Eye lens implant surgery

[4niceight 32]

Has anybody had recent eye lens implant surgery at BPH, and what has been your experience? I'm looking for first hand comments, not chit chat, please.

[Regyai 423]

Yes, but not at BPH. Used Pattaya Eye Center (DR Nattawat is from PBH) Excellent service, results & price

 

http://www.pattayaeyecenter.com/index.php?...530&Ntype=2

 

 

.

[yankineire 0]

Has anybody had recent eye lens implant surgery at BPH, and what has been your experience? I'm looking for first hand comments, not chit chat, please.

 

DON'T DO IT THERE !!!!

 

A Thai opened his door into me/my cycle on Sukhumvit, and damaged my lens (and far worse).

 

After the (uglier) damage was healed, I went to BPH to get pricing for an implant (IOL) in ONE eye. They told me 60k THB plus "other expenses that could not be determined until done" (when I pressed, they said "for example, anesthesia, OR fee, etc."). They would not let me talk To a doctor.

 

Next, I visited Pattaya International, got 40k price for "everything". Here, the doctor was available and gave me some of her time for a very small fee (I think it was 500 THB). She is a small,friendly, very smart looking Thai educated in the west. I liked her manner. And research indicated she was well-respected in med community.

 

But a friend advised me to look at Queen Sirikit Hospital. It is a huge, modern military hospital south of Pattaya. The "Walter Reed" of Thailand. Resident farangs are welcome and treated very well. 40 baht bus trip to the door from Sukhumvit. This was worth the trip. And best of all, it turned out to be the same doc I liked from PIH.

 

Get this...it is incredible: I got a comfy 3-day stay in the hospital (pre, op,and post op) which is FAR safer than the "same-day-in-same-day-out, sideways slice, no suture" technique BPH does (notorious for the eye opening from any minor trauma before slit heals). Great food, wonderful bed, great caretakers... and THE TOTAL price of 3 days AND all the extras was 13,500 THB.

 

To be honest, there were a few trips required before the op -and of course follow-ups afterward. But with my laptop on the bus was always pleasant.

 

Now, be prepared. There was no terror or pain to this except the "local anesthesia" (in other words, needle) to the one eye. I will let you imagine that, but it is the same for ANY of the IOL techniques. That was the SOLE discomfort I experienced. After anesthesia wore off,I was surprised not to feel any pain or irritation from sutures (they were so small I could not see them without a very powerful magnifying glass). But the "loose flap" job that BPH does has some VERY serious drawbacks if it comes apart afterward!

 

Last consider the rep BPH has for economic rape against farangs. For example, my friend needed a simple ultrasonic stone removal job. They gave him a 140k quote for the job. He got angry, sent his TG there to get a quote for the same job: 23k. This is typicalof BPH, just ask around. You never hear much about the QUALITY differential, but the PREJUDICIAL pricing is well known. OK, you ASKED for details, I gave em to ya! :Good luck. To end on a positive note, I told the tiny doc (I absolutely love her) that I have had to carry reading glasses for 11 years. She asked if I was tired of that and wanted to be set free. I said SURE. and poof, the new lens is super-focused on now and the glasses have been stomped to death -with extreme prejudice. LOL

[pattysteve 35]

Hey Yank,

 

Ive heard about this hospital before,nothing but good reports.

 

Heres my question,you went there with a damaged eye,do they do IOP surgery for mainly

cosmetic purposes ie. if someone is just pissed with having to wear glasses.Or is it just for damaged eyes.

[4niceight 32]

Yankineire....You are really disparaging about BPH but you never got beyond the attempted quotation stage. How can you give such an authorative bad report when you really have NO experience of their procedures good or bad? I cannot take your post seriously when considering BPH as a possibility for surgery. Please, if anybody wants to advise on BPH, I don't want idle chit chat. I really would like reports of first hand experiences.

[joekicker 53]

Yankineire....You are really disparaging about BPH but you never got beyond the attempted quotation stage. How can you give such an authorative bad report when you really have NO experience of their procedures good or bad? I cannot take your post seriously when considering BPH as a possibility for surgery. Please, if anybody wants to advise on BPH, I don't want idle chit chat. I really would like reports of first hand experiences.

