Knee Pain

[canthai55]

Diagnosed in the West for arthritis, they want to schedule knee replacement surgery.

Apo-Naproxen - an anti-inflammatory - is what I had proscribed for but is of very limited use.

Been seeing a non-traditional healer who does not use drugs - Been taking large amounts of Vitamin C and cold-pressed coconut oil, which has given me the most pain relief of the many I have tried.

Strangely - when I ride my motorcycles, large and small, the pain if present goes away, and if not there does not recur.

Puzzling - anyone have info on any other treatments. Thanks.

[uptheos]

You could have a torn meniscus or something else and unless this has been ruled out by an MRI I suggest you have one.

You say 'In the West' which country, one that you have to pay a fortune for or one with a Health care System?

Naproxen is about as useful as a wet flannel

[canthai55]

You could have a torn meniscus or something else and unless this has been ruled out by an MRI I suggest you have one.

You say 'In the West' which country, one that you have to pay a fortune for or one with a Health care System?

Naproxen is about as useful as a wet flannel

Thank you for your quick reply. Used the search button, but most posts fairly old, and some real old.

Canada. X-Ray taken, said no need for MRI as they can see from the X-Ray. And - while the health care system was a shining jewel in years gone by, the waiting times now are forcing more and more to pay for procedures themselves.

Owned an iron-headed Sportster in the early 70's - where the initial injury came about. Was quiet for many years, and the last couple have been occasional light pain. But the last year has been continuous light - occasional moderate pain. If this road continues my fear is losing the ability to walk.

[oncearugge]

canthai55

If your arthritic knee was diagnosed as being in need of replacement it is highly unlikely that a "non-traditional healer" will assist other than by evoking a placebo effect and lightening the wallet.

You should have your knee re-evaluated by an Orthopaedic Specialist.

In the mean time if you are overweight losing weight will prove to be beneficial.

[uptheos]

You could have a torn meniscus or something else and unless this has been ruled out by an MRI I suggest you have one.

You say 'In the West' which country, one that you have to pay a fortune for or one with a Health care System?

Naproxen is about as useful as a wet flannel

Thank you for your quick reply. Used the search button, but most posts fairly old, and some real old.

Canada. X-Ray taken, said no need for MRI as they can see from the X-Ray. And - while the health care system was a shining jewel in years gone by, the waiting times now are forcing more and more to pay for procedures themselves.

Owned an iron-headed Sportster in the early 70's - where the initial injury came about. Was quiet for many years, and the last couple have been occasional light pain. But the last year has been continuous light - occasional moderate pain. If this road continues my fear is losing the ability to walk.

Absolutely 100% you cannot see a torn meniscus, lateral or medial by regular X-ray.

Sounds like they want a quick pile of cash, while you spend a year rehabilitating.

You may well have arthritis, I do. I had an MRI and found I had tears in three parts of my meniscus and subsequently had it fixed by arthroscopy, problem resolved though arthritis discomfort remains at times.

An MRI costs 8k up here in Chiang Mai and there is one of the best arthroscopic knee surgeons here too.

Edited November 14, 2015 by uptheos

[Sheryl]

If you are in Bangkok, Dr. Panya at Bumrungrad is an excellent knee specialist.

If the degree of cartilidge loss seen on Xray was such that the NHS recommended a knee replacement then that is probably what you need. However you may be able to buy some time through injections of hyaluronic acid.

[JoopJoop]

Sheryl,

I understand many including myself respect your advice on this forum but I've been waiting for a medical report from Bumrungrad for 9 weeks.

They are happy to take the money but when one requires something in return they are absolutely incompetent.

I will never go to that hospital again.

[luk AJ]

Sheryl,

I understand many including myself respect your advice on this forum but I've been waiting for a medical report from Bumrungrad for 9 weeks.

They are happy to take the money but when one requires something in return they are absolutely incompetent.

I will never go to that hospital again.

Strange, Dr Panya operated my back and both my knees. Appointment always within one week, operation latest week after. I agree Bumrungrad is maybe not the solution for all problems and it is very expensive. But I understand your knee has a serious problem. My recommendation, if you can afford it choose the best surgeon.

[adammike]

I had a torn meniscus and could barely walk [but i could pedal my bike] never had an X-ray the orthopedic surgeon knew what the problem was just by manipulating my leg,see a professional.

[Sheryl]

Sheryl,

I understand many including myself respect your advice on this forum but I've been waiting for a medical report from Bumrungrad for 9 weeks.

