TotallyOz Posted November 23, 2009 Posted November 23, 2009 The BF in Thailand had Dengue Fever for 10 days. It was sudden and it really kicked his ass. He was in Thai hospital for 10 days. I didn't find out about it for 5 days as he was not able to communicate or get his phone for the first 5. When I did talk to him I also spoke to his doctor and nurse every day to keep an eye to make sure things were going OK. I almost flew there but he assured me that he would be OK. He was but it was after a 10 days stay at 2 different hospitals. The cost for the 10 days, 11k baht. I wonder what the same treatment would have been had I moved him to Bangkok Pattaya? He wanted to stay close to his family and in a Thai hospital so that was OK with me. I am just glad he was OK because he had 104 and over fever for a bit. The doctors said it was touch and go and he did not even get out of bed for 5-6 days. He was severely dehydrated. I have spoken to him on the phone every day since as he is precious to me and I guess this was a wake up call for me as well. Anyone ever had this Dengue Fever? Quote
2lz2p Posted November 23, 2009 Posted November 23, 2009 Anyone ever had this Dengue Fever? Yes. Started as a fever and severe headache. I took aspirin, no real effect. BF went to pharmacy and brought me Ibuprofin, which worked to reduce fever and headache. About two days later, I had a rash on my chest. Looking up symptoms for Dengue fever - that appeared to be it. I arranged for a friend to take me to Bangkok Hospital Pattaya the next morning as I expected a hospital stay. The next morning, Friday, I could hardly stand or walk because of pain in my legs (one of the reasons Dengue is called bone break fever). At the hospital I saw the doctor and he ordered a blood test, which confirmed it was Dengue fever. The Doctor was a bit upset that I was taking ibuprofen as it is a blood thinner - can be dangerous if you have the hemorrhagic strain (there are 4 in Thailand - if you get hemorrhagic, you are then immune - but with the other 3 strains, which are not life threatening as I understand it, you can be infected again). I was admitted to the hospital, given IVs and pain medication. They had to send the blood to a lab in Bangkok to confirm the strain. The next day the Doctor told me it was hemorrhagic. My two days in the hospital I did not have fever or pain. They did a blood test daily and when satisfied with my white blood cell count, released me. It was not a pleasant experience, but I think I was lucky to have a very mild case. If somone is already sick or elderly, my reading on the subject indicates that the hemorrhagic variety can result in death. Doctor told me biggest problem with that strain is internal bleeding - the reason not to take blood thinners (I was given Tylenol during my hospital stay). I was quizzed a bit by Hospital staff on where I lived as they had to make a report to the Government - when they confirmed it was hemorrhagic, they had to file another report. A few days after release from hospital, the City left a notice in my mail box that they had sprayed the area. The mosquito that carries Dengue fever is active in the early morning and late evening (daylight). If you get a high fever and headaches (often right behind the eyes, but mine is in the forehead area) - consider getting checked. The rash usually appears around day 4 and the pain around day 5 -- The Doctor told me it normally runs its course in about 7 days. Quote
Guest lvdkeyes Posted November 23, 2009 Posted November 23, 2009 Except in high doses ibuprofen is not a blood thinner. Aspirin, on the other hand, is. Quote
PattayaMale Posted November 24, 2009 Posted November 24, 2009 I am currently in Chiang Mai Ram Hospital. I came up for the opening of Lavender Lana. Made one day. The next night I spent shaking uncontrollably in my hotel listening to my Thai friend say but the doctors are right next door. The next day I did go to the emergency room. Saw an internist who sent me more for blood work X ray (and when I passed out) for a EKG and straight to ICU for 2 days while they figured out what kind of infection I have. I am in a regular room now being fed antibiotics, and another solution by IV. Headache, difficulty urinating............... I understand they have to grow the culture for 76 hours before they tell me what it is. Man am I tried. Off to bed Quote
Guest lvdkeyes Posted November 24, 2009 Posted November 24, 2009 Hope they find out what is wrong and get you well soon. Quote
Gaybutton Posted November 24, 2009 Posted November 24, 2009 I'm sorry that happened. Get well soon. Quote
Guest Posted November 24, 2009 Posted November 24, 2009 Do get well soon Pattayamale. Now what are the best mosquito killers for a tourist to buy on arrival in Thailand? The plug in mozzie repellent sold in the UK did not do the job last year. Could do with a mozzie killer spray, preferably compact size for travelling. Quote
Bob Posted November 25, 2009 Posted November 25, 2009 I am currently in Chiang Mai Ram Hospital. I came up for the opening of Lavender Lana. Made one day. The next night I spent shaking uncontrollably in my hotel listening to my Thai friend say but the doctors are right next door. The next day I did go to the emergency room. Saw an internist who sent me more for blood work X ray (and when I passed out) for a EKG and straight to ICU for 2 days while they figured out what kind of infection I have. I am in a regular room now being fed antibiotics, and another solution by IV. Headache, difficulty urinating............... I understand they have to grow the culture for 76 hours before they tell me what it is. Man am I tried. Off to bed Wow, man, hope you recover soon. I've sent you a PM as I'll come up and visit (I live on the west end here) if you'll give me some details by PM. But....since I've been to Chiangmai Ram twice in the last month, don't be upset if I'm wearing a gas mask or something...hehe. Quote
Guest zzrichard Posted November 25, 2009 Posted November 25, 2009 Wish you all a speedy recover. Quote
PattayaMale Posted November 25, 2009 Posted November 25, 2009 Thank you for your support and concern. They still have not learned what I have, so I am not sure it was Dengue. But I truly hope none of you are unlucky enough to get it. It is miserable. Quote
Bob Posted November 25, 2009 Posted November 25, 2009 I can report that PM appears to be doing better and seems to be well taken care of both by his Thai doctor and a personal Thai friend. Hopefully PM will be able to exit the hospital soon. As to personal details, I'll let PM choose what to post or not post. Quote
PattayaMale Posted November 25, 2009 Posted November 25, 2009 It was really nice meeting Bob for the first time. Very thoughtful, brought me a nice chocolate cake and a Bangkok Post. While he was visiting, the doctor came in and announced that I have non resistive e-coli bacteria which they are now specifically treating. Maybe bad meat? Thanks again Bob Quote
Bob Posted November 25, 2009 Posted November 25, 2009 No problem, PM, I enjoyed meeting you and the others too. I've met a couple of other doctors at Chiangmai Ram and was equally impressed with the one you have. Now, hopefully they'll kick you loose in a day or two. When/if you come back to Chiangmai and you're healthy enough to have a beer, send me a note. P.S. When you leave CM Ram, ditch the hospital gown. You'll look a lot better in street clothes...55555. Quote
Guest Posted November 27, 2009 Posted November 27, 2009 P.S. When you leave CM Ram, ditch the hospital gown. You'll look a lot better in street clothes...55555. Wow. PattayaMale. Looks like your have an admirer. I wish you a fast and speedy recovery! Quote
Guest BobbO Posted December 1, 2009 Posted December 1, 2009 From the International SOS website: Dengue Spread By: Insect Bites Dengue or "break-bone" fever is a viral disease of the tropics and sub-tropics. It is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito that bites during the daytime and is found in and around human habitation. Symptoms include high fever, severe headaches, joint and muscle pain. A rash often follows. The acute illness can last up to ten days, but complete recovery can take two to four weeks. Occasionally, a potentially fatal form of dengue called dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) occurs. DHF is mostly seen in persons who have been previously infected with dengue - the fatality rate is about 5%. There is no vaccine against dengue fever. Wear long sleeves and long pants, and use insect repellents to prevent mosquito bites. Thailand Dengue has increased dramatically in Thailand in the past several years, even in the urban areas, and is now a major public health concern. Seek medical attention early if you develop a fever and flu-like symptoms. Quote
Guest taylorsquare Posted December 4, 2009 Posted December 4, 2009 Im sure there is a vaccination against dengue fever or is it malaria im thinking of? On another note,please go see your doctor all of you ,for HPV Vaccination if you dont already have it,and HEP A and B vaccinations. I wonder if the doctor in day night can do a HEP A vaccination. It seems PATTAYAMALE was not vaccinated against HEP A,so its very wise to get vaccinated every two years i think it is. and how are you feeling now PATTAYAMALE? Quote
Bob Posted December 4, 2009 Posted December 4, 2009 Im sure there is a vaccination against dengue fever or is it malaria im thinking of? Sorry, wrong on both counts. There's no vacine as yet for dengue fever and I don't remember reading anything that says they are either working on one or close to a solution. There's also no vaccine for malaria although they have been working on one for years and a recent report indicates they're quite hopeful that a malaria vaccine will be available soon. When "soon" is, I have no clue. Edit: Just read an article that said some Thai researchers were working on a dengue fever vaccine. The article did not prognosticate about the chances of success or possible timing. Quote