 

This guy went to some trouble to give a very long, very detailed report of his first hand experience with eye surgery including how he was personally treated at a number of places. In other words, he gave EXACTLY what you asked for in your opening post. What are you really looking for? A personal story that backs up the decision you've already made to go to BPH in full?

 

Maybe others will conclude from your response to a reasonable, lengthy post and request for help is that what you "really would like" and what you really deserve are two different things.

[4niceight 32]

This guy went to some trouble to give a very long, very detailed report of his first hand experience with eye surgery including how he was personally treated at a number of places. In other words, he gave EXACTLY what you asked for in your opening post. What are you really looking for? A personal story that backs up the decision you've already made to go to BPH in full?

 

Maybe others will conclude from your response to a reasonable, lengthy post and request for help is that what you "really would like" and what you really deserve are two different things.

I appreciate that he went to a lot of trouble posting his experience, but that experience was NOT what I asked for in my original post. Joe, I read your posts regularly and you come across as a very level headed guy with sound sense, but please read my original post and you'll see that I specifically asked for experiences at BPH. To Yankineire, I thank you for your input but unfortunately there was no relevance to what I requested re actual experience of surgery at BPH.

[jacko 8,992]

I have only second hand knowledge of a friend who had such surgery done at BPH.

He was very pleased with the result.

He is a very wealthy guy for whom the cost was not very important.

I also have an acquaintance who used the Pattaya Eye Centre, and was similarly positive for a lesser cost.

 

As to BPH, for me, I found their aspirin to be 5 times the price of elsewhere!

Edited June 12, 2009 by jacko

[joekicker 53]

I appreciate that he went to a lot of trouble posting his experience, but that experience was NOT what I asked for in my original post. Joe,

 

Well, but you didn't appreciate it, did you, even though he gave his precise experience at PBH and then added quite a lot more about a very positive one.

 

Sorry it didn't meet your exact stipulation, but I think you got way, WAY more than your money's worth. It just rankled a bit with me, I have NO idea who that poster is, never noticed him before by name, but I though he went the extra mile for you, really, and I'd be a bit more careful about coming across as a control freak in an atmosphere where thread-phuocking is just a normal everyday occurrence WITHOUT flaming.

 

Okay I'm finished, I'm just saying, no further problem from here.

 

For the record, I have no idea about eye surgery at PBH (so stop reading here if you choose), but I would always caution to very, very careful on that hospital's financial terms. I'm biased, I'm a Bangkok resident, but that said, I'd never EVER go to Pattaya for something elective. If I were caught in an emergency, which I have been, I'd be out of Pattaya as fast as possible. Medicine there just mixes up the gouge-the-tourist mentality with the healing/service mentality a little too much for my liking. The medical stuff and staff are as excellent as anywhere, but the bean-counters in Pattaya are something special. And it's no different if you're Thai - the big medical places aren't racist.

[4niceight 32]

Well, but you didn't appreciate it, did you, even though he gave his precise experience at PBH and then added quite a lot more about a very positive one.

 

Sorry it didn't meet your exact stipulation, but I think you got way, WAY more than your money's worth. It just rankled a bit with me, I have NO idea who that poster is, never noticed him before by name, but I though he went the extra mile for you, really, and I'd be a bit more careful about coming across as a control freak in an atmosphere where thread-phuocking is just a normal everyday occurrence WITHOUT flaming.

 

Okay I'm finished, I'm just saying, no further problem from here.

 

For the record, I have no idea about eye surgery at PBH (so stop reading here if you choose), but I would always caution to very, very careful on that hospital's financial terms. I'm biased, I'm a Bangkok resident, but that said, I'd never EVER go to Pattaya for something elective. If I were caught in an emergency, which I have been, I'd be out of Pattaya as fast as possible. Medicine there just mixes up the gouge-the-tourist mentality with the healing/service mentality a little too much for my liking. The medical stuff and staff are as excellent as anywhere, but the bean-counters in Pattaya are something special. And it's no different if you're Thai - the big medical places aren't racist.