They are happy to take the money but when one requires something in return they are absolutely incompetent.

I will never go to that hospital again.

I have no fondness for the "hospital" itself either. But there are times when the best specialist for a specific problem is based there, and this is one of them.

BTW it is indeed very difficult to get medical reports sent to you. Go in person and assuming all you want is copies of what is already in your records (as opposed to something that needs to be specially written up for you) and you will get it on the spot.

[h90]

I had a torn meniscus and could barely walk [but i could pedal my bike] never had an X-ray the orthopedic surgeon knew what the problem was just by manipulating my leg,see a professional.

I had lots of injuries on my knees, some that let me limp for 10 month...never saw a doctor.

Now when I am older, when I sit a lot my knees hurt. When I pedal my bike frequently and make hard leg strength training with weights they don't hurt at all. Well next day after the strength training they hurt but not much and it is a kind of "good hurt" hurt from overloaded not from some chronic problem.

Not a recommendation....and it may do more harm than good, but for me it does the trick at my current age.

(For sure some tendons are at least damaged and more muscle holds the joint together).

[thrilled]

They recommend exercise for althritus.But I'm not sure how it does.Supposely after awhile it's bone hitting bone the cartilage is

Gone.By the way I'm fine but what are prices in Thailand for A knee replacement?

[alfalfa19]

They recommend exercise for althritus.But I'm not sure how it does.Supposely after awhile it's bone hitting bone the cartilage is

Gone.By the way I'm fine but what are prices in Thailand for A knee replacement?

A few years ago, I was quoted 14,000 dollars for a total knee replacement at Bumrungrad. I ended up having my knees done here in california, it was not much cheaper, even with health insurance.

[alfalfa19]

I have had both knees replaced, left partial, right total. Had bone on bone contact in both. I wish that I had done it earlier, the 15-20 years of agony, living on ibuprofen were worse than the operation and recovery. Admittedly, the recovery is long and painful, but much less time in pain is involved. 4 weeks for recovery from partial, a few months for the total. I destroyed my knees with mountain bike crashes, then running up and down mountains and playing volleyball for several years. I'm going back to work on monday after my partial, and I am hoping to be able to resume some of the active lifestyle I had 20-25 years ago.

[uptheos]

Appx 458,000 Baht at Bamrungrad

https://www.bumrungrad.com/enjoint-replacement-surgery-center-bangkok-thailand/unicompartmental-knee-arthorplasty-mako-1-2

[JoopJoop]

Sheryl,

I understand many including myself respect your advice on this forum but I've been waiting for a medical report from Bumrungrad for 9 weeks.

They are happy to take the money but when one requires something in return they are absolutely incompetent.

I will never go to that hospital again.

I have no fondness for the "hospital" itself either. But there are times when the best specialist for a specific problem is based there, and this is one of them.

BTW it is indeed very difficult to get medical reports sent to you. Go in person and assuming all you want is copies of what is already in your records (as opposed to something that needs to be specially written up for you) and you will get it on the spot.

It's a report involving three Doctors but the hierarchy and "face" thing has delayed this for an extremely unacceptable length of time. I'm aware I can get medical records on the spot.

Any suggestions?

I'll be going in again next week and taking it to the top.

9 weeks and waiting for a med report and they call themselves an International Hospital. BS; Mae mee kwam samarth=incompetent.

[oncearugge]

Sheryl,

I understand many including myself respect your advice on this forum but I've been waiting for a medical report from Bumrungrad for 9 weeks.

They are happy to take the money but when one requires something in return they are absolutely incompetent.

I will never go to that hospital again.

I have no fondness for the "hospital" itself either. But there are times when the best specialist for a specific problem is based there, and this is one of them.

BTW it is indeed very difficult to get medical reports sent to you. Go in person and assuming all you want is copies of what is already in your records (as opposed to something that needs to be specially written up for you) and you will get it on the spot.

It's a report involving three Doctors but the hierarchy and "face" thing has delayed this for an extremely unacceptable length of time. I'm aware I can get medical records on the spot.

Any suggestions?

I'll be going in again next week and taking it to the top.

9 weeks and waiting for a med report and they call themselves an International Hospital. BS; Mae mee kwam samarth=incompetent.

Your medical records, even those involving three doctors are easily obtained.

I wonder if your request for a "special" report was specific,comprehensible and couched in good polite , grammatically correct English ?

