November 22, 2020

Dear Dr. Phonthakorn,

I am so grateful for the excellent work you did on my hip replacement surgery. It has been a little over a month and a half since the operation, and I feel fantastic. Your skill at performing the anterior approach hip replacement has relieved me of the pain I had been experiencing for years and has allowed me to walk and move freely in just a matter of weeks. Your patients, myself included, are extremely fortunate to have a surgeon of your talent and expertise. 

As you may remember, I had been struggling with pain in my left hip and lower back for well over two years. I sought treatment at Bangkok Hospital and was directed to Dr. Sumeta. She did an excellent job using different physical therapy treatments and showing me exercises that helped strengthen specific muscles to help reduce my pain and get me moving again. However, as time went by these methods lost their effectiveness and my condition worsened.

The chronic pain I felt forced me to give up activities I enjoyed, like jogging, hiking and playing sports with my son. It also made it impossible for me to get a good night’s sleep. Every night I would be awakened many times due to dull, gnawing pain or sudden sharp pain down my left leg and lower back. The lack of sleep left me feeling listless and irritable, causing a strain on my relationships both at work and at home. I began to sink into depression as I realized the possibility of living the rest of my life with this affliction.  

Thankfully, Dr. Sumeta referred me to you and after our initial meeting I had a renewed sense of hope about my condition. After sharing with me some of the experiences of your past patients, I started to feel like things may improve for me as well. I remember how you told me many of your patients said it was a life changing experience. I thought perhaps that was a bit of an exaggeration, but at least I will feel an improvement. I must now admit that the surgery has changed my life and you have given me the ability to do things I thought I may never do again.

I want to thank everyone at Bangkok International Hospital for making my surgery and stay there a pleasant and even enjoyable experience. Everyone involved was very friendly and professional, and I always felt that my health and comfort was their main focus. I honestly cannot say enough about the treatment I received. I would like to thank the kitchen staff for preparing such wonderful meals and for the politeness they showed while going about their duties. The nurses that looked after me were cordial and accommodating, and I thank them for their professionalism. The physical therapy team was also very competent and friendly, and I looked forward each day to our sessions as they were so encouraging and supportive. I would truly recommend Bangkok International Hospital to anyone needing to undergo a surgical procedure that requires a hospital stay. I believe no other hospital could offer more in comfort or care.

Finally, I would like to thank you once again for taking my case and giving me a second shot at life. From the moment my wife and I met you we felt our prayers had been answered and that everything would work out fine. You have a rare talent as a surgeon and just as important you are a kind and compassionate person who truly cares for his patients. Please continue to share your surgical knowledge with your colleagues so more people may benefit from this new approach to hip replacement surgery.

With deep gratitude and appreciation,

Darrin Couillard