The new Bangkok Hospital in Hua Hin

[littlebird]

I agree with Dr Mike
Overuse of antibiotics over the years has led to resistance of the drug. That is why physicians in UK tend to prescribe a high dose over a short period of time

[Takiap]

Yes, I also agree with Dr Mike - overuse of antibiotics is a bad thing, and they're not needed as often as what they are taken.

[hhfarang]

SO, if you would seea Dermatologist if one was here--write to me so that I can prove this

I don't know if it's too far to do this, but I know other hospitals do (maybe BHHH does already), but what about rotating a dermatologist from Bangkok on a one day per week trial basis. Dermatology is rarely an emergency so people would probably be willing to make an appointment on a day up to a week away. Petcharat Hospital in Petchaburi does this with many specialties. I've been there in the past (before BHHH opened) to see a urologist, but had to make an appointment on a certain day of the week when the urologist was in attendance. If you did that and announce it, after three months you would see if there was enough need to have one here on a full time or more regular basis.

The only problem with the above may be the initial expense of specialized equipment a dermatologist may need to perform adequately, but maybe portable kits are available.

[Dr Mike]

That is exactly what I propose, but we have not had enough requests to justify bringing a dermatologist even one day a week

[Johanna]

I cannot and should not comment on the appropriateness of this treatment in this one case. just a general comment. There is HUGE critism of my profession in that we use antibiotics too quickly and too often. Ear ache is usually quoted as one of the areas of excessive use. .

I said earlier that I had eardrops and paracetamol. I went on google to see what kind of drops they are.
It is called Tarivid, and seems to be an antibiotic (3mg ofloxacin)
Hope it will work. My jaw is getting stiff and a bit painfull, but not that bad that I have to run back to the BHHH. I will wait a few days.

Forgot to tell but I was/am very impressed how everything went so fast in the hospital.
Amazing, did not knew that this was possible.
If I have in my home country an appointment at the doctor at (let say) 10.00 am I might be lucky if I get see the doctor at 10.30/10.45 am.
And here in HH I just walked in.

[wpcoe]

Johanna, do you have chronic, or at least recurring, ear infections? If so, I'll relate an episode from my medical history here in Thailand:

A few years ago I was in a cycle of frequent ear infections, and I attended the ENT (Ear Nose Throat) doctors at Bangkok Hospital Pattaya. Each time, I was given a different course of anti-biotics. I think I did four courses of antibiotics in six weeks.

Knowing that such frequent use of antibiotics was not a Good Thing, I visited my previous ENT doctor at BNH hospital in Bangkok. He had corrected a deviated septum earlier in my life, and I was impressed with his knowledge, care and concern. He took the time to listen to my recent medical history of the repeated ear infections, and agreed with my concern about going back on antibiotics, but diagnosed that I did, in fact, have another infection.

He said that it was possible that my ear canal, for whatever reason, was out of Ph balance and was not acidic enough to repel infection. (I'm fumbling for words, here, so bear with me.) He prescribed acetic acid (vinegar) flushes via a small syringe and a topical antibiotic (Sofradex) -- like the drops you have -- instead a systemic antibiotic that is taken orally. The vinegar, being an acid, changes the Ph level in the ear canal to help fight or resist infection. I could be wrong, but I don't think using a topical antibiotic is as bad as systemic, in that it doesn't pass through the digestive system, not only killing the "good" probiotic bacteria in the gut, but also more freely distributed throughout the body. Anyway, it worked, and that was my last infection for quite a while.

Whenever I will start to feel the beginning of an infection, the vinegar flushes usually do the trick.

[Johanna]

Johanna, do you have chronic, or at least recurring, ear infections?

@ wpcoe, thanks for your reply.
The last time I had an ear infection was in 1999.
After a surgery in 2000 I never had any ear problems anymore.
So I don't know if you can call this an chronic or recurring infection.

I just wait and see if the drops will help.
Thank God the infection is not really far in my ear otherwise it would be extremely painfull.
Knowing from the past. Sleepless nights, oh dear.
I hardly ever take medication, not even paracetamol. But now I am glad I have some :-)

Have a great and healthy weekend everybody.

