First Contact

If you are impressed with the results of my removal and, like me, cannot find a Doctor to perform the procedure in your own country, then Bangkok is an affordable option without sacrificing quality or professionalism. Bangkok Nursing Home's main appeal for me is its reputation as a 5 star international standard hospital. Check out their website for more details. 

When I first emailed Bangkok Nursing Hospital I did not mention CO2 laser treatment and they referred me to the 'Preecha Institute', which is the Cosmetic Surgery Department of the hospital. The procedure they proposed involved a two-step process, which consisted of laser (not CO2) and then some sort of "cutting". The latter I was definitely not keen on, nor did I think it was necessary.

I emailed them again specifically mentioning CO2 laser treatment and they referred me to the 'Dermatology & Beauty Centre' (Skin Clinic). The Skin Clinic confirmed they had the facilities and the doctors willing to perform the procedure.

Getting to BNH

If you are comfortable with navigating on Bangkok's public transport, BTS is a good way to get to BNH. For me I find the BTS better than a taxi. No sitting in traffic and no drivers trying to rip you off. I did have to walk a short distance however it makes up for it in time and money. I also got to see everyday Thai life.

The closest station to BNH is Sala Daeng.  Getting off at the station I was a bit lost as to which direction to head. Luckily there is a sign in the middle of the concourse pointing to different local hot spots. One of which was BNH. Heading in that direction I walked about 20 - 30 metres and there was Convent Road. Basically opposite the Patpong Markets sign. I turned left and walked for about 5 minutes (approx 200 metres). Along the way I passed a Starbucks, an Irish Pub and a Catholic Hospital. Bangkok Nursing Hospital was easily identifiable by the water feature out the front.

Registration

For you first visit (if not your only visit) make sure you arrive about 15 - 20 minutes before your appointment time. This will give you enough time for formalities like filling out forms and making your way up to the Skin Clinic.

On arrival I was directed to Reception Counter and was given a form to fill out. When I first looked at the form it was all written in Thai and was at a bit of a loss how I was supposed to fill it out. Then, I realised that the same questions were in English on the other side. While I filled out the form they took a photocopy of my passport for their records. I handed back the form and a few minutes later they handed me a BNH barcoded card that showed my name. If I ever needed to come back all I needed to do was show the card.

Skin Clinic

The 'Dermatology & Beauty Centre', or 'Skin Clinic' as they like to call it, is located first floor in the left back corner.

I headed up via the escalators in the centre of the building. Then walked around to the Skin Clinic. There is a small counter just by the door where a nurse stood. I informed her of my name, appointment time and Doctor's name. I was then directed to sit in the small waiting area.

The waiting area has a couple of couches and some reading material (magazines and newspapers). However these were all in Thai. Unfortunately, I did not bring any of my own so had to resort to looking at the pictures. 

When the Doctor was ready a Nurse showed me to the consultation room. I was a bit uncomfortable at first as the Nurse remained in the room, I assume to assist the Doctor if needed.  I just did not feel right so I asked if we could have some privacy. The Doctor understood this so she asked the Nurse to leave the room.

After a short chat about pearly penile papules and the removal we went behind a curtained off section of the room and she applied the anesthetic Elma cream. See [The Procedure] for more information. I then pulled up my shorts and had 40 minutes to kill. This time allowed the Elma cream to sufficiently saturate the area.

Time to Kill

There is not a lot to do in the Hospital, but enough to see 40 minutes pass-by pretty quickly. There is a restaurant on the first floor just beside the escalators, a small cafe under the escalators on the ground floor, a BNH museum near the main entrance and plenty of chairs to sit and read.

I also thought about going down to Starbucks, but thought it was best to stay in the hospital. Besides I needed to keep an eye on the Elma Cream.

I was a bit hungry so I headed for the restaurant on the first floor. The menu was varied with mostly western dishes. I opted for beef stir fry and rice, which was not too bad. They had some magazines in there as well but again all in Thai.

For my second visit I checked out the BNH Museum. Definitely worth a quick browse.

Halfway through I headed to the toilets to check the Elma Cream was still where it was supposed to be. The toilets are located ground floor in back left corner. Directly below the Skin Clinic.

After the 40 minutes was up, I headed back up to the Skin Clinic.

The Procedure

Before heading to the treatment room a Nurse informed me of the costs for the days consultation and procedure.

I was then shown to the treatment room at the end of the hall where I was asked to dress in a hospital gown and lie down on the treatment table.  The Doctor assisted by the nurse then proceeded with [The Procedure] .

The procedure over, I was given an appointment for a follow-up 7days later and was then escorted downstairs by a nurse to the Cashier and Pharmacy on the ground floor. There they prepared my detailed bill and filled my prescription for the antibiotic cream.

The costs of the second procedure was a little higher than the costs of the first procedure. Possibly because of extra time involved due to the need of a second application of Elma cream.

If the Doctor knew of the success CO2 laser would have on removing Pearly Penile Papules she would have definitely removed them all in one procedure. I am sure one procedure as opposed to two would reduce the costs.

Description	Amount First Procedure	Amount Second  Procedure
Drugs (incl. Elma & Fucidin)	645.00	750.00
Medical Supplies (incl. Dressing & cotton buds)	420.00	310.00
Special Diagnostics> Co2 Laser	2,300.00	2,300.00
Packaged Medical Charge	180.00	180.00
Physician Evaluation	NIL	6,000.00
Physician Procedure Fee	6,000.00	6,000.00
TOTAL	8,545.00	15,540.00
GRAND TOTAL           TB	24,085.00
Exchange Rates                                               AUD	831.00
as at 05 August 2006                                         USD	636.00
EURO	494.00
GBP	334.00

 Bangkok can be very cheap to stay if you choose your accommodation wisely and limit your spending. The following table shows an approximation of my coasts over the ten days. Of course if you spend a bit more on shopping and extravagances then costs could get a little higher. Also your airfare will vary according to your location and airline carrier. As you can see the total is an affordable price to pay for peace of mind and a life without pearly penile papules: 

Epilogue

My experience with BNH was very pleasant. The Thais are very respectful and considerate by nature and the Doctor, Nurse and staff were no exception. I definitely recommend the services of Bangkok Nursing Hospital.Plus there is a lot to see and do in Bangkok if you are a keen traveler and sight-seer. See [My Bangkok Trip] for some sight-seeing tips.

Back to
[MEMBER HOME]

Logout