I agree and am aware of pricing at BPH, but I have insurance and I live in Pattaya, so I want the best local treatment. My concern is a normal concern and anxiety, so I wanted first hand experiences of this treatment at BPH. Nowhere else. If I received several first hand bad reports I would reconsider and perhaps go to Rutnin instead. However there seems to be nobody responding, so I'm going ahead next Tuesday. I'll post my own experience when I'm able to use my eyes again.

[joekicker 53]

Since you mention it, I'd sure look at (no pun intended) Rutnin.

 

But anyhow, good luck, hope you can see your way to come back.

[rogero 4]

Hi everyone,

 

I read this post a little while ago & was posed to reply but the OP seems to want all replies on his terms!!

 

I have recently been diagnosed with cataracts in both eyes & face declining problems with my sight.

 

I have just undergone eye surgery (on Monday afternoon) in Glasgow & was very impressed with the professional treatment I received.

I flew over from Belfast early Mon AM & booked into my hotel (already paid for) & made my way to the clinic for surgery in the afternoon.

A very efficient outfit with very professional staff. I filled in & verified all the forms (triple checked by each nurse!)

 

I had a chat with the anesthetist & was fully reassured of any treatment & was well relaxed with the upcoming procedure.

I had a scan in Belfast a few days previous with the info data sent to Glasgow (shape/thickness etc of eyeball )

 

The surgeon was brilliant by keeping me informed at all stages of the procedures.

After going thru the pre-op set-up I was laid down on a gurney to receive my Morphine top up.

This was Awesome.

 

The anesthetist murmured to me "just a little prick" & I replied quite sadly yes I know!!

 

After about 15 minutes of this (no injection in the eye) I was ready for my surgery which was carried out in another 15 min then 30 min recovery mode & made my way back to my hotel.

 

next post - other eye hopefully sorted

 

Have sobered up & noticed the OP specially asked for "eye surgery at PBH" so my post is pretty redundant

but others may find it of interest.

 

rogero

Edited June 26, 2009 by rogero

[rogero 4]

Has anybody had recent eye lens implant surgery at BPH, and what has been your experience? I'm looking for first hand comments, not chit chat, please.

 

I was drawn to this post as it has a bearing on my own eye lens implant surgery. (as posted above)

Your eyesight is the most precious sense you have & I can emphasise (spl) with the OP as his surgery procedure approaches.

So I can understand when he comes across as a bit testy & anxious for info & not chit chat.

 

Ive been through the worrying & fretting he has been through but now I cant wait for my second eye surgery this monday.

Going by the dates it is likely 4niceight has already had his surgery & I hope everything has gone well for him.

 

rogero

Edited June 27, 2009 by rogero

[4niceight 32]

Well, it's now almost two weeks since I had the eye lens implants. I haven't posted since then because there has been a problem which is slowly resolving, and I didn't want to prejudice further treatment at BPH by commenting here just yet. Suffice to say that my right eye is almost perfect but the left eye is still recovering from a "mistake". The doc says I should be back to normal in another two weeks. When I am fully recovered and there are no more possible issues with BPH, I will report my experiences here. Until then suffice to say that I'm on the mend.

[joekicker 53]

Very good luck to you. I hope you get that left eye back 20-10.

 

I really winced at your post. When I was 18 months old a doctor made one of those mistakes. I've been wearing glasses ever since and I have gone from 20-200 to 20-2000 in that eye until now.

 

.

Edited June 28, 2009 by joekicker

[sailingbill 1,247]

I plan some procedures in LOS .I'm in the medical field and research has me comfortable with having these done in Thailand. I did look at having Lasik in the states but was advised "Why bother, your old (56), your just going to get cataracts

and need lens implants anyway." Lasik is well priced here, but lens implants are not unless you have a cataract diagnosis.

I would like to get rid of the glasses.

4nieceight, don't worry about predudicing BPH, adverse reactions happen,mistakes don't .Care to name the surgeon?

Pattaya eye center looked good at least on the surface, just a bump to see what other have found.

