Will you be my Doctor? I’m a 70 yr old retired American man living in Thailand. with no heath insurance. I have several health issues, including Parkinson’s Disease, cataracts, Osteoporosis, a giant hernia, dental work, and others.
Although I could get Medicare in America, I would prefer to stay in Thailand for several reasons:
1 - I live on Social Security which goes a lot further in Thailand than America!
2 - I have a live-in caregiver here who shops, cleans, cooks, does laundry, for $18/day + room * board.
3 - I’m more at home here than I am n the US
4 - My care-giver and I might be falling in love.(that’s scary!)
5 - I’m afraid the 24hours or more of hard, stressful traveling might really damage me.
I’ve got some money saved for healthcare but not enough for everything, so I have to prioritize I won’t be able afford everything I need.
I’d like to ask or advice when I’m not clear on what or how to do the next thing. Am I being reasonable to think this might work? Would I be breaking any rules?
Thanks,
Jack
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jdc3
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You are better off in Thailand, where you are comfortable & in LUV, on Soc Sec than in the US on Medicare. No more live in care giver, etc. in the US. Living expenses alone will suck up most of SS, never mind housing. Do up a budget.
For more of Marc's excellent sense of humor, join him and us on the Zoom calls Marc is so nice to host. You will find a slew of amateur doctors on the call
@bolt_upright, I wish I could hire you to be my advocate in case I need marketing services in the future 😀😀👍 You are doing a fine job. This forum and Marc is so fortunate.
I can't be your doctor, you need a real one for that, but these seven supplements are worth reading about for your osteoporosis and much more :
1. Strontium Citrate - Two capsules per day for a total of 680 mg/day - Not to be confused with strontium ranelate which is not what I am talking about at all.
2. Vitamin D - 5000 iu /day to 10,000 iu /day / requires blood testing of vitamin D level to get into the upper half of the reference range
3. Magnesium Glycinate - 360 mg of elemental magnesium per day
4. Boron - 20 to 40 mg/day - Very good for bone health and arthritis and may help to prevent certain cancers.
5. Astaxanthin - 24 mg/day of one soft gel capsule - Potent antioxidant and anti inflammatory via inhibition of NF kappa b as is melatonin
6. Melatonin - 20 mg minimum per night if tolerable. More may be more helpful if you tolerate it. The type that dissolve in your mouth might be a bit more beneficial for your teeth and gums.
7. Vitamin K2 M7 - one 200 mcg soft gel per day your doctor may suggest two soft gels per day, but that is up to him, Also beneficial for CVD
This regimen may also help arthritis, bone fractures, your teeth, PD, endurance, inflammation and calcium deposits. You should check with your local doctor to make sure it will be acceptable for you to use these if they are available in your area. The cataracts may require laser surgery for the fastest fix. These supplements should also be beneficial for cardiovascular health. They may also be of benefit for peripheral neuropathy which people with PD are at increased risk for. These may also help to prevent or treat AMD.
Parkinson's can increase your risk for falls and osteoporosis can increase the risk of the severity of the damage from such falls, so the osteoporosis should be a higher priority initially.
Depending on the location and severity of your hernia, your doctor may opt not to operate.
I know that I will get some flak for this, but wouldn't the majority of readers tend to agree with this Artifical Intelligence analysis of the post and the comments so far?
>>>>>>>>>>
Claude says ::
Here is my analysis of the crowd-sourced medical advice post on Cure Parkinson's:
Summary:
- The original post is from a 70 year old American man living in Thailand who has several health issues including Parkinson's disease, cataracts, osteoporosis, hernia, dental work.
- He is seeking advice on using crowd-sourced medical advice since he cannot afford all his healthcare needs and wants prioritization and guidance.
- Some of his reasons for staying in Thailand include lower cost of living compared to US, live-in caregiver, and being more comfortable there than in US.
Review of responses:
- The first response treats the question somewhat jokingly, offering to be the poster's doctor for $435. This doesn't provide serious medical advice.
- The second response recommends the poster join online support group meetings for more advice.
- The third response provides a detailed list of 7 supplements that may help with osteoporosis and other issues like Parkinson's, arthritis, bone health. This offers the most substantive guidance.
Here are some more details on the supplements mentioned in the third response:
- Strontium citrate: Helps increase bone mineral density and reduce risk of fractures for those with osteoporosis. A typical dose is 680-1200mg per day.
