thanks guys!!! irishlad - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

irishlad · 09-27-2007, 12:25 PM

Hi all,

Thanks for all the advice.......i just want to let you all kknow im from dublin hence the name. Its ironic that im actually in the hospital as i write this mail......came in on wednesday and am going to be on the iv steroid drip until sunday hopefully it straightens me out......i dont think im going to go on any medication at the moment as im going to thailand in january to do my own research on alternative therapies over there....i have read alot about the health system and it sounds ok...not that i want to have to use it touch wood!! I am going over to teach english as a foreign language and live a good lifestyle ie weather,beach,food,therapies. Im in a good situation where i have no commitments or girlfreind or debts so i can go over not worrying about money.......I have been on a pension since march 185euro a week and i will be able to draw that from anywhere plus i have some savings. Its great that i have found this site because i have people with the same condition who i can talk to. I have lots of freinds who i talk to but they dont really understand the ins and outs of it......and i dont want to sound like im moaning all the time. Anyway i better go back to my bed and drink some more tea.....

Tlk to you soon

MSJayhawk · 09-27-2007, 12:36 PM

Arriving in Thailand in January, you will be in the cool season (cool for the tropics). After that the heat and humidity are very high. You should be aware that the heat can quickly affect you. Also, please be aware that in that region there will be few if any doctors who can treat MS due to the near zero percent that are affected.

In Japan, MS affects about 5-10k people out of 160 million. You might want to prepare yourself well in advance. If you want to teach in Asia, you might consider a more temperate region. In Japan, Northern Japan and Hokkaido have MS doctors. Also please note that if you let people in Asia know that you have MS, you will likely be shunned by everyone. I have experienced this first hand and have MS mates who are in Japan. Asian culture ostracizes people percieved to have something wrong with them.

AllyG · 09-28-2007, 02:28 AM

Hey,

Good to hear another Dub on the board!!

I dont know which neuro you're under but if its Dr. Hardiman in Beaumont - she will try to make you take the meds & she really pushes Rebif!!

I hope the steroids work for you - have you taken them before? They dont always work straight away, you could find its a while before you're feeling yourself again.

Saying all that - if you're thinking of travelling, it might be a good thing that you're not on meds. I'm thinking of taking a long trip to Israel next year & I'm going to have to figure out how to get my meds over there!! Lots of red tape I'd imagine

Hope all goes well for you in hospital & the steroids do the trick.

Ally

MSNik · 09-28-2007, 05:38 AM

Ally, I have been to Israel several times since being on Rebif....just to let you know, theres no red tape, beyond taking the syringes in your carry-on, carrying a doctors prescription for them, showing the prescription being current, and then carrying a letter of necessity why you carry syringes. Ive never ONCE been stopped at Customs in Israel, Mexico or any other country which I have traveled thru. I get all my paperwork together, have it in my hand as I go to customs, and no one has ever read it...but, its good to have. I also carry with me an undated prescription for solu-medrol, just in case I feel that a relapse is imminent.
Israel has very modern health care....you shouldnt have a problem.
n

parisiancat · 09-28-2007, 07:40 AM

Hi Irishlad,

My friend who has lupus was in hospital in Bangkok. (Although it wasn't for a lupus related reason) She was extrememly impressed with the hospital and staff. Most of the doctors she dealt with were US trained.

Good luck with the research and let us know if you find anything interesting.

Cat