[4niceight 32]

I plan some procedures in LOS .I'm in the medical field and research has me comfortable with having these done in Thailand. I did look at having Lasik in the states but was advised "Why bother, your old (56), your just going to get cataracts

and need lens implants anyway." Lasik is well priced here, but lens implants are not unless you have a cataract diagnosis.

I would like to get rid of the glasses.

4nieceight, don't worry about predudicing BPH, adverse reactions happen,mistakes don't .Care to name the surgeon?

Pattaya eye center looked good at least on the surface, just a bump to see what other have found.

I know Dr. Nattawat at Pattaya Eye Centre, and he seems very professional. I first met him at Pattaya International Hospital when I went for a full medical check up two years ago. However he is just a one man band now, and if anything were to go wrong in his procedure, where is the back up? I used BPH because the facilities and back up there are second to none in the area. Cost wasn't a consideration because I have health insurance. When I am fully recovered and have no issues with BPH I shall tell all. Meanwhile I'm recovering OK.

[jacko 8,992]

I know Dr. Nattawat at Pattaya Eye Centre, and he seems very professional. I first met him at Pattaya International Hospital when I went for a full medical check up two years ago. However he is just a one man band now, and if anything were to go wrong in his procedure, where is the back up? I used BPH because the facilities and back up there are second to none in the area. Cost wasn't a consideration because I have health insurance. When I am fully recovered and have no issues with BPH I shall tell all. Meanwhile I'm recovering OK.

Glad to hear you are recovering OK.

I might be looking to have this procedure done in a few years myself.

Regarding your prior post, 'mistake' and 'eye operation' don't go together well in my mind.

I wouldn't worry about any prejudice, just be honest. Thankfully the 'mistake' seems to be recoverable...... the details of this and how it was handled now sound more important to me!

[Regyai 423]

Both eyes done in one session at Pattaya Eye Center

 

No mistakes

 

No problems

 

All done as predicted

 

 

.

[4niceight 32]

Today is now three weeks since I had multifocal lens implants in both eyes at the same time at BPH. The doctor was Dr. Srisuraj. He was the chap I first saw when I went to the hospital complaining of cloudy vision. I had looked him up on the internet after the consultation and his credentials and experience looked good, so I decided that I would let him do the surgery. I have international health cover through a UK provider and they had said that I would be covered under my plan. However BPH showed me on their computer screen that my provider was one that they didn't deal direct with, so I had to pay cash and claim back. Not ideal, but OK and cheaper (at 190,000 baht plus or minus 10%) than the first quote (230,000 baht) when they thought the insurer would be direct. As my insurer would reimburse me I had decided to go for the most expensive lenses (multifocal). Two years previously I had a friend who had both eyes done at the same time at Pattaya International Hospital, and all went very well and he was so pleased with the results, so I was a bit apprehensive but more excited at the prospect of better vision, and possibly I could look forward to playing pool a bit better!

