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Indian Express
2 days ago
- Health
- Indian Express
Doctor's Day: ‘Our patients taught us a life-force beyond therapy'
Doctors are always hope-givers. But they also know that therapies can go so far and no further. It is the patient's faith, trust and shared decisions that decide when a case becomes something more than just a clinical cause and effect study. When a patient shares their lived experience, fears, anxieties and forms an individual bond with the doctor, that empathy is the one that decides the recovery from even the most critical cases. On Doctor's Day, these doctors recall the patients they never forgot, simply because they learnt a bigger lesson from them. The song of life Dr Shrinidhi Nathany, Consultant, Molecular Haematology and Oncology, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram Mrs R, a 61-year-old retired classical singer from Jaipur, came to us with profound fatigue and unexplained bruises. Her blood counts were collapsing. A bone marrow biopsy confirmed acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a difficult fight at her age. She needed to be treated intensively and early. Her family hesitated. 'She's too fragile for chemotherapy,' they feared. She had mild hypertension, lived alone and had never been hospitalised. But R looked me in the eye and said, 'Doctor, if I sang on stage for 40 years without missing a note, I'll face this too.' She lost her hair, her voice went hoarse, and mucositis (inflammation in the mouth and gut as a side effect of chemotherapy) meant even drinking water was painful. But every evening, she'd hum — not full ragas, just low soft notes, as if reminding herself she was still alive and believing she was still in charge of her body. On day 28, her marrow was clear. By month three, she had achieved molecular remission. She now visits our clinic every three months, bringing sweets for the nurses and singing to other patients undergoing chemotherapy in the waiting area. 'Tell them,' she says, 'the body breaks, but the music doesn't stop.' Climbing mountains with one lung Dr Viny Kantroo, pulmonologist, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, Delhi During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, a man in his early 40s came to us in a very serious condition. He had contracted black fungus, a rare but deadly infection known as mucormycosis. It was one of the more dangerous complications we saw in post-COVID patients at the time. In his case, the infection had spread to his left lung, and the entire upper lobe of the lung had become necrotic, which means it was dead tissue. We had no choice but to operate and remove the affected part of his lung. But just as we thought things were getting better, the infection began spreading again, this time, to the remaining lower part of the same lung. The only option left to save his life was to remove the entire left lung, a surgery known as a pneumonectomy. It's a major operation, and living with one lung comes with challenges. But we had to try. The surgery was successful but I wasn't sure as to how much he could push his body. Emotionally, he had just lost his mother to Covid (he was her caregiver and had contracted the virus at home) and was battling personal issues. 'If I am breathing again, then life definitely wants something from me,' he told me. A heavy smoker, he quit gradually, setting daily targets and then eliminating cigarettes completely. He never missed his physiotherapy sessions and exercises, battling bouts of breathlessness, pushing his sessions by a few minutes every day to get his lung working. He began making efforts to reconnect with loved ones, something he had stopped doing. A few months after his recovery, he messaged me a photo, no caption, no words, just a picture of him standing atop a mountain, smiling. He now travels at high altitudes, something we never would have imagined possible for someone with one lung, especially a former smoker. Since then, every time he travels to a new peak, he sends me a photo. Just a single image. That's all. But for me, it speaks volumes. The human spirit is stronger than we think. Sometimes when you have nothing left, you find the strength to climb your highest mountain. The mother who fought for her child Dr Ranjan Shetty, lead cardiologist and medical director, Sparsh Hospitals, Bengaluru I remember this national volleyball champion from Kolar, Karnataka, who developed peripartum cardiomyopathy, a rare form of heart failure that affects women during the last month of pregnancy or within five months after delivery. It's characterised by a weakening of the heart muscle, leading to reduced pumping ability. It's considered idiopathic, meaning it arises spontaneously without a clear pre-existing condition. Her heart collapsed multiple times after birth, requiring her to be put on a ventilator. She needed a heart transplant but while we tried to fast track her case, we had to put her 80 days on the ECMO machine, which acts as a temporary heart-lung bypass. Completely bed-bound, weaning her off the machine for transplant surgery was a challenge as her legs and arteries had wasted. She felt too tired to speak but her eyes had a light and her lips would always be curled up in a smile. She always gestured to ask about her new-born, whom she could neither hold nor feed. And despite her immobile condition, she kept moving her limbs and fingers as much as she could, almost as if she was exercising before a match. She never had a nervous breakdown although we had almost given up but she told us to do our bit and she would do hers. She surprised us even more after a transplant, walking around in a week. She now comes for follow-ups with her child. It has been three years now.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Can you run out of blood if you donate? Doctor busts 8 myths about blood donation; shares facts