[Siani]

@littlebird, Wow, that is a lot, 6 times more the price then a local farmacy
And can you just say then to the doctor that you won't buy the medication in the hospital because it is too expensive ?
It seems that you know the farmacy prices very well. Wonder if that is a good sign.

I must see a doctor because I have an infection in my ear.
I recognise the symptones.
Having many ear problems in the past, so I know I have to visit a doctor.
As I am (lucky enough) not familiar with medication prices I understand I should not buy the medication at the hospital.

But do the local farmacy have all the medications
I will need some anti-biotics. BUt ofcource I must visit a doctor first.

I cannot stress to you to seek help ASAP. Last year when my husband was here in HH, he developed a serious ear infection. It was more than likely to have been the result of water in the ear after swimming. It did go away for about a week then came back with vengeance. He saw his GP in the UK, when we got back, who gave him some antibiotic ear drops which did not work. He also took really strong painkillers. The pain was so chronic at one stage we went into A&E in the hospital. After almost 3 months of antibiotics, both drops & oral, it finally went. You have my sympathy, there is nothing worse.

My husband took Ciprofloxacin 500mg tablets. (one twice a day) plus a eardrop (he cannot remember the name) but make sure it has an antibiotic in it. They did the trick.

For pain he took Co-Codamol 50mg if you can get them.

I think it important that someone looks in the ear to see where the infection is and how serious it is. Just get it looked at first. Try maybe:
Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic Situated on Petchkasem Road Hua Hin
I think that if your jaw aches, really keep a check on it.
I hope it goes soon for you.

[Big Boy]

This thread is sliding off topic. Can we please get it back to matters related to the Bangkok Hospital in Hua Hin.

There is no problem discussing individual illness, but please start a specific thread.

[Johanna]

It has not been my attention to get help and sympathy from people ( but very kind and nice, thank you. )
Just left here my experience with this hospital which is i.m.o. excelent.
Good help and very kind nurse and doctor.
A big difference with home.

[Hobiecat]

Greeting Dr. Mike,

Was good meeting you last week. Very happy with the quick and professional service of your staff. I hope my hair was strait for your photos. If you put me on your pamphlet your going to owe me a beer.

Question: Does BKH have a chiropractor on staff or are they planning on having one? I'm guessing not? Is there one in town that you know of or could recommend? I've been pressed having to go to BKK for the last couple of years. Finding one here in HH would make things much easier. Been looking but there just doesn't seem to be one here??

[littlebird]

Siani
I think Co-codamol is not available here. Medication that is not available here can be brought into the country if prescribed by your doctor back home. To be sure that no questions are asked should you get stopped, get a letter from your doctor to confirm all the meds you bring in are prescribed and for personal use. Don't know about other countries but UK can only prescribe a maximum of 6 months supply of medication.

[Siani]

Siani
I think Co-codamol is not available here. Medication that is not available here can be brought into the country if prescribed by your doctor back home. To be sure that no questions are asked should you get stopped, get a letter from your doctor to confirm all the meds you bring in are prescribed and for personal use. Don't know about other countries but UK can only prescribe a maximum of 6 months supply of medication.

Thanks. I could only get 3 months presciptions. I always carry the original copy of it. It is useful to show the pharmacy as well

[Siani]

We had to go to the BKH ourselves yesteday, my husband has a bad toe. Incredible service there. After 5 mins registration, photo etc, the nurse was cleaning the toe, taking BP. Then doctor looked at it. within another 10 mins he was given a perscription, foot dressed, the total bill was under a 1000 baht, that included registration, blood pressure etc. incredible.
It was during the massive thunderstorm, the staff outside even had an umbrella ready to take my husband over to his car. The car came over for me and doors were opened for me of the car, what a wonderful hospital.

Different to our last visit to a UK hospital we had a 4 hour wait, the hospital dirty...says it all really about UK hospitals .

[Dr Mike]

I am looking fora little help. In order to assist International patients I am having some documents translated into 7 European langauges. I have a short (2page) item and I need it translated into Norwegian, any body know any literate Norwegians who could help