Here is the story. I was admitted and paid them a Banker's cheque for 190,000 baht. I was asked for 50% of this as an initial payment, but as I didn't want to carry much cash I got the bank to make out a cheque for the full amount, and I had some cash spare in case there were extra expenses. I went into the operating theatre at 5pm after a couple of hours sitting and getting drops put in both eyes. I was sat in a chair which was then reclined almost flat and some more drops were administered and a cover was put over my right eye with a gap for the surgeon to work through. My eyelids were clamped open. While performing the operation I was anxious and obviously tensing up as he told me about three times to relax. I was unaware of any instruments going into my eye but could feel him working. He wasn't saying anything so I was constantly wondering what was going to happen next. I could feel a little pressure but no pain as he worked away. After what must have been about 30 minutes he told me that he had removed the natural lens, then about 15 minutes later the new lens was in place. I could see the new lens being positioned as it was multifocal and had many concentric rings. Part one completed. He then asked me if I was ready for him to start on the left eye. OK go ahead. Same procedure as the first eye with a cover being placed over the eye and the eyelids clamped open. He started to work and I could feel movements but no pain, when suddenly I felt him apply some pressure and I felt a bit of pain. Under these circumstances I defy anyone to not flinch a little and try to blink. That is what I did and he said "Why you do that? It's dangerous!" Then he told me that there was a big problem. The pressure exerted when I flinched had caused the back of the "sac" which holds the lens in place had ruptured and the natural lens had dropped into the eye fluid and was now lying at the bottom of the eye. Oh my buddha! He then said he had to get another doctor to get the lens out. One of the nurses got on the phone and I heard her say to him "Mai maa" which I knew meant "not come". At that point I had visions of being blind in my left eye. Anyway he got on the phone himself and then told me that another doctor would be there in 20 minutes, but it would cost me extra. He told me it could possibly be an extra 120,000 baht, and asked if I could afford it. What do I say? What would anyone say? OK, get me mended! So the new doctor came. A lady, who I was later to discover was Dr. Attaporn. She got to work and I could see an instrument in my eye sucking pieces out. A really strange sensation as it was as if I was looking back into my eye and watching it happen. There was no pain as she had given me some injections , but I had a period of about one and a half hours of anxiety, as anyone could imagine. When she had completed the extraction of all the bits of natural lens, she proceeded to fit the new multifocal lens. This seemed to take longer than the first one to fit but eventually she finished, and I was wheeled into the recovery room. Time 9 pm. So I was in the operating theatre for 4 hours. Then after about 45 minutes I was wheeled up to my room for the scheduled overnight stay. Opening my eyes on the way I could see well enough out of the right eye which was the first one operated on, but the vision in the left eye was dark, almost sepia coloured, and there seemed to be a lot of debris floating around, both dark and transparent shapes. I was worried!

The next morning I was taken to the eye centre on the third floor and was introduced to Dr. Attaporn, who told me that she was the one who had performed the rescue operation. Then I was seen by Dr. Srisuraj who explained what had happened. He examined both eyes and discussed what further treatment was needed. He explained that there was a suspension of blood in the eye liquid and that was what was causing the sepia colour effect. Also, all the floating debris I could see was caused by blood and inflammation. He said this would all clear but would take time. Perhaps months. We discussed what treatment and medicine I was to have on leaving the hospital. He also mentioned money and 120,000 baht again. I told him that I could find the money but not immediately. He said that because I lived here and wasn't a holidaymaker, an arrangement could probably be made, and I had to speak to the office/cashiers. I asked about further expense because of probable numerous further visits to the hospital for treatment/check ups, and he told me that he would provide his future services free of charge, but that I would have to pay for any drugs. I went back to my room and started to think that this "mistake" was not my fault. He had hurt me and I had flinched. The fact that he was going to provide his future services free seemed to me like an admission of guilt. I started to think that I should pay no more but also I had to be able to leave the hospital. No doubt I had also signed a disclaimer before the operation. I know that I did sign some forms in the admissions office the previous day but of course they were in Thai. I started to think about lawyers.

A couple of hours later I answered a phone call from a lady who was probably one of the cashiers. She advised me that there was an additional 50,000 baht to be paid for the extra work involved in the operating theatre. (Feeling of relief. Not 120,000.) I told her that I didn't have the money available and the doctor had mentioned an arrangement. She said she would come to my room. On her arrival I told her that I had been talking to my friends on the phone and because the extra work was because of a mistake caused by the doctor, they had all advised me to seek legal advice. I told her that I had an extra 25,000 cash with me and offered that as a full and final payment. Otherwise I would have to make an arrangement with the hospital, but I would be going to see a lawyer as soon as possible. She went to see her bosses.

I waited until after lunch then mentioned to one of the nurses that I was still waiting for the cashier to come back to me with a decision and I wanted to go home. Half an hour later I was brought a couple of bags full of eye drops and pills and taken to the cashier's office. The lady who had come to my room was there and said that all of her superiors were in meetings and she had no decision. I told her that all I was going to pay was 25,000. Another cashier then made up the final invoice and I paid the 25,000. I was then asked how and when I was going to pay the extra which had amounted to 27,000 and change. I said NO WAY was I going to pay any more, and if they insisted I would see a lawyer. THEY ACCEPTED. They were obviously trying it on. OK....Most people would say I shouldn't have paid, but in the end my insurers were going to pay anyway. I went home with an appointment to come back two days later.

