Interview with Mr. Pawin Sajjapimuk, a 72-year-old patient
Interviewer: How did you feel when you learned that you had experienced a STROKE? Were you very worried?
Mr. Pawin: I was not particularly worried. The main problem was that I underestimated the condition and did not seek continued treatment.
Interviewer: You thought it was nothing serious, correct?
Mr. Pawin: Yes. I thought it was nothing serious. When I first had the stroke, my entire body felt numb and I was dizzy. I immediately went to the hospital within four hours, following the recommended emergency window. When I arrived, they gave me an injection first. They asked me a few questions, such as whether my mouth was drooping and whether I could speak and understand properly. They said that I was still conscious and able to communicate, so they administered the medication. I then slept for a while. When I woke up, I asked the physician what had been injected, and the physician said it was an emergency medication intended to help save my life. After that, I received treatment for an ischemic stroke. Later, I fell and developed a spinal nerve compression problem, so several conditions became interconnected. I continued receiving treatment and attended physical therapy at the hospital. My condition gradually improved until I was able to walk somewhat independently. After that, I tried acupuncture but did not continue with further treatment. Eventually, I received treatment at Mayo Hospital, where I met Dr. Poom, a physician specializing in neurological conditions. Dr. Poom recommended that I undergo an assessment at KIN. I was sent for an MRI and brought the results to Dr. Poom. The examination confirmed an ischemic stroke. At that point, I understood that I had to take the treatment seriously because leaving it untreated could be dangerous. Dr. Poom arranged for me to stay here, and I began my rehabilitation program. I have now completed one full month.
Interviewer : You received treatment with Dr. Poom here for approximately one month, correct?
Mr. Pawin: Exactly one month. I arrived on the eighth, and today is also the eighth—the date of this interview—so I am returning home today.
Interviewer: How do you feel after completing the treatment and rehabilitation program?
Mr. Pawin: We have established an ongoing treatment plan. I need to return for three vitamin injections each month, approximately every seven to ten days. I will try to follow the schedule because, according to the physician, the treatment is intended to support and monitor my brain function. I also need to continue receiving magnetic stimulation using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, or TMS. The magnetic stimulation is applied to the brain and also to my leg because the muscles in my leg were weak, allowing both areas to be treated as part of the same program. I needed to stay at the rehabilitation center for one month. When I first arrived, walking was difficult and I needed support, but now I can walk independently.
Interviewer: You can now walk independently without anyone supporting you.
Mr. Pawin: Yes, I no longer need assistance. Dr. Poom and I have already planned for me to continue receiving vitamin injections and TMS treatment here. I will also continue physical therapy at KIN.
Interviewer: How did you learn about KIN?
Mr. Pawin: I learned about KIN through Dr. Poom. The physician explained that this is a rehabilitation center, not a surgical hospital. There are no surgical procedures performed here. Instead, patients come here to recover under continuous medical supervision and the care of healthcare professionals. It is safe, convenient, comfortable, and reasonably priced—more affordable than staying in a hospital while providing a comparable level of safety. However, it is not a center for minor or major surgery. Surgical treatment must first be completed at a hospital, after which patients can come here for physical and emotional rehabilitation. When I first visited the center for an appointment with Dr. Poom, I came with a close friend. The center looked comfortable and suitable for treatment and rehabilitation.
Interviewer: What was your impression of the atmosphere?
Mr. Pawin: The atmosphere was cool, comfortable, and spacious. The rooms were attractive, especially the lobby downstairs. It felt open and relaxing. I could also see that all the staff members were actively working. The physician showed me the room, and I was impressed. I immediately arranged to reserve the room and planned to return two days later so that I would not have to worry about accommodation when beginning treatment. I felt very positive about the center.
Interviewer: How did you find the care provided by the staff?
Mr. Pawin: Every staff member was attentive and patient. Many patients here are over 50 years old, and people in this age group may have many requests and frequently press the call button because they require close attention. The staff members are very capable. They monitor the patients continuously and provide excellent care. The physical therapy team downstairs also provides additional support. Whenever we need assistance, we can press the call button, and the staff greet and check on us throughout the day. The food is also good. I asked several patients, and everyone said it was delicious. The staff members are hardworking, work well as a team, provide attentive care, and coordinate effectively with one another.
Interviewer: That includes the physicians, nurses, and physical therapists, correct?
Mr. Pawin: Yes. I am impressed. The treatment and care have been excellent, and my physical condition has improved significantly.
Interviewer: We are pleased to see that you have become stronger. Is there anything you would like the center to improve?
Mr. Pawin: There is nothing that needs improvement. Everything is already very good.
“KIN REHAB sincerely thanks Mr. Pawin for participating in this interview.”