Life saver (Story based on true event)

It was a tough time for my family when my husband underwent severe liver disease and was admitted to an ultra-modern hospital in smart city. Though the gastroenterologist took great care and offered best treatment, still, he was under observation and condition was deteriorating as medicines did not support to boost immune system. Doctor constantly threw special meetings to discuss my husband's chronic liver disease. Treating doctor was constantly monitoring and applied under trial medicine also for three days to subside the symptoms but could not get success. Days passed and my stress level increased. I always accompanied him during medical tests and kept enquiring about medicines given to him. I kept a constant watch to know the worsening symptoms and immediately reported to the doctor for prescribing appropriate medicines.

At times, I had a huge financial burden because of the hospital expenses like fees of visiting consultants, medicine cost and room tariff were very high. Day by day my husband’s mental condition was also falling. He got worried about me and daughters. Relatives and friends were regularly visiting and doing prayers for my husband’s speedy recovery. But health was not improved. One of my relatives told me to shift my husband to a government hospital. It really hurt me. We were in the best hospital and the doctors were putting their best effort to improve his health. All initiatives failed. And after applying broad medical knowledge, the doctor who was handling the case became hopeless but did not give up or transferred the case to another specialist. I became puzzled and my mind was numbed. I could not figure out what action needed to take for the survival of my husband. I was surrounded by attendants of other patients admitted in the hospital. All were caring and supporting me in managing hospital affairs. Even some of them offered prayers at their home for us to revive from the health crisis.

Situation was not improving and he was shifted to ICU under a team of junior doctors. Treating doctor visited daily to check him thoroughly. I was also allowed to stay with him in short intervals in the ICU for a morale boost. One day, another patient admitted in the same ICU showed severe symptoms that mentally hit my husband and he was demoralized and left hope for recovery. I tried to motivate him that the other patient had some chronic illness. But my husband became disturbed and his condition further worsened. Then I requested doctors to shift him to a private room so that he may feel comfortable. Somehow the doctor agreed and he was shifted to separate room instead of shared one. I was allowed in visiting hours to meet him. I noticed that he did not take meals properly and developed undesirable feelings towards nurses who offered food. Since I was a psychology major, I quickly sensed that his mental condition was low and did not have the desire to eat anything from the nurse or seek assistance from paramedical staff. When I discussed his mental issue with the doctor, he said that it is normal and usually it happens with patients suffering from severe illness. I constantly raised my voice again to shift into a high dependency ward and discharge from ICU as the parameters were exceedingly high so that I can also spend more time to look at his needs and he may be desirous to have sufficient quantity of meals to gain strength.

After calling a meeting with a team of doctors in the ICU, the treating doctor decided to move him to high dependency on my request. Though the physical status of my husband had not improved, mentally he was a bit relaxed as I could meet him frequently and provided meals of his choice. Gradually, he became accustomed to the hospital environment and comprehended his clinical condition. After a week, the doctor recommended him to shift to a private ward to lessen the symptoms of cirrhotic disease. In the private ward, all the nurses and paramedical staff focused on him to improve the liver condition but liver cells didn’t show the sign of regeneration and the treating doctor had continued his stay in hospital to generate revenue. 

My whole family was constantly keeping watch on his health and we tried our best to take a second opinion for the worsening condition of my husband. Treating doctor’s ego was hurt and he didn’t leave the case and worked out a new medical plan for treatment. At one time, the doctor was irritated when we asked to take a second consultation and shouted that I am offering the world's best treatment that no one can give. He was adamant and we didn’t have other options for medical support for my husband.

We were already involved in discussing with friends and family about the seriousness of my husband. Observing the rude behavior of the treating doctor, I had expanded the thought horizon and made a major decision to talk with a known senior radiologist who had graciously supported my spine operation about a year back. She had a good grasp of medical knowledge and logical power to deal with intricate health issues. Me and my elder brother contacted her and briefed the severe health issues and medical history of my husband. She listened patiently and asked about the doctor and his treatment procedure. After getting all the details about the doctor and treatment techniques, the radiologist told us that the patient was in the danger zone as none of the medication and treatment supported him to revive from liver ailment. She was well aware of the arrogant persona of treating doctor. She told us that treating doctor will never leave the patient due to fear of a corrosive image among the medical team and degradation of career. She gave a useful tip to us: “There is a famous senior gastroenterologist with a 90% success rate in another leading hospital who was the professor and teacher of treating doctor. Therefore, the treating doctor will never resist and will allow you to take a second opinion”.  Though we were surprised but her highly valuable tip worked and we got permission to get a second opinion from the doctor and hospital team also.

 

We took advice from a senior gastroenterologist. He was dynamic and counsel us to take initiative positively.  He further advised that there is a need to take hard decisions and start the last medical option of chemotherapy though it damages liver cells but also destroys infected virus. We were all frightened as intense therapeutic treatment was dangerous and life threatening. But the doctor who gave the second opinion was confident and strictly suggested that if you want to take a risk and save your husband’s life, it is time to follow the doctor's advice to start this treatment. After rigorous thinking, I made the decision to induce the prescribed injection which was the costliest treatment too. Doctor boosted our morale and recommended to para medical staff to inject the medicine thrice in a week. After one week, my husband showed signs of improvement which was a great achievement not only for us but for doctors and paramedical staff too. After 15 days, the doctor advised us that he can get treatment at home by closely monitoring all parameters by local physician. With our concern, the doctor approved the discharge request and we took the patient home. My husband recovered in a steady manner with an intimate and sound ambiance at home and within three months he was fully recovered and the tests were almost normal. All doctors, nurses, and other relatives felt extreme happiness with the recovery of my husband from a less than five percent chance of survival.

God showered the blessing with the boundless efforts of medical practitioners, nursing team, our well-wishers and above all highly valuable tips given by radiologist which was the game changer breakthrough in the line of treatment. 

From the above narration, I would like to thank all with deep heart who contributed their support in our troubled phase of life. 

Important note: Above story is based on true events. Any resemblance is just a coincidence. Wrier is not responsible for any disagreement.