Blood donation is a noble and lifesaving act of public service. It involves drawing blood from a donor to be used for transfusions or other critical medical treatments. However, many people hesitate to donate due to persistent myths and misconceptions that often create unnecessary fear around the process. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Vikas Dua, principal director and head, of paediatric haematology, haemato oncology and bone marrow transplant, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram shared the common myths associated with blood donation and busted them with facts. Blood donation is an act of public service.(Unsplash) Fact: This is one of the most common misconceptions. In reality, the body quickly replaces the fluid lost during donation. Most people are back to normal within 24 hours, especially if they stay hydrated and rest afterward. Fact: Your body has about 10–12 pints of blood, and a typical donation takes just one pint. The bone marrow starts working right away to replace the lost red blood cells, which are fully replenished within a few weeks. Myth 3: Blood donation is painful. Fact: The only discomfort is the quick pinch of the needle. Most donors report minimal or no pain during the process. The entire donation usually takes less than 10 minutes. Also read | Can blood donation lead to weight gain in obese people? Doctor busts 4 myths Doctor busts myths about blood donation.(Unsplash) Myth 4: You can catch diseases from donating. Fact: This is simply not true. All blood donation equipment is sterile and used only once. There's zero risk of contracting infections like HIV or hepatitis through donation. Myth 5: People of a specific age can donate blood. Fact: In most countries, healthy individuals between 18 and 65 can donate, and in some cases even up to age 70. Teens (typically 16–17) may also be eligible with parental consent. Myth 6: You can't donate blood in you are on medication. Fact: Not all medications disqualify you. Common drugs like antihistamines or birth control usually don't prevent donation. It's best to check with the blood center. Myth 7: Vegetarians can't donate because their iron levels are too low. Fact: While iron is important, many vegetarians have healthy iron levels. A quick hemoglobin test is done before donation to ensure it's safe. Also read | Planning to donate blood? Doctor shares complete guide to everything you need to know, from eligibility to precautions Myth 8: One donation doesn't make a difference. Fact: Every single pint can save up to three lives. Whether it's trauma victims, cancer patients, or those undergoing surgery; your donation matters. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Are you having frequent infections? It can be sickle cell disease. Doctor shares 8 early warning signs to know
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a condition that directly affects the way the red blood cells of the body carry oxygen. This can lead to further complications. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Vikas Dua, principal director and head, of paediatric haematology, haemato oncology and bone marrow transplant, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram shared the early warning signs that we should watch out for. Also read | Sickle cell anaemia: What is it, warning signs and symptoms, causes, treatment Sickle cell disease affects the way the red blood cells of the body carry oxygen. These are one of the hallmark signs. The pain, which can be sharp or throbbing, usually hits the chest, back, arms, or legs. It can come on suddenly and last for hours or even days. Because sickled cells die faster and the body can't replace them quickly enough, most people with SCD live with some level of anemia. This results in feeling constantly tired or out of breath. 3. Swelling in hands and feet: Particularly common in young children, swelling happens when sickled cells block blood flow to the hands or feet, causing inflammation and discomfort. 4. Frequent infections: SCD can damage the spleen, an organ that helps fight infection. As a result, people—especially children—are more vulnerable to illnesses like pneumonia or meningitis. 5. Delayed growth and development: Children with SCD may grow more slowly or enter puberty later than their peers. This is usually due to a shortage of red blood cells and nutrients. 6. Yellowing of eyes or skin (jaundice): As red blood cells break down more quickly, the liver gets overwhelmed, leading to a buildup of bilirubin. This causes a yellow tint in the skin and eyes. 7. Vision problems: Tiny blood vessels in the eyes can get blocked by sickled cells, potentially causing vision changes or damage over time. 8. Shortness of breath or chest pain: These may indicate a serious complication called acute chest syndrome, which needs urgent attention. Also read | Early Clues, Lifelong Impact: Understanding Sickle Cell Disease Pain episodes are one of the early signs of sickle cell disease. When to seek medical help? Dr Vikas Dua further addressed the need of immediate medical intervention, if the following conditions persist: Severe or worsening pain: If the pain becomes unmanageable, lasts more than usual, or doesn't improve with medication, it's