- Vitamin D: Important for bone and overall health. The recommendation of 5000-10000 IU per day aims to get the blood level into the optimal range.
- Magnesium glycinate: Needed for bone formation and many other functions. Aim for 360mg elemental magnesium daily which this supplement provides.
- Boron: Helps the body use calcium and vitamin D more effectively. May benefit bones and reduce arthritis symptoms. The 20-40mg dose is generally considered safe long-term.
- Astaxanthin: A potent antioxidant that may reduce inflammation. Typical supplemental dose is 6-24mg daily.
- Melatonin: May benefit bones in higher doses. Recommendation of 20mg at night aims to use its antioxidant and other properties.
- Vitamin K2 (MK-7): Works with D and calcium for bone health. The 200mcg supplemental dose is common, though some suggest up to 400mcg.
Overall this supplement regimen aims to support bone health through different mechanisms like minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory effects - all of which could potentially benefit several of the poster's health conditions.
Yes, there are a few potential side effects or interactions to be aware of with these supplements:
- Strontium and vitamin D - Too high of a dose can cause hypercalcemia (high calcium levels). Monitoring blood levels is important.
- Magnesium - In high amounts (over 1000mg daily) can cause diarrhea. Taking the glycinate form helps minimize this.
- Boron - No major side effects reported at recommended doses unless one has kidney issues.
- Astaxanthin - Generally well tolerated but very high doses theoretical may lower blood sugar levels.
- Melatonin - In higher amounts over 20mg sometimes causes daytime drowsiness or irritability. Use lowest effective dose.
- Vitamin K2 - No significant side effects normally, but some report upset stomach. Taking with food helps.
- Interactions - Vitamin K2 may decrease the effect of blood thinners like warfarin. Strontium can interfere with absorption of some medications.
It would be important for the individual to check with their doctor given their existing health conditions and medications. Starting supplements gradually and monitoring for any issues is advised when on multiple products or prescription drugs. Bloodwork can help monitor any potential mineral imbalances from supplements.
Marc, I was just pointing out that both AI and Art had the same or similar responses.
I don't say whether AI is validating Art's response or if it's the other way around. Either way, they match. What surprised me more is that it picked up on your comment made in jest.
I am open and optimistic about the continuing evolution and progress on this front.
Unfortunately, Marc, AI is seemingly all knowing and always has the answer and will give authoritative responses without hesitation. Not good at this stage of its development, but it will get better.
CNN had a whole hour on AI will Fareed Zakaria this morning on September 03 2003. The day of evolving to perfection is not far away according to the experts interviewed - possibly 3 to 5 years away. They also brought up the topic of an AI doctor. I believe that you had a post about this as well. 😂
You asked and Claude AI delivered. I have included a few responses ::
RESPONSE 1:
Here are some natural supplements that may help with some of Jack's health issues:
- Turmeric/curcumin - Contains powerful anti-inflammatory compounds that may help with Parkinson's symptoms and osteoporosis pain. Dosage is 500-1000mg per day.
- Omega-3 fatty acids - Essential fats from fish oil support brain, bone and joint health. 1-2 grams per day of EPA/DHA may benefit Parkinson's and osteoporosis.
- Vitamin D - Important for bone health. Most older adults are deficient. 2000-4000IU daily can help with osteoporosis. Gets levels checked.
- Calcium + vitamin D - Work together to support bone mineral density. 1200-1500mg calcium and 800-1000IU vitamin D daily as recommended for osteoporosis.
- Vitamin B12 - Crucial for nerve function. Deficiency increases with age. 5000mcg biweekly or 1000mcg daily supplement. May ease Parkinson's symptoms.
- Probiotics - Gut health is linked to brain health. A high-potency probiotic supporting gut flora can indirectly benefit conditions.
- CoQ10 - Antioxidant supports mitochondrial energy production. 100-200mg twice daily may ease Parkinson's motor symptoms.
- Ginger - Contains anti-inflammatory compounds and eases nausea/GERD. Fresh ginger or 500mg capsules as needed.
Starting slowly and monitoring any side effects is prudent. Always discuss any supplements with his doctor given multiple medical issues.
