GOOD MORNING DOCTOR Prof. John Kurakar CHAPTER 10 TREATMENT IN PUNE

 

GOOD MORNING DOCTOR

Prof. John Kurakar

(a heart touching experience of cancer treatment) authored by Prof. John Kurakar

CHAPTER 10

TREATMENT IN PUNE

Even after three or four months following the APR surgery, urinary problems continued. It was not possible to get rid of the urine tube and bag. If the tube was removed, urine would not flow. Every day was a struggle. Dr. Manju Kurakar brought a leg bag that could be fitted to the leg instead of the large urine bag. Dr. Manju Kurakar is working as a Reader at Sinhgad Medical and Dental College and Hospital in Pune. Sinhgad Dental College and Hospital, commonly known as SDCH Pune, is one of the premier private dental colleges in Maharashtra. Established in the academic year 2006-07, the college was founded with the goal of providing exceptional dental care and specialized training in 8 Departments, affiliated with Maharashtra University of Health Sciences, Nashik, and approved by the Dental Council of India. The institution is recognized for its excellent academic standards and competitive student performance. The vision behind creating this dental college and hospital was to develop future clinicians, educators, and researchers in the field of dentistry. The college features a modern facility with a built-up area of 120,000 sq. ft., including a clinical hospital section designed to optimize patient flow and minimize movement. Equipped with cutting-edge technology, the college offers aspiring dental professionals, state-of-the-art tools and resources, fostering a quest for excellence. It is located in a region with a significant patient inflow from numerous surrounding villages and towns, SDCH Pune provides an ideal environment for students to gain practical experience and engage in hands-on learning. With its comprehensive infrastructure and commitment to high standards of education, the college stands out as a leading institution for dental education in Pune.

My daughter regularly discussed my health issues with her colleagues. She would mention to her coworkers that traveling with a urine bag was causing significant distress for her father. One day, a colleague at her college told Manju that her father is a urologist and the chief doctor at ACE Hospital in Pune. Her colleague also mentioned that she had already informed her father about the issues Manju's father was facing. My daughter visited her colleague’s father, Dr. Suresh Patankar, who is the owner of the highly reputed ACE Hospital in Pune. This hospital is known for its emphasis on urology. ACE Hospital is a multi-specialