I guess it's time to tell you all exactly what's wrong with me and why I am having problems.

Over the past three months I have developed severe edema. What is that? Here's the dictionary definition: "Swelling from excessive accumulation of serous fluid in tissue." It begins in thelower legs and then if it worsens, it moves upward. And that's what's happened to me. It moved into my thighs and most recently into my torso.

I think what's most shocking is that before I developed the problem with edema, my weight on the hospital scales was 70kg. Since then my weight has increased to 81 kg.! And that's all in fluid retention, not fat, not overeating.

Is it painful? In the beginning, no. But as it progresses, yes, it becomes very painful. In my case, it is very painful for me to walk.

Yes, of course I've been working with the doctors to try to  solve this problem. It seems about the only cure is medicinal therapy, and if that doesn't work, not much more can be done.

Edema doesn't happen by itself. It needs to have an underlying cause. And that can be cardio-pulmonary, liver disease, or kidney malfunction. So far the doctors have ruled out any kidney problems and don't suspect any cardio-pulmonary problems. So yesterday they did a liver ultrasound and the results show that I have gallstones plus liver disease. I will see the liver specialist on Monday, but I know already that it means saying good bye to Mr. Singha.

The edema saps strength from the legs and my legs have become very weak. I am no longer able to get into the tub in order to shower and have to wash my hair in the sink and give  myself a sponge bath. Believe me, it's not fun!

In the meantime, I have been forbidden to go out. I can't go shopping, go out and buy food, or go to parties so I am a prisoner in my own apartment! If the doctors fail to get things under control, I will be permanently crippled.

So now you know why I haven't been to any TF events in almost 3 months. Nor will I sign up for any new events until things begin to improve. I'm still going to do my best to make it to the birthday event on the 23rd but if I go I may not stay long. I'm trying to work out the details now. I'll need some help in order to go.

So there you have it. Yes, my condition right now is very serious. No more hiding the facts from you.

I am fooking depressed!

Sorry to hear that, Khun_Lung. We can only hope for better, don't forget, hope is the last one that dies. I wish I could say more, but I guess there is nothing much I can say except wishing you good luck and all the best!

Khun_lung.....I hope it's not too serious kha..I believe...We hope...

Sorry to hear that too Lung Mike.

but atleast it is good that you and your doctor are working together to fix the problem.

just be strick and strong with the plan i guess.

get well very soon please

huggg

The "fookster" tells you not to be fooking depressed.........but can't even enjoy a Singha? That's fooking depressing........but your health has to be back in control, if you wish to see a long life like me Lol

KL....we all need to not take our health for granted, we have choices , so we're still very lucky........not like my dying niece to cancer. I want to see and meet you well and on your feet again in December........hang in there!

You made me sad uncle I really dont want to see u depressed.. I wish i could be of any useful .. Let me know if i can do anything to at least cheer u up.. Anyway i hope doctor will have new treatment that would cure the pain.. i wish u the best of luck ka

big hugs

Hang in there Lung Mike. Be strong na.Like Pai said that it's good now that you and the doc. can work on this to help you get better na ja.

All the best!

Liver? Too much alcohol? Time to cut back my man :-)

Ghee: Visitors always welcome!

alexbkk: Thanks!

ni2508: Right now it's very serious.

BlueOcean: I'll be posting updates as things happen.

afook06: Thanks for the well-wishes!

LadyVin: Thanks!

Smilysiam: I'm trying, but it's going to be a long road back to health.

Punisher: Wrong, Gi! Time to quit entirely!

Rob: I hope you're right!

hope it will be better soon

and improve

We all hope you'll be better soon kha.

I was just reading up on it Mike, and I think it's time you gave up on taking all that estrogen, As much as you've been secretly trying, you just won't be able to be a ladyboy. Just kidding Mike. It is serious, but beatable. You've got a good doctor now, so I know you will get better. My thoughts are with you.

Do u need a sexy nurse? "u"

erictaymans: Thanks!

ni2508: Thank you

koolbreez: I hope so but it will take time.

Yvr_in_bkk: Yes, I do! sexy or not!

hmmmm...........scary............................. Don't forget to hear from a few more doctors and well as researching A LOT from books and internet!

As for the parties.....If you want, we can bring a crew to your home and party FOR you!!

Is this problem self-inflicted? Either way it's not nice. Why you feel you wanna pour your heart out infront of a bunch of stangers i'll never know. Some of you people should confide in the ones you know and love. The reason i say this is because most of the people saying stuff like, 'get well soon' etc don't mean it. They just put it in there for the hell of it.

If you want sincere people then tell the people you know and love, not strangers.

Hi oedema is not a problem but the symptom of a problem, it the bodies inability to return fluid into the cardio vacular system. Diurectics will help by decreasing the overall fluid level in the body. Treatment should be centered on the primary cause. The major causes would be Right heart failure, diabettes, hepatic or renal failure. Good luck with your treatment, I hope you are well soon...............All the best Waza

hope you get well. can you do hydro therapy in a pool?

Really sorry to hear that KL, hope the doc can get it under control, best wishes.

Very sad to hear... I guess that visiting a few doctors from different hospitals both traditional and non-traditional could expand your range of solutions for recovery. All the best...

sorry to hear that Mike.

Hope things get better soon for you!

hope you get well,,sending good vibrations:)

'Swelling from excessive accumulation of serous fluid in tissue'.....would this fluid be Singha by any chance lol....Get well soon.

OutOfOrder: Yes, I've done tons of research. And I think my docs are on the right track.

rkidlad: Most of the TF people commenting are not strangers, they are friends. Hope you can be so lucky.

Atyourownrisk: The prospects of seeing a U.S. specialist are zero. And actually the quality of health care here is very good.

Hugo: We can all sit in our ricking chairs and drink our prune juice.

waza: Trust me, edema IS a problem when it's totally debilitating!

friendlyCat: Thanks. No pool here and I'm not allowed to be out and about.

beejoir: Thanks!

PM: I have confidence in the team of docs I have now.

mamasan: Thank you!

ghee: No, it is NOT my kidneys, they are fine. And I'll stay with the treatment I'm getting now.

vacanti373: Thanks!

jem26: **** happens.

kalamist: Thanks!

periboea: Thank you!

Tony_Sorco: No, it isn't. But it's a major part of the problem.

all that drinking beer and wine made with antifreeze has finally caught up with you. good luck with the treatments