I Have Diabetes!

For 5 years now I've had type 1 diabetes, meaning insulin dependant. Since living in Udon I've been going to the Military Hospital every two months for a blood test and general check up.I arrive there at 06.30 for the blood test and then wait to see the Doctor, sometimes 10.00am or later, in to see the Doctor and out again in less than 5 minutes. Prescription for more insulin and Aspirin for the blood/heart.
Now I'm a little fed up with this treatment, the waiting time and not getting the proper attention from the Doctor, the Thai wife says this is the best place to go in Udon, but I think that there must be another hospital/clinic I can go too?

The cost of the treatment and charge from the Doctor is about 3,500/4,000 baht every time I go. I've had bad experiences with AEK Udon as they seem to run a business there and NOT a hospital, unnecessary charges.

Does anyone know where I can go without being rude in Udon instead of these two disappointing hospitals? which is inexpensive?

Thank you

Don't know about your particular problem but have a good overall reputation.......thank-you-paolo-hospital-t9582.html

Sounds like you are just getting prescriptions easch trip!Why not try thr general hospital or clinics.I don't see why any particular hospital would be necessary in regards to being better treatment as you already are diagnosed!

Many doctors have private clinic businesses,maybe you can negotiate a better price and quicker appointment turnarounds!

Thank you I will do that and try the old Paolo Hospital too!

Just a note: I did some research a few months back on Diabetes doctors around here, and met with several serious sufferers with Type 1 with much experience. I did this as I was having an impossible time finding anyone worthwhile in these parts. These guys confirmed my research and thinking...

The upshot: The best place to go is Theptarin Hostpital in Bangkok if you want real expert, quality care. See http://theptarin.com/en-home

I only have Type 2, so I'm not sure how often you would need to go there, but they at Theptarin can tell you, and help you, and advise you. I would think perhaps twice a year would suffice, but I'm not a doctor (not the medical kind anyway).

Check Paolo - can't hurt. Well, maybe it can, actually. The one gentleman I met with in NK ended up there after getting cr@p treatment and diagnoses from cr@p doctors in NK & Udon... That was after he had half of his foot amputated. He now spends his days in a wheelchair.

If you want to talk to him, or another guy with Type 1 here, PM me and I'll give you their info, as they're both happy to discuss their experiences and advice with others.

Diabetes is not something to be trifled with, or mistreated, or taken lightly, that's for sure. From what I've learned, it's well worth the 1-hour flight. My 2 Baht.

PS: Stay off the Bread, Man

Many thanks for this 'The Dude' I will try this hospital sometime over the next couple of months.

I am sorry to hear about your problem, I do actually know a man who may be able to point you in the right direction, i will talk to hom over the new couple of weeks and get the definitive answer. he is in fact the deptuy director of health for Udon Thani province i am sure he will point me in the right direction.
I assume that all you want is a more personal approach rather than just a repeat prescription etc for a probelm that will stay with you for the rest of your life.

my brother was a diabetic consultant for many years and he always stated that many diabetics can deal in the main with their probelms by diet and control, i am not sue if that applies to you but i do feel for you and will attempt to get a proper response for you, if thats ok.

Khun Paul wrote:I am sorry to hear about your problem, I do actually know a man who may be able to point you in the right direction, i will talk to hom over the new couple of weeks and get the definitive answer. he is in fact the deptuy director of health for Udon Thani province i am sure he will point me in the right direction.
I assume that all you want is a more personal approach rather than just a repeat prescription etc for a probelm that will stay with you for the rest of your life.

my brother was a diabetic consultant for many years and he always stated that many diabetics can deal in the main with their probelms by diet and control, i am not sue if that applies to you but i do feel for you and will attempt to get a proper response for you, if thats ok.

This would be very helpful., thank so much for your Interest. I look forward in hearing from you in due course.

Bread Man

I would like to share a little info that you may be interseted in, Bread Man. No, I don't have diabetes and am not a doctor. I don't know a whole lot about the illness.

My aunt had type 1 diabetes for 15 years. She didn't take very good care of herself and was very over weight. My dad (her brother) had done a little research and found some herbal stuff called GYMNEMA SYLVESTRE. While continueing her regular treatment and closely supervised by her doctor they started her on GYMNEMA SYLVESTRE. Within a year, she had completely discontinued the need for insulin injections.

Please do your own research and don't take my word for it as I have already stated my qualifications.

FYI

Thank you very much, I fully understand what you are saying and I will look into this myself. I've have heard of some drugs or herbs that can do this but I was unsure as to their name.
Info very much appreciated, thank you.

If I may, my two baht's worth:

If you understand the disease, then all you really need is a doctor who is willing to prescribe the necessary tests (A1c and maybe fasting blood sugar, and every now and then a more complete panel) and with whom you can discuss treatment, medication and cost openly and honestly.

I find Dr. Aram Poonsriaram ("Dr. Aram" for short) in the medicine department at AEK Udon is such a man. We go over recommended tests before he prescribes them, discuss various medication options and their efficacy vs cost, etc. He is pretty easy to get along with, and has no problem with my buying the medications at outside pharmacies when they are available outside. My thanks to those on this forum who recommended Dr. Aram to me.

One of the problems with the Military hospital is that everybody and his brother goes there because the care is so good and the cost is so low. That results in long waits. It is not that they don't appreciate your patronage, but they are simply running at capacity. If you go to a private hospital like AEK, service is much faster, but you also have to a more sophisticated consumer.

If you are using an exotic insulin mix, then maybe its not available outside of hospital pharmacies, and maybe part of the cost is that your particular insulin is has to be imported from a foreign supplier. You may wish to look around as decide whether you are taking the the most appropriate medication considering your medical and economic situation, and the decide whether you are being gouged. Maybe things are not as bad as you feel them to be.

Rickfarang has nailed this one, dont stuff around with your diabetes for the cost of a few baht.

If you take short cuts then later down the track the Vascular surgeon will also take short cuts, as in off with ur toes !.

Dont underestimate that itchy discoloured toe or finger.

For anyone interested, one can go to the place that handles the labwork for the local clinics and get a diabetes test for 50 baht. Being that TIT, I reckon they may also write prescriptions or supply meds. I did this in Pattaya with my wife whom I feared had gestational diabetes. She tested negative at the lab and also at a real hospital, but We are still being overly cautious with her diet. Better safe than sorry.

Hope this info helps someone. Cheers!

I have type 2 diabetes. I was using an ACCU-CHEK ADVANTAGE by ROCHE glucose tester.

I lost the test instrument somewhere between Udon and Australia and an ever grateful and benevolent Australian government have given me a new one. It is a different type so I have several hundred test strips and lancets in Udon than I have no further use for. All are current for another year I think.

I am not back in Udon until late April but if anyone can use them please PM me and I will arrange to meet and pass them over.

I suggest somewhere that sells ice cold LEO would be a good meeting place.

John

I left mine in the States; could possibly use yours. I can be contacted at ray.charles2020@hotmail.com.
Thanks.