortho Clinic (register first to get a patient number). At Sripat best to call or visit first to find out his schedule, and an appointment will be necessary. I am nto 100% sure you can see him at Sripat but would expect so as he is on CMU faculty.

The best shoulder specialist in Thailand IMO (Harvard trained, fluent English) is in Bangkok. I would suggest bringing all your scans, past records etc to him for a second opinion before going forward with surgery, especially since it seems to be a recurrent problem despite past surgical procedure:

[imincm]

Thanks u very much! I already have an apointment with Dr chanakarn.

whats the name of the doctor in Bangkok? Would you say he is much better then dr chanakarn?

[Sheryl]

Sorry forgot to include it

https://www.bumrungrad.com/doctors/Mason-Porramatikul

He did a residency at Harvard/Mass General and specifically specializes in shoulder issues. Just suggesting you get a second opinion from him before proceeding with whatever Dr. Chanakarn recommends, especially as yours seems to be a complicated case. It is always advisable to have a second opinion before undergoing surgery and all the more so when the condition has recurred despite prior surgical correction.

[imincm]

Ok, was at Dr Chanakarn now. This is the second opinion now, or the third actually.

The doctor in bangkok hospital said I need surgery and Dr. Chanakard as well. Also the doctors of my insurance saw the MRI results as well and also say I need a surgery (wich is against the intrest obv). So I think pretty sure surgery is needed,

Would you think the Doctor in Bangkok could do a much better job or will surgery here will be same quality?

thanks!!

[Sheryl]

As to that I can't say. I have tremendous confidence in Dr. Mason, and he is the "go to" doctor for shoulder problems, but Dr. Chanakarn is also very well regarded, and many TV members have had surgery (though not necessarily shoulder) with him and been very happy.

It would also cost a great deal more with Dr. Mason because the hospital he is at, Bumrungrad, is among the most expensive in Thailand (with no value added for that extra cost as a hospital IMO...I use the place only when the doctor I want is there and nowhere else. Which does happen, as they have a very large number and range of specialists).

I think in the final analysis you should go with your gut instinct. If Dr. Chanakarn seemed confident of his ability to do the needed procedure and you felt comfortable with him, then I would probably go for it, especially given the lower cost and advantages of having it done closer to home.

[gamini]

Thanks u very much! I already have an apointment with Dr chanakarn.

whats the name of the doctor in Bangkok? Would you say he is much better then dr chanakarn?

much more expensive at bangkok hospital

[imincm]

Really thanks a lot guys!

Im likely going to do the surgery with Dr Chankaran, still happy to hear about any experience someone has with him!

[Evilbaz]

Make sure you do a full rehabilitation program post-surgery.

The surgical correction is only 50% of "the cure".

[imincm]

Yes, had 1 surgery before and was probably to lazy afterwards. Not going to make this mistake again!

[Sheryl]

Really thanks a lot guys!

Im likely going to do the surgery with Dr Chankaran, still happy to hear about any experience someone has with him!

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/542442-recommendation-rajavej-hospital/

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/720049-orthopedic-doctor-chiang-mai/

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/621644-knee-meniscus-tear/

[imincm]

ok,really found only good stuff about chanakarn, we scheduled for tuesday.

Thanks for the links, gave me a lot of confidence in him!