[JoopJoop]

Sheryl,

I understand many including myself respect your advice on this forum but I've been waiting for a medical report from Bumrungrad for 9 weeks.

They are happy to take the money but when one requires something in return they are absolutely incompetent.

I will never go to that hospital again.

I have no fondness for the "hospital" itself either. But there are times when the best specialist for a specific problem is based there, and this is one of them.

BTW it is indeed very difficult to get medical reports sent to you. Go in person and assuming all you want is copies of what is already in your records (as opposed to something that needs to be specially written up for you) and you will get it on the spot.

It's a report involving three Doctors but the hierarchy and "face" thing has delayed this for an extremely unacceptable length of time. I'm aware I can get medical records on the spot.

Any suggestions?

I'll be going in again next week and taking it to the top.

9 weeks and waiting for a med report and they call themselves an International Hospital. BS; Mae mee kwam samarth=incompetent.

Your medical records, even those involving three doctors are easily obtained.

I wonder if your request for a "special" report was specific,comprehensible and couched in good polite , grammatically correct English ?

Yes it is. I'm well aware the leading Physicians English is substandard and he goes all out to cover/delay/ this report.

I don't doubt Bumrungrad has competent physicians and surgeons but the ones I'm dealing with, I'm certain received their medical degrees out of a breakfast packet.

It's an absolute disgrace.

[oncearugge]

JoopJoop

A lot revealed in that post .

I would certainly seek to avoid any dealings or contact with the writer.

An absolute disgrace of a post.

[canthai55]

Thanks to all for your replies.

Is this Doctor still practicing in Chiang Mai -

Dr Chanakarn Phornphutkul (sports medicine)

Rajavej Hospital, 053 801999 and 053 204545

(Orthodpedic clinic opposite the hospital on the other side of the river)

Search revealed his info - and thumbs up from different posters

[canthai55]

In the mean time if you are overweight losing weight will prove to be beneficial.

90 kg - 1.9 M So not too bad

[canthai55]

An MRI costs 8k up here in Chiang Mai and there is one of the best arthroscopic knee surgeons here too.

This Doctor -

Dr Chanakarn Phornphutkul (sports medicine)

Rajavej Hospital, 053 801999 and 053 204545

(Orthodpedic clinic opposite the hospital on the other side of the river)

I am in the Chiang Mai area

[Valentine]

An MRI costs 8k up here in Chiang Mai and there is one of the best arthroscopic knee surgeons here too.

This Doctor -

Dr Chanakarn Phornphutkul (sports medicine)

Rajavej Hospital, 053 801999 and 053 204545

(Orthodpedic clinic opposite the hospital on the other side of the river)

I am in the Chiang Mai area

About 4 years ago the doctor said I had no cartilage in my left knee & would need a total knee replacement. At times it was extremely painful & i walked with a peg leg but resisted taking anti inflammatories although once I had to take some strong painkillers when it became unbearable. 2 years ago I was recommended a special supplement, comprising of 7 capsules containing various natural substances taken daily, by a European sports specialist. I took about 4 courses of 40 days each. Today I walk normally, although cannot move fast, & without any pain. At present I take mangosteen supplements everyday.

BTW I had a bad injury in my knee playing rugby when I was 21. Doctor warned me then the knee would give me problems when I was older.

Edited November 15, 2015 by Valentine

[chubby]

OP: so how much naproxen are you taking now, miligrams, x day, ?everyday or how often ?

what is your age?

does the pain go away or is it constant?

on a scale of 1-10 , what is your typical pain level? worse at the end of the day?

ever try ice and heat? cortisone injections? every get a 2nd opinion ? usually you can delay as long as you want, but if you can't exercise, then you gain weight, and things can snowball, with your general health , etc , so there is risk/benefit of course.

i've never seen anyone use one of these, "unloader"s but apparently someone does, esp, if your still riding motorcycles

http://www.breg.com/products/knee-bracing/functional-oa

btw, vibration and pain share a common neural pathway, see TENS machine

[DDbkh]

I had both knees replaced by Professor Keerati at Phyothai 3 Hospital. He also works at Bumrungrad but P3 is his favourite. The result is fantastic , after ten years of agony and no sleep it nothing short of a new life ! If you have osteoarthritis there is no long term alternative and the longer you leave it the less life after you will have to enjoy yourself.

P3 is much less expensive than the big international hospitals but I have only praise for what they did for me.

[Sheryl]

Thanks to all for your replies.

