Patient Testimonial
Former Cardiomegaly Patient: Kamonrat Deemark's New Lease on Life
"...It feels like being reborn. At that time, I felt like I was already dead. Now that I've received treatment and recovered, I feel strong again, like a normal child. That's because chemotherapy made my hair fall out and caused heart failure, to the point where I never thought I'd be as well as I am today... I want to thank all the doctors who treated me, from when I had an autoimmune disease, then leukemia in my lymph nodes, and finally heart failure. I truly want to thank them for giving me a new life."
Initially, Kamonrat Deemark suffered a bladder infection, leading to high fever and incessant vomiting. This progressed to a bloodstream infection, causing bruises on her arms and later lumps on her legs, making it difficult to walk. A biopsy revealed leukemia, requiring over six months of chemotherapy before her condition improved and she became cancer-free.
Unforeseen Heart Complications
Just three months later, new symptoms emerged: she couldn't lie flat due to breathing difficulties, and experienced vomiting and insomnia. Dr. Bandita assessed her, ordered an X-ray, and discovered an abnormally enlarged heart—it nearly filled the entire left side of her chest cavity, far exceeding the normal size (typically less than half the chest). Signs of pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs) were also present. An echocardiogram further revealed that her heart muscle was severely weakened, functioning at only 29%, coupled with a leaky heart valve due to the enlarged heart structure. These factors caused her extreme fatigue upon hospital admission.
Recovery and Return to Normalcy
Following treatment involving medication adjustments and cardiac rehabilitation, a re-examination showed that her heart size had significantly reduced to near normal, with no signs of pulmonary edema. With medication to enhance heart contractility, her heart strengthened, allowing her to be discharged and resume her daily life and studies.
Beyond Recovery: Embracing Life Fully
After discharge, Kamonrat's mother consulted Dr. Bandita regarding her daughter's confidence in returning to physical activities she once enjoyed with healthy friends. Dr. Bandita recommended a VO2 Max test, a standard method for assessing cardiac performance in heart failure patients, using stationary cycling or treadmill running. The results confirmed Kamonrat's heart health was quite strong. The doctor then advised on further exercise. Kamonrat has since applied this information to her daily life and exercise routine. Currently, she can participate in sports and physical education just like her peers and has even successfully competed in singing contests, fulfilling her aspirations.
Former Brain Tumor Patient's Journey
"The word 'tumor' felt so distant, especially being so young. I thought, 'Do I have a tumor?'" said Ms. Neerada Preeprem, a 24-year-old former brain tumor patient. At her age, the odds of developing a tumor are only 1 in 100.
After experiencing frequent dizziness, visiting multiple hospitals, and finding no relief from medication, Ms. Preeprem developed sharp, intermittent headaches for 5-6 consecutive days, rendering her unable to sleep or work. She sought treatment at Ramkhamhaeng Hospital.
Initially, I received medication for a suspected migraine, as other tests showed no abnormalities, and it was attributed to my lifestyle. However, my condition didn't improve, so I returned to the doctor. This time, I was sent for an MRI, which revealed a tumor on my pituitary gland."
Learning this was a shock, and many thoughts flooded her mind. The doctor explained the treatment options: surgery or medication. Ms. Preeprem initially favored medication due to her fear of surgery, specifically the thought of brain penetration and the daunting image of an operating room with orange lights and blood-stained green drapes. However, medication meant lifelong treatment and only shrinking the tumor, not removing it. She requested time to decide and consult her family. The doctor respected her decision, understanding her fear.
Ultimately, she chose surgery. The doctor clarified that it wasn't the invasive procedure she imagined; it was endoscopic surgery through the nose, leaving only a small incision. Before the surgery, the doctor conducted thorough examinations, which, while extensive, reassured her of their meticulous care. The operating room environment was not as intimidating as she had pictured; the medical staff were smiling and attentive. After anesthesia, she woke up feeling no pain and was pleasantly surprised; her fear of surgery was gone. She recovered in just two nights and was discharged. Post-surgery care involved minor attention to the nasal incision, which healed completely in less than 15 days.
Many questioned her choice of hospital. She confidently stated, "This hospital has excellent equipment and skilled doctors, ensuring no waiting for treatment—some things can't wait, right? The service here is also exceptional; the doctors, nurses, and even the staff took great care of me. If I pay a little more and get such good results—a new life—I'm willing to pay."
“After I had defibrillation implant surgery two years ago, I thought the severe symptoms from arrhythmia would be over. Able to travel abroad normally without worrying that symptoms will recur and possibly death at any time. But suddenly, an unexpected incident happened. When I have a heart disease that has arisen without knowing the cause !!
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So I decided to come here. Upon examination, the heart was found to lack potassium. At first, the doctor prescribed potassium supplements. But it was never cured. Finally, the doctor recommends the treatment of electrolysis technology. Listening to it should help things get better. So I decided to do it."
Doctors have to tell you that this method is quite complex and can take a long time. The doctor doing the treatment must have great expertise, and the equipment must be ready. Because if an error occurs, the patient's heart can be damaged and die. For Mr. Piya, it takes up to 7 hours for the surgery by electrocautery. It can be treated in 2 large areas. And there are still 2 small points that cannot be operated on by electrocautery immediately. The doctor then considered the treatment for 2 points later.
After the surgery, Mr. Piya was able to live the same life. Because he follows the instructions strictly. With medication regularly. Reduce your stress from work. Get enough exercise and rest. Severe arrhythmias do not recur. Even if you have to travel abroad for 15 hours, symptoms will still be fine. We are glad to be a part of Piya's recovery from the symptoms. Make his life safer and more comfortable.