time to see a doctor. Pain that affects breathing or daily activities shouldn't be ignored. High fever (above 101°F / 38.3°C): Fever can be the first sign of a serious infection. Since people with SCD are more prone to infections, any fever—especially in children—should be treated seriously. Trouble breathing or chest pain: This could be a sign of acute chest syndrome, a life-threatening complication. Symptoms like rapid breathing, coughing, or chest tightness need immediate attention. Sudden weakness or numbness: These may signal a stroke. Other signs to watch for include difficulty speaking, facial drooping, or loss of coordination. These symptoms require emergency care right away. Prolonged or painful erection (priapism): In males, an erection lasting more than two hours can damage tissue. It's a painful but often overlooked complication that needs prompt treatment. Pale skin or extreme tiredness: This could suggest severe anemia or a sudden drop in red blood cell count. Quick evaluation is needed to avoid complications. Also read | Demystifying anemia: 7 lesser-known causes to be aware of Signs of dehydration or inability to eat/drink: Dehydration can worsen sickling. If someone with SCD stops eating or drinking or shows signs of severe dehydration, medical support is needed. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
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First Post
3 days ago
- Health
- First Post
Summer sets the trap: Doctors call for pre-monsoon malaria vigilance
As summer sets in, doctors warn that heat, stagnant water and increased outdoor exposure are driving malaria risks higher. With the WHO flagging seasonal shifts and behavioural patterns as key contributors, timely prevention and awareness can help avert pre-monsoon outbreaks. read more As temperatures rise across India, health experts are raising alarms over malaria transmission during summer, an often-overlooked seasonal danger. While monsoon months are traditionally linked to vector-borne diseases, medical experts say that summer lays the groundwork for intensified malaria outbreaks, creating perfect conditions for the Anopheles mosquito, the vector of the Plasmodium parasite. Firstpost talked with Dr Satish Koul, Senior Director & Unit Head, Internal Medicine, Fortis Memorial Research Institute (Gurugram) and Dr Tushar Tayal, Consultant, Internal Medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram to understand how summer conditions increase malaria risk and what people can do to protect themselves. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'The summer heat, combined with pre-monsoon showers, speeds up the parasite's development inside mosquitoes. It also increases outdoor exposure and water accumulation—both major contributors to malaria risk.' How summer creates a perfect storm According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), malaria is a preventable and treatable disease, but still poses a grave threat, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. The rising summer temperatures (especially between 20–30°C) are ideal for both mosquito survival and the Plasmodium parasite's incubation. Dr Tayal said 'Improper drainage, stagnant water in coolers, gutters, and discarded containers—all typical during Indian summers—become prime mosquito breeding sites, especially in areas with poor sanitation.' Adding to the risk is human behaviour—greater outdoor activity during evenings and early mornings coincides with peak Anopheles mosquito biting times. In regions where people lack access to bed nets, mosquito repellents, or screened housing, exposure increases dramatically. High-risk populations and delayed diagnosis Children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses or compromised immunity are particularly vulnerable. Dr Koul pointed out that heat-related dehydration and fatigue can further impair the body's immune response, making infections more severe. What complicates detection is that early malaria symptoms—fever, body aches, chills—closely mimic heat exhaustion and viral fevers. In rural or underserved communities, this often leads to delayed treatment or reliance on self-medication, heightening the risk of complications and community-level spread. Seasonal mobility and travel risk Summer holidays often see increased travel to forested or rural areas—many of which are malaria-endemic zones. According to Dr Tayal, 'Travel to such locations without prophylaxis or awareness increases the chances of contracting the disease. Migrant labour movement can also contribute to new outbreaks.' Clinical advice for prevention Both experts stress proactive prevention as key. Recommendations include: Eliminating stagnant water from all containers weekly. Using insecticide-treated bed nets and mosquito repellents consistently. Wearing protective clothing in the evenings and early mornings. Seeking medical attention promptly for any unexplained fever or flu-like symptoms. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Consulting a physician for antimalarial prophylaxis if traveling to endemic areas. Climate Change and Future Outlook Climate change adds another layer of complexity. With rising temperatures and unpredictable rainfall, malaria zones may expand and transmission seasons may lengthen. As such, community awareness, infrastructure improvements, and preventive care must be at the forefront of India's malaria strategy. As the summer heat intensifies, experts warn that tackling malaria requires not just monsoon vigilance but year-round, seasonally adaptive public health action.