Is this Doctor still practicing in Chiang Mai -

Dr Chanakarn Phornphutkul (sports medicine)

Rajavej Hospital, 053 801999 and 053 204545

(Orthodpedic clinic opposite the hospital on the other side of the river)

Search revealed his info - and thumbs up from different posters

as far as I know, yes

[chubby]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gate_control_theory

[uptheos]

An MRI costs 8k up here in Chiang Mai and there is one of the best arthroscopic knee surgeons here too.

This Doctor -

Dr Chanakarn Phornphutkul (sports medicine)

Rajavej Hospital, 053 801999 and 053 204545

(Orthodpedic clinic opposite the hospital on the other side of the river)

I am in the Chiang Mai area

Then look no further for a knee surgeon, he is top notch. Go and see him at his clinic.

If you have difficulty getting through, then get his mobile off the pinned list of doctors, he's OK if you call him.

[Sheryl]

Sheryl,

I understand many including myself respect your advice on this forum but I've been waiting for a medical report from Bumrungrad for 9 weeks.

They are happy to take the money but when one requires something in return they are absolutely incompetent.

I will never go to that hospital again.

I have no fondness for the "hospital" itself either. But there are times when the best specialist for a specific problem is based there, and this is one of them.

BTW it is indeed very difficult to get medical reports sent to you. Go in person and assuming all you want is copies of what is already in your records (as opposed to something that needs to be specially written up for you) and you will get it on the spot.

It's a report involving three Doctors but the hierarchy and "face" thing has delayed this for an extremely unacceptable length of time. I'm aware I can get medical records on the spot.

Any suggestions?

I'll be going in again next week and taking it to the top.

9 weeks and waiting for a med report and they call themselves an International Hospital. BS; Mae mee kwam samarth=incompetent.

Your medical records, even those involving three doctors are easily obtained.

I wonder if your request for a "special" report was specific,comprehensible and couched in good polite , grammatically correct English ?

If I understand correctly what he wants is not a copy of his medical records but a specially written report which synthesizes the findings. Difficult to obtain indeed, especially if the doctor who would need to write it is not fluent in English. In addition, I find that Thais (doctors and others) are very nervous/uncomfortable about preparing any sort of written document other than in formats they are used to....not sure who will see it/how it will be used, worried about somehow getting into trouble etc. It has for example often proven impossible to get forms needed to claim disability in the US completed by Thai doctors....unfamiliar forms relating to an unfamiliar set of rules and they don't want to go near it with a ten foot pole. In that specific instance, TV members have found it useful to consult a US doctor licensed in Thailand.

You will certainly not get anywhere by email, those get read by low level clerks with neither the best English nor any medical knowledge.

I recently had a go-round with the same hospital which went nowhere so finally just took matters into my own hands, selected a doctor and went straight to him, worked out well. You might do best to just go directly to a doctor of relevant specialty there and explain to him in person what you need. If you have a sample format that will help. Another possibility would be to just get copies of your records -- all of them -- and take them to a Western doctor, of which there are a few in Thailand, to prepare the report you need. But I could advise along these lines better if I knew what the condition was and what you need the report for.

When you do get your records be prepared to be shocked at how very little is written in them. Brevity is the order of the day here to say the least. Often a problem with getting reimbursement from international insurers who expect a much greater level of detail.

[canthai55]

OP: so how much naproxen are you taking now, miligrams, x day, ?everyday or how often ?

what is your age?

does the pain go away or is it constant?

on a scale of 1-10 , what is your typical pain level? worse at the end of the day?

ever try ice and heat? cortisone injections? every get a 2nd opinion ? usually you can delay as long as you want, but if you can't exercise, then you gain weight, and things can snowball, with your general health , etc , so there is risk/benefit of course.

i've never seen anyone use one of these, "unloader"s but apparently someone does, esp, if your still riding motorcycles

http://www.breg.com/products/knee-bracing/functional-oa

btw, vibration and pain share a common neural pathway, see TENS machine

Prescribed 500mg tabs - but a refill of 200 last me at least 18 months. Taken only when swelling very bad - like when I return to the salt mine in May/June for a few months travelling $$$

61 on the outside - 18 on the inside !

Pain not constant. Bottle of Xtra strength Aspirin (generic) last about 2 years. Typical pain 3-4. And worse at nite or after a days working.

Ice and Heat - no benefit beside temporary. And I can usually get that by laying down.

As said - no pain when riding. and if pain before, a few miles riding and it goes away. Baffling !

Thank you for your post