Over the past three weeks I've been getting better. My right eye is great. The sepia colour in the problem left eye is diminishing, and also the "debris" in the left eye has diminished. I do, though, have a worrying small dark shape which appears directly over any line of text which I'm trying to read with the left eye. When reading using both eyes it's OK. My right eye probably takes over. I have been back to the hospital about 5 times for tests and consultations with both doctors. I have been told that the dark patch is probably inflammation and will probably eventually disappear. Dr. Attaporn has done various tests and says that she cannot see any damage which might be causing that patch. Dr. Srisuraj hasn't charged me for his further services but I have been charged by Dr. Attaporn. My insurers have now reimbursed me although I am about 10,000 baht short on what I was expecting them to pay out, and am awaiting their letter to see why.

Yesterday I went to Rutnin Eye Hospital in Bangkok because I was still concerned about the prognosis and the dark patch when I was trying to focus on a line of text, and I related what had happened. I asked the doctor there for a full examination, and was given tests and a macular scan. The doctor, a lady, Dr. Chatchompoo, was really good in explaining things to me and told me that both lenses were in exactly the correct position, there was no damage to the retina or the macula or the optic nerve as far as she could see, and I could indeed expect the dark patch and the residue of the "floaters" to disappear over a period of perhaps three months. She said also that the surgery seemed to have been performed as well as anyone could have performed it under the circumstances. I have an appointment with her in 4 weeks time but she expects me to call and cancel because I should be almost 100%. Today I had an appointment at BPH with Dr. Attaporn for a check up and she next wants to see me in three weeks time.

So, overall, it's been quite a worrying three weeks since the operation. At first I suppose I was angry, concerned, downright worried at times, and I also felt foolish at having had both eyes done at the same time, and perhaps for choosing the wrong doctor. Right now I'm feeling relieved that I'm almost certainly going to get better. I may have mellowed a little over those three weeks, but I now have no issues with BPH or the doctors, and therefore I have given you the benefit of my experience.

For anyone else thinking of undergoing similar surgery I would say, as others have said to me, choose your surgeon well, do your research better than me, use BPH if you can afford it because their facilities are superb, and perhaps ask the doctor to ensure he uses sufficient anaesthetic!

[sailingbill 1,247]

Thanks for taking the time to follow up with that comprehensive report.

Glad things are working out for you.

Bill

[rogero 4]

hi 4niceight

 

Delighted to hear about your successful outcome. I hadn't realized you had both eyes treated at the same time!

You seem to have coped well with the stress & resultant worries about the post op reviews.

 

Your experiences for pre-op & actual surgery are an echo of mine. (although my ops were a week apart)

I was so apprehensive of my first surgery & yet afterward s I couldn't wait for my return trip to Glasgow & my second Op.

 

I have been told I will have to wait 6 weeks to 3 months to assess my current eyesight capability.

As far as I am concerned number one objective has been achieved (removal of Cataracts) They disappeared along with my old lens.

 

I have noticed since the procedures (early days) that my driving glasses are no longer needed. (I now can see gauges/instruments etc).

 

I have a multifocal lens in one eye & a different type in the other eye on surgeons advice (apparently they are compatible & pick & mix works)

I also have noticed my eyesight is quite good first thing in the morning & fades as the day wears on.

 

4niceight

I'm not trying to hijack your post but I'm so interested in your eye surgery experiences.

Please keep us up to date with your updates.

 

cheers Rogero

[jacko 8,992]

Today is now three weeks .....etc.

Thanks for posting and the details.

It is disturbing to me that BPH operates in such a way that the patient is capable of damaging himself during the procedure.

I guess that the surgeon took some responsibility for his actions....

But the hospital did not offer protection against errors....

The second surgeon's expenses were not covered nor any responsibility taken.

As far as the hospital was concerned, it was an opportunity to make more money while you were in panic mode.

Nor do I like this idea of being forced to sign documents that are incomprehensible.

 

My overall impression is negative.

 

Thank you for the benefit of your experience, and please post a follow up in a little while.

Edited July 8, 2009 by jacko