Indian Express
6 days ago
- Health
- Indian Express
A real Sitaare Zameen Par: Living with Down syndrome, 45-year-old is dancer, champion swimmer and yoga instructor
At 45, Babli Ramachandran is a Bharatanatyam dancer, a yoga coach and a champion swimmer. Nobody quite enacts the navarasas the way she does on stage — be it pain, joy, fury or love. Overcoming physical difficulties and pain, she not only mastered her asanas but decided to become a yoga trainer. She has difficulty seeing underwater but by practising with float dividers, she developed her own sense of spatial awareness to keep her body on course. And win at the Special Olympics National Games. Currently, she is travelling across the UK with her mother, telling her to 'chill, feel the wind and not worry.' Born with Down syndrome, she may have had delayed learning but is a multi-disciplinary achiever. Babli, who was written off at birth, is more mainstream than normal people. And it is people like her who have inspired actor-producer Aamir Khan to make Sitaare Zameen Par, a film that argues for acceptability of neuro-diverse people. Babli even inspired her mother, Dr Surekha Ramachandran to become a researcher on Down Syndrome and pursue a doctorate on the mental health challenges it poses, like depression. She now runs the Down Syndrome Federation of India to help parents groom their children to lead independent, dignified and quality lives. 'Your child is not abnormal, just has a different intellectual and body capacity. They will be as strong and fearless as you are. If you fear this condition, then they will mirror it,' says Dr Ramachandran. IT ALL BEGINS WITH THE PARENT 'Raising a child with Down's syndrome demands a powerful emotional shift. Yes, they will need medical monitoring throughout as most have congenital defects. The child will adapt and grow, follow the parent's cue but the parent must evolve first and look at them just as they are,' says Dr Shrinidhi Nathany, consultant, molecular haematology and oncology, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram. For that, she advises, parents have to absolve themselves of guilt. 'Most cases of Down syndrome, a condition when a human has 47 instead of 46 chromosomes, arise from a random error in cell division during the formation of the reproductive cells (egg or sperm) or in early embryonic development. While Down syndrome is a genetic condition, the extra chromosome that causes it is usually not passed down from parent to child,' she explains. Now the life expectancy of those living with it has increased to 60 years with some even living beyond, given the right environment. Dr Ramachandran recalls how Babli was born with cataract, required surgery, had multiple health issues and a bad bout of pneumonia, all within six months. But her heart was strong and she came back every single time. 'The fact that everybody believed she would die was an eye-opener. Everybody chose to focus on her limitations, her drooling, her seizures or the fact that she had to be given enema every day to clear out her intestines because her gut muscles were weak and unable to contract. So I decided to work on her strengths and treated her just like her brother. She realised she may be different but was equally valued,' says Dr Ramachandran. Of course, puberty brought its own challenges for Dr Ramachandran. 'Babli became detached, indulged in self-talk, had hallucinations and talked to imaginary people. There were bouts of aggression, eating disorders, facial tics, mood swings and repetitive, obsessive behaviour. While her behavioural issues compounded, I realised that it was also the time of developing her communication, self-care and motor skills,' she says. THE MAKING OF AN ACE SWIMMER AND MORE Dr Ramachandran enrolled her for swimming and dancing, both of which would enhance her cognitive and motor capacities. In fact, she signed up Babli for regular swimming classes and contests where there were bigger and stronger competitors. 'She would lower herself in the water, hear a whistle and then lunge forward. And then she would ask me to move away. That was a fantastic feeling. It meant that if I trusted her as a parent, she would be in charge,' says Dr Ramachandran. Similarly as a Bharat Natyam dancer, Babli developed her own grammar of finding her spot on the stage although she couldn't see the markings. She would follow the spotlight, go to its rim and assume her posture. 'Babli talks through her dance. She started emoting in her sleep, while eating, while bathing and throughout the day and night. It is her tool of self-expression,' says Dr Ramachandra. She has now been part of dance troupes to Singapore, Malaysia and MIT and since Covid imparts yoga lessons to people living with Down's syndrome. Despite the gloom of lockdown, Babli ensured that she spent her time doing all that she wanted to do. 'She swam, she dressed up, she had fun with her nephews and she kept herself busy with music and dance,' says her mother. 'There was a time when she sought companionship, wanted to get married, which is such a stigma. She even went into severe depression. That's why we encourage social meet-ups between those with Down syndrome, so that they can find their partners,' says Dr Ramachandran. WHY DOWN SYNDROME KIDS ARE TALENTED Children with Down syndrome often surprise us—not by doing what we think is impossible, but by doing it in their own time and in their own way. 'Scientifically, we know that the condition affects cognitive development, but this tells us little about the child's spirit, creativity or emotional intelligence,' says Dr Nathany. Many children with Down syndrome have extraordinary mimicry skills, strong musicality, a natural affinity for rhythm, and an infectious ability to connect emotionally with others. 'Their memory for faces, songs and daily routines can be remarkable. Their sincerity, lack of pretension, and empathy make them exceptional friends, coworkers, and sometimes, artists. We now understand these are not exceptions; they are expressions of neurodiverse potential,' adds Dr Nathany. When given access to early therapies and inclusive education, many go on to develop real-world skills—some become dancers, painters, athletes, even entrepreneurs. MAKING THEM A PART OF SOCIETY Dr Nathany believes that the biggest barrier is not chromosomal but societal. 'Scientifically, we know that the brain is plastic. Neurodevelopment is shaped as much by environment as by genes. A nurturing home can change a child's trajectory,' she says. Mainstreaming begins with inclusive education: schools must adapt curriculum and teaching strategies, not label children as 'slow.' 'Employers must open doors to roles that match their abilities. Policy must shift from tokenism to genuine accommodation—accessible transport, adult transition support, workplace sensitization,' suggests Dr Nathany. As for Babli, Dr Ramachandra tells us that she likes to call herself Purneshwari (one who is complete). 'But for me she is bubbling with life. She is so sentient that she always calms me down, saying, 'Everything will always be okay.''
