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Oh, my aching back…
Back by popular demand after
a short stint of R & R, ‘Hawaii Bob’ Sutterfield starts the meeting by
conducting the Frugal Freddy drawing of specials at Pattaya’s many value &
quality restaurants.
Problems with the spine can be both painful and difficult
to resolve. At the Sunday, May 19 meeting of the Pattaya City Expats Club,
Dr. Montien Sirisuntornlak, an orthopaedic surgeon with Phyathai Sriracha
Hospital, described two interventions to treat pain problems related to the
spine. Also, the hospital provided a nurse to give free blood pressure
checks for those that wanted them.
Board member Lawrie
McLoughlin introduces Dr Montien Sirisuntornlak, an orthopaedic surgeon with
Phyathai Sriracha Hospital, providing a glowing testimonial of Dr Montien’s
work: “Dr Montien saved my life with vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty,” Lawrie
said.
The two interventions Dr. Montien mentioned were: (1)
spinal injections and (2) vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty. Both interventions
are considered “surgery,” he explained and serious side effects can occur
with either, but he noted they are rare.
Spinal injections are used for both pain relief and for diagnostic purposes.
This technique is performed using a live X-ray (called a fluoroscopy). Dr.
Montien explained that spinal injections are usually performed only after
more conservative treatments (such as medicines) have not provided adequate
pain relief. One type of spinal injection consists of an injection of a
long-lasting steroid combined with a local anaesthetic; another is injection
of a “root block.”
Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty,
Dr Montien explained, are used to treat VCF (vertical compression fracture).
Further, these compression fractures may involve the collapse of one or more
vertebrae in the spine, and are a common result of osteoporosis.
Dr. Montien said that spinal injections are used to treat
what is called “radicular” pain - that is, pain radiating down an arm or
leg. This type of pain can be caused by a compressed or irritated spinal
nerve root. It can also be caused by a herniated disc. However, he said that
spinal injections are not used for musculo-skeletal pain. He proceeded to
describe the two types of spinal injections: (1) epidural steroid, and (2)
selective nerve root block (SNRB).
He explained that epidural steroid injections are given into the epidural
space between the outermost membrane covering the spinal cord and the wall
of the spinal canal. The epidural steroid injections provide temporary
relief from pain; the relief can last from a couple of weeks to a few
months, but in some cases may not always be effective. Most doctors will not
prescribe epidural steroid injections more often than three times a year
because of Corticosteroid side effects.
Following Dr Montien’s talk,
Gavin Waddell, Manager of the International Department of Phyathai Sriracha
Hospital and Dr Montien answer questions about back surgery and treatment at
Phyathai.
Dr. Montien added that most radicular pain gets better on
its own (or aided by rehabilitative exercises). He mentioned that SNRB
injections are given near the affected nerve as it exits the spinal column.
These injections are used to treat radicular pain caused by irritation of a
specific nerve root. Sciatica - low back pain and leg pain caused by a
herniated disk in the lumbar spine - is a common condition treated by a
selective nerve root block.
Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty, he explained, are used to treat VCF
(vertical compression fracture). Further, these compression fractures may
involve the collapse of one or more vertebrae in the spine and are a common
result of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a disease that results in a loss of
normal bone density, mass and strength, making the bone increasingly porous
and vulnerable to breaking. Vertebroplasty uses image guidance to inject a
cement mixture into the fractured bone through a hollow needle. With
kyphoplasty, a balloon is first inserted into the fractured bone through the
hollow needle to create a cavity or space. The cement is injected into the
cavity once the balloon is removed. Dr. Montien said that these procedures
are usually recommended after less invasive treatments - such as bed rest, a
back brace or pain medication - have been ineffective, or once medications
begin to cause undesired side effects.
Dr. Montien is a specialist in spinal surgery and joint replacement. He has
spoken to the Club on two previous occasions about spinal problems and their
treatment. He provided a handout with more information - you can visit the
website:
http://www.bupa.co.uk/individuals/health-information/directory/i/spinal-injections
to read this information.
After the presentation, Master of Ceremonies Richard Silverberg updated
everyone on upcoming events and called on Roy Albiston to conduct the Open
Forum, where questions are asked and answered about Expat living in
Thailand.
For more information about the many activities of the Pattaya City Expats
Club, visit their website at www.pattayacityexpatsclub.com.
