Do you have a protruding bulge?

Do you have a protruding bulge? No, the speaker at the Sunday, August 19 Pattaya City Expats Club was not talking about waistlines. Rather, Gavin Waddell, Head of the Phyathai Sriracha Hospital International Department, was talking about a more serious bulge; one that is the result of an abdominal hernia. Gavin also brought along a nurse to provide free blood pressure checks for members and guests.

PCEC member, Gavin Waddell, also Head of the Phyathai Sriracha Hospital International Department begins his presentation on the diagnosis and treatment of abdominal hernias by mentioning that hernias typically will afflict 20 to 25% of the population during their lifetime.

Gavin started his presentation by mentioning that abdominal hernias are a very common condition as 20 to 25 percent of the population will most likely have one during their lifetime. He then explained that the abdominal cavity is surrounded by a membrane that separates it from the abdominal muscles. When there is a weakness in the muscle, a portion of the intestines or fatty tissue can protrude through the abdominal muscle and is usually first noticeable as a bulge.

There are four main types of abdominal hernias. The inguinal hernia occurs in the groin area where the skin of the thigh joins the torso; it usually is noticeable as a bulge in the groin area (inguinal crease). The femoral hernia is where abdominal contents, usually intestine, protrude into the femoral canal (the path through which the femoral artery, vein, and nerve leave the abdominal cavity to enter the thigh); it usually shows itself as a bulge just below the inguinal crease in roughly the mid-thigh area and is more common in women. The umbilical hernia shows up as a protrusion at the bellybutton (the umbilicus). Although it is more likely at birth, it can also develop in adults. The fourth is the epigastric hernia which occurs between the navel and the lower part of the rib cage in the midline of the abdomen; these are usually composed of fatty tissue and rarely contain intestine.

Gavin explained that the sign of a hernia is usually a painless lump or bulge.

Gavin explained that there can be several causes for hernias such as obesity, heavy lifting, coughing or sneezing, strained bowel movement or urination, or pregnancy. Likewise, it could be the result of a genetic weakness. The sign of a hernia is usually a painless lump or bulge. But, if it is strangulated (twisted or being pinched by the muscle), it can be a severely painful, tender, swollen protrusion of tissue that you can’t push back into the abdomen. Strangulated hernias are surgical emergencies because blood flow to the trapped intestine is cut off and it can become gangrenous in as short a time as six hours. He warned that if a strangulated hernia is not treated quickly, it could be fatal.

Many hernias are reducible, meaning that you can push the intestine back into the abdominal cavity. It can be treated by surgery, but it is not an emergency. An irreducible hernia (incarcerated hernia) is one that is there constantly - you may be able to push it back in, but it comes back out. Surgery is usually recommended because of the heightened risk of strangulation. Gavin pointed out that diagnosis of a hernia can be done by physical examination or with ultrasound. He emphasized that the only treatment option for a hernia is surgery. This can be open surgery (most common) or laparoscopic (key hole surgery) and is usually performed using a general anesthetic or a spinal block. Although in the US and UK, it is usually done on an outpatient basis, Gavin said that in Thailand, the doctors prefer to keep you in the hospital overnight.

Board Member Darrel Vaught discusses recent revisions of the website with PCEC members and guests.

Twenty or 30 years ago, the surgery usually consisted of pushing the intestine back into the abdominal cavity and stitching the muscle; however, because of the pliability of the abdominal muscle, it was not uncommon to have the hernia return. In the 80’s, doctors started using a mesh that was placed between the muscle and intestines being kept in place by the pressure from the intestines. Gavin said that there is only about a 3 percent failure rate when using the mesh. He concluded his presentation by describing how to prevent hernias: lose weight, be careful when lifting heavy objects, try not to overstrain during bowel movements or urination, take medication to reduce coughing and sneezing, and for males, wear some kind of groin support during strenuous exercise.

After Gavin answered several questions, MC Richard Silverberg updated everyone on upcoming events and called on Roy Albiston to conduct the always interesting and lively Open Forum where questions are asked and answered about expat living in Thailand; Pattaya in particular. Read more about the Club’s activities on their website at www. pattayacityexpatsclub.com.

Chairman Pat Koester reports the results of
the recent board meeting, including the suggestions submitted by members.

Sotpattana School for the Deaf celebrates 30th anniversary

(L to R) Father Dr. Veera Phangrak, director of Pattaya Orphanage; Bishop Emeritus Thienchai Samanjit, former Chantaburi Diocese; Bishop Philip Banchong Chaiyara, Diocese of Ubon Ratchathani; Sister Suphtra Nonthasuwan, female rector and assistant director to Human Resources of Pattaya Orphanage; and Father Kritsada Sukkaphat, deputy director of Pattaya Orphanage cut the ribbon to officially launch the event.

