Question about Medical Care

What hospital are you getting your treatment at ?

I go to RakSakon, talk English with the docs, and never have a problem ?

I've been going there since my first accident injury (Aug 2003.

The service has been good to great.

The fact that medicine is labeled and is in English for all western patients is definitely a plus for me. All doctors know a fair amount of English.

What is a bit worrisome is the fact that I noted on a number of occasions I and a visitor had received 'contradictory' medications, to which we were not alerted:

"If you take this medicine DO NOT take that medicine."

In the case of shingles, I should have been given anti viral drugs from the outset.

It most likely would have limited the duration (going on four months now).

Anti viral medication is available at all local drug stores.

I should have been 'referred' to a druggist.

Druggists and doctors seem to work independently.

Both derive their income by selling pills.

Frequently some of the medicines given to me were available cheaper at any pharmacy.

I'm used to receiving prescription medicines from a doctor and being referred to a pharmacists for over the counter medications.

I have an extensive history of upper back and neck injuries.

I have had plenty of pain medications in my time.

Obviously my body has some immunity. To be effective, I require larger doses in some cases.

Something almost all local doctors seem to abhor.

Seeking out medications for me is a last resort.

As mentioned previously, my pain threshold is quite high.

When I really need it, I hope for effective help.

A number of pain injections did nothing to relive the pain.

I could have stayed home and had a coconut cocktail for the same effect.

The first week of shingles is extremely painful.

I went to the hospital three times in one week.

The second and third visit I expected an injection, which I received.

During the three visits I accumulated 14 bags of medication.

I just think that's a bit too much.

It's obvious that Thailand's anti drug war has gone overboard into the medical services.

When I first arrived codeine tablets were available from any druggist.

Now not even a doctor has them available.

I learned long ago to respect codeine. It's great in relieving pain.

But the side effects have to be kept in mind.

Arriving in Pattaya on a weeklong vacation with strep throat.

I drank two bottles codeine cough syrup in one evening.

Trying to keep it clean here: The side effects

I could not do a number two for a week, when I did, I almost blew the toilet apart.

My organ remained limp for a week. Not many tourist dollars spent that week.

I do expect to use the services of the hospital again.

But next time I get a pain shot, I'm going to stay until I feel the effect.

In case I need to ask for a 'refill.'