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Orphanage graduates given practical training at Diana Garden Resort
(L to R) Rungnapa Niamtaen, Sopin
Thappajug, Radchada Chomjinda, Prapatsorn Suwannachart, and Lakkana Poonjareon.
Radchada Chomjinda
Thanks to the support and generosity of the Diana Garden Resort in
Pattaya, two young university graduates from the Pattaya Orphanage have recently
completed 2 months of work experience training with the hotel.
Lakkana Poonjareon, who this year attended the University of Mae Fah Luang
(Faculty of Aviation) and Prapatsorn Suwannachart, who completed her studies at
the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus, were both delighted with the opportunity
to experience the day to day work environment at this renowned hotel. They
worked in the Accounting and HR departments, and had the invaluable experience
of practicing business English as they assisted the hotel’s Front Office
receptionists.
This wonderful opportunity is thanks to the owner of the hotel and member of the
Human Help Network Foundation, Sopin (Noi) Thappajug. Khun Noi has long shown a
generosity of spirit and kindness towards those less fortunate and we thank her
for her continued efforts in this regard. Another young adult from the
Orphanage, Rungnapa Niamtaen, has been fortunate enough to work at the Diana
Garden Resort since last year while studying for a Bachelors’ degree during the
weekend, and this opportunity has changed her life.
At the end of their training period, Radchada Chomjinda, director of the Human
Help Network Foundation and both the girls paid a visit to Sopin Thappajug,
presenting her with garlands as a token of their appreciation and gratitude. In
turn, Noi rewarded them with a special contribution for their good performance.
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Do you have what it takes?
Calling all cool, talented, beautiful and smart ladies who rock, to compete in Ms. Hard Rock Pattaya 2013
The winner and finalists of Ms.
Hard Rock Pattaya 2012.
Hard Rock Hotel & Cafe Pattaya is the most happenin’ hotel in
Pattaya since its opening 12 years ago. Its focus on music, entertainment,
passion for life, warm and sincere service, and its credos Love All Serve All,
All Is One, and Take Time To Be Kind and Save The Planet have made the hotel and
cafe unique to the rest. Now, for 3rd year running, we’re looking for that
someone that is unique and different to the rest in Ms. Hard Rock Pattaya 2013.
The previous event of Ms. Hard Rock Pattaya 2011 and 2012 was a huge success.
All contestants enjoyed their time during the competition from the selection
round till the final, and all have become our friends a well as our raving fans.
This year, Hard Rock Hotel & Cafe Pattaya opens up this challenge again to all
females with Thai nationality, aged 20 and above, who possess self-confidence,
talent, the look, and music knowledge to compete for the title of Ms. Hard Rock
Pattaya 2013.
The winners will also represent Hard Rock Hotel & Cafe Pattaya in many of its
interesting initiatives and events throughout the year; for instance, hosting
and MC’ing in live music concerts, festivals, and a myriad of community and
charity events, as well as paid-sessions as modeling talent in photo-shoots for
advertising and bill-boards. They will be in effect, become ambassadors of Hard
Rock Pattaya.
The winners also will be vying and competing internationally with Ms. Hard Rock
Bali and Ms. Hard Rock Penang, for the title of Ms. Hard Rock Southeast Asia in
October 2013, to be held at Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya.
Last year, the total cash and prizes for the winner of Ms. Hard Rock Pattaya
2012 was worth THB124,700, for 1st Runner-up was THB97,700 and THB91,700 to the
2nd Runner-up.
Ms. Hard Rock Pattaya 2013 will take place on the weekend of 5-6 July 2013. The
preliminary selection round is schedule on Friday, 5 July 2013 and the Final
would be on Saturday, 6 July 2013.
The selected finalists will stay at Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya on this weekend and
the competing criteria are:
1. Your Rock T Style - Donning of Hard Rock Tees in your own unique style.
2. Talent and Music Knowledge - understanding and appreciation of music either
pop, rock, jazz or you name it and English knowledge.
3. Your Own Rock Style - Your own dress style, attitude, knowledge and
presentation.
4. Your beach style / swim wear- Confidence with poise.
5. Final Questions - Overall personality and knowledge.
Applications for Ms. Hard Rock Pattaya 213 are now open and end on 30 June 2013
via www.facebook.com/hardrockhotelpattaya - Ms. Hard Rock Pattaya Events page
only.
