I just found out I have optic nerve damage from Glaucoma after having an ophthalmology checkup yesterday in Udonthani. I'm only 41 and I'm very worried as is my wife (I don't think she told me everything yet that the doctor said during their private Thai-to-Thai conversation).
Anyway, as I speak no Thai I'm feeling a bit lacking now in my ability to communicate with my doctor and even my wife about the intricacies of my condition, treatment and long-term prognosis.
Even though the doctor and my wife speak English quite well, there is still that last 10% of comprehension that eludes me and that makes it hard to get precise answers to my questions. Then there may also be cultural reasons for not speaking frankly. In the end I'm left with many questions and a lot of worries mostly about caring for, and not being a burden on, my family.
I need some support from anyone who speaks native English (I'm from the U.S.A.) who either has, or is familiar with Glaucoma. I'm not looking for a final diagnosis or anything like that (I have to wait for further tests) but the questions I need answers to are related with how to cope and manage the disease form a day-to-day perspective; whether the treatment regimes commonly available in Udonthani are adequate (up to Western standards); what to watch out for, etc. I really don't know all to well what to ask as I'm just starting out.
Unfortunately, my family and I don't have the financial resources to seek treatment back in the west, although we have pretty decent Thai medical insurance coverage.
My mobile number is 08 749 21046. My name is David. I really just need to talk to someone, thanks!