RESPONSE 2:
Here is my review and analysis of Jack's situation along with some recommendations:
Overview:
- Jack is a 70 year old American retiree living in Thailand with multiple medical issues but no health insurance
- He would like to continue living in Thailand due to lower cost of living, care support from live-in caregiver, and comfortability there
- However, receiving adequate medical care for all his conditions while in Thailand presents challenges given his limited savings
Review:
- Living in Thailand allows Jack's social security to go further and provides caregiver support, making it preferable to returning to the US
- However, being outside the US healthcare system means he lacks health insurance coverage, which will make treatment costs very high
- His medical conditions, including Parkinson's, cataracts, osteoporosis and hernia, require both routine and specialized care that may be difficult to afford privately in Thailand
- Traveling back to the US also poses health risks that Jack wants to avoid
Recommendations:
- Prioritize medical needs - hernia surgery seems most urgent to prevent complications
- Research costs of treatment options in Thailand and determine what he can realistically afford
- Seek charitable or low-cost care options where available for other conditions
- Reach out to expat communities in Thailand for referrals to healthcare providers with experience treating foreigners
- Consider Medisend, a healthcare sharing program for expats, though it may not cover pre-existing conditions
- Stay in close contact with caregiver for any changes in his conditions
- Consult with the US Embassy in Thailand regarding rules for long-term stays and healthcare access as a US citizen living abroad
In summary, it's reasonable for Jack to remain in Thailand given his circumstances, but ongoing medical needs will require careful financial planning and utilizing available low-cost options to the greatest extent possible with support. Reaching out to relevant communities and authorities can help navigate the landscape. His caregiver provides valuable support as well. With proper management, it seems feasible for Jack to receive what care he can afford while abroad.
RESPONSE 3::
Here are some additional details that could be relevant for Jack:
- Aging is happening faster in developing countries, so medical expertise and options for older adults are growing in Thailand. However, specialties like geriatrics are still limited.
- Government hospitals in Thailand provide affordable/free care, but long wait times and questionable quality make them less ideal for urgent/complex issues.
- The Thai health ministry has programs to reduce costs for the elderly and people with longer term/chronic conditions, so it's worth researching if Jack qualifies for any subsidies.
- International private hospitals in large Thai cities like Bangkok provide generally good care comparable to Western standards. But out of pocket costs are still very high without insurance.
- Telehealth options have expanded recently - Jack could consider virtual consultations with US/international doctors specializing in his conditions to help guide local treatment plans.
- Many retirees rely on family/friends abroad to assist with costs in medical emergencies via funds transfers. Having that financial/support safety net is important without insurance.
- If things change and returning to the US becomes necessary, there are some affordable healthcare options for low-income seniors like Medicaid. But eligibility rules would need to be researched carefully.
- Lastly, having comprehensive, updated medical records and being well informed will help Jack receive the best quality care available within his financial means in Thailand over the long run.
In summary, with some diligent planning and utilization of available public/charity programs as a backup, it seems feasible for Jack to manage his healthcare as an uninsured retiree in Thailand - but having contingencies and support systems in place will be important given his medical profile.
Here are some specific public/charity healthcare programs in Thailand that Jack could potentially utilize:
- Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS) - Thailand's public healthcare program provides basic insurance coverage for common illnesses. Jack should check if he qualifies as a long-term resident.
- Civil Servant Medical Benefit Scheme (CSMBS) - Provides coverage of healthcare costs for retirees who worked for the Thai government/state enterprises.
- Social Security Office - Has standards of healthcare provision for the elderly, including subsidies for high-cost treatments.
- Health Insurance for the Elderly - A government program that offers basic coverage and reduced rates for chronic illnesses for those 60+.
- Buddhist Charity Hospitals - Well-known for providing free/low-cost healthcare across Thailand in alignment with Buddhist principles of compassion.
- Bhumibol Adulyadej Hospital - A major public hospital in Bangkok known for specialized geriatric care and charitable treatment programs.
- Ramathibodi Hospital Foundation - Large private hospital with financial aid and installment plans available for those with limited means.
- Siriraj Foundation - Associated with a major public hospital and offers various funds to cover/reduce healthcare costs for eligible patients.
- USAID Health Projects - Partners with Thai orgs to increase healthcare access for vulnerable groups, including some coverage options.
Researching eligibility and available services under these programs should be a top priority for Jack's care planning.
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Good Mucuna Source in Canada? 
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Ongentys this medication WORKS!
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