Shortlisted contestant will be contacted for registration and the selection
process. Terms and conditions apply.
For detailed information, visit
www.facebook.com/hardrockhotelpattaya or call Beach Club - Hard Rock
hotel Pattaya at 038 428755-9.
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USA Fair returning to CentralWorld
American products, entertainers and lots of free stuff
AMCHAM Vice President Darren Buckley and U.S.
Ambassador Kristie Kenney were joined by Mr. M&M to announce the USA Fair at
CentralWorld, May 31 - June 2.
The USA Fair is returning to CentralWorld, May 31 - June 2, and promises another
year of great shopping, games, giveaways and entertainment.
U.S. Ambassador Kristie Kenney and American Chamber of Commerce in Thailand
(AMCHAM) Vice President Darren Buckley were joined by the M&M mascot to announce
the Fair and they promised a great show.
“You’ll find great prices on the world’s best cars and trucks from Ford and
Chevrolet; health and beauty products from Amway and GNC; for snack foods, we’ll
have Pringles, M&Ms, Pop-Secret Popcorn; fruits and nuts from California and
apples from Washington State; innovative banking products from Citibank; and
Giveaways - over 100 prizes every day, including flights to the USA,” announced
Ambassador Kenney.
AMCHAM Vice President Darren Buckley added, “It will be a great event. Besides
the fantastic products, the American hip hop artist Epiphany will be performing,
we’ll have continuous games and giveaways, magicians, balloon artists, themed
decorations and exhibits. This will be the best Fair we’ve held and a fitting
celebration of the 180 year anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Commerce.”
This year, the USA Fair is celebrating Two Nations. One Friendship. 180 Years of
Thai-U.S. Relations, which recognizes the 180 anniversary of the Thailand-U.S.
Treaty of Amity and Commerce.
The Fair will open at noon, May 31, with an Opening Ceremony that will screen
winning films from the “180 Years of Friendship” film contest, and performances
from the Yes Academy dance groups. The Ceremony will be open to the public.
Following the Opening Ceremony, VIPs and guests will tour the Fair’s 30
exhibits, which includes: an American Food market, with imported foods from the
U.S.; an Education Pavilion, with eight institutions of learning; the Food and
Home Pavilion, offering the best American food and household items; the Travel
USA pavilion; and the USA Showcase and CentralCourt, featuring iconic American
companies Amway, Caltex, Chevrolet, Coca-Cola, and Ford Motor Company.
To enter the drawing for tickets to the U.S., you must collect an entry form and
stamps from the USA Showcase exhibits. Visitors will also have the opportunity
to win vouchers to KFC, hotel stays, food and drinks, petrol coupons, and more,
each day at the USA Fair.
For more information, please visit
www.amchamthailand.com/usafair
and www.centralworld.co.th,
or like the USA Fair 2013 on Facebook.
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Mantra hosts another great jazz evening
Sue interviews Amari Orchid Pattaya GM Brendan Daly
for PMTV.
Sue K
On the 18th of May, the Mantra Restaurant & Bar in the Amari Orchid Pattaya once
again became the venue for jazz lovers as a group of musicians called the Black
Coffee came down to entertain the locals.
Among the many favorites were songs like S’ Wonderful, Blue Moon, The More I see
you, and Almost like being in love, sang by lead singer Karista Yenpoonsuk,
accompanied by pianist Bhudinant Deeswasmongkol, bassist Yosawee Thongpae,
saxophonist Passkorn Morasilpin, and drummer Jeerawat Saeng-anan.
Black Coffee entertains the audience at Mantra with
their soothing jazz sounds.
The special Mantra Jazz menu included mouth watering lobster salad, avocado &
salmon caviar, grain fed beef tenderloin, with carrot & ginger puree and foie
gras croquet, chardonnay & lime steamed snow fish with saffron aioli & baby
veggies, cheese platter and a finale of caramelized pear with piña colada crème
chiboust. All these were complemented by a vast selection of international fine
wines.
Brendan Daly, the general manager of Amari Orchid Pattaya, hinted that the next
music night at Mantra would be the exciting Latino. You will be informed of the
exact date in the Pattaya Mail, so you can get your dancing shoes ready.
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