Elfi Seitz

On Monday, August 13, the Sotpattana School for the Deaf in Pattaya celebrated their 30th anniversary with a great feast dignifying the work and dedication which has and still is done to benefit less fortunate children.

The Sotpattana School for the Deaf, located on the compound of the Pattaya Orphanage, was officially set up in 1982 by Rev. Fr. Raymond A. Brennan, the well known noble Redemptorist priest who had also co-founded and managed the Pattaya Orphanage. It is administered by Diocese of Chantaburi. The school approaches an issue of great importance: The promotion of deaf children. If neglected, those children would suffer an unhappy life and cause problems to society. The school provides them with educational opportunities to help them in their communication with others and prepare them for higher communication, thus also alleviating the burden of the children’s parents.

To commemorate the 30th anniversary of this institution a great party was set up to celebrate appropriately, solemnly just as well as hilariously.

Father Veera Phangrak (left), director of the Pattaya Orphanage, along with children and care givers greet Bishop Emeritus Thienchai Samanjit (right).

The celebration began in the morning when the guests of honor arrived. Most notably, the celebration was attended by Bishop Lawrence Thienchai Samanjit, Bishop Philip Banchong Chaiyara, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Smith representing PCEC, Praichit Jetpai, president of YWCA-Bangkok-Pattaya and Sopin Thappajug, MD of the Diana Group. Further, all principals of the Sotpattana School also joined the event.

An exhibition showed the numerous guests, families and friends of the students as well as benefactors, about the daily life at the Sotpattana School. Later on, a biblical service was held and awards presented to past and current school administrators and dedicated teachers as well as to supporters.

After this formal celebration the fun part began: Kids of the Sotpattana School and the Pattaya orphanage entertained the guests with great stage shows and what is more, everybody was invited to join a shared luncheon featuring traditional Thai food. Truly, the 30th anniversary of the Sotpattana School was an occasion to do both, commemorate and revere the dedication and admirable work of the people standing behind the school as well as enjoy and feast a cheerful party.

Children and care givers pose for a commemorative photo with Bishop Emeritus Thienchai Samanjit (center), along with Father Veera Phangrak and Father Kritsada Sukkaphat.

Finally, it should be mentioned that there is going to be another great event at the occasion of the 30th anniversary. On October 6, a charity musical show will take place at the Thai Alangkarn Theater featuring dancing shows by orphans and deaf children, but also the famous Extravaganza show by Thai Alangkarn Theater. All proceeds go to the “Education Fund” for orphaned and deaf children. Tickets are available in two categories, for prices of 500 and 1000 baht.

Supporters are also greatly welcome to sponsor tickets for unfortunate children who thus are given the opportunity to enjoy an amazing show that is, for them in particular, a unique evening. For more information and to buy tickets, please contact the Human Help Network Foundation Thailand, info@ hhnthailand.org or call 038-488-956 (or 038-416-426).

Children at the school certainly enjoy the attention.

Father Veera Phangrak adds some warmth and humor to the anniversary proceedings.

Bishop Emeritus Thienchai Samanjit spreads his loving care amongst the children.

YWCA, Issan Association whips up lunch for Redemptorist Vocational School

YWCA and Issan Association members are hard at work in the kitchen, stirring up a lunch for the Redemptorist Vocational School.

Vittaya Yoondorn

The YWCA Bangkok-Pattaya Center and Pattaya Issan Association brought motors and pestles to the Redemptorist Vocational School to cook up a som tam lunch to help the school commemorate the ninth anniversary of its founder’s death.

YWCA Chairwoman Praichit Jetpai and Issan Association acting president Jinjutha Phothisa led the pots-and-pans procession with staff from the Pattaya Public Health office to the Pattaya school Aug. 22. They whipped up sticky rice, spicy papaya salad, and fried chicken and pork for the hungry students.

The three organizations also brought a bounty of daily necessities, from soap and shampoo, to rice, blankets and drinking water, to Father Ray Foundation employees.

The event was one in a series organized by the Father Ray Foundation to mark the Aug. 16, 2003 death of Father Raymond Brennan. His Redemptorist schools and shelters care and educate hundreds of disabled people and orphans.

Those looking to donate can contact the Pattaya Redemptorist Vocational School at 038-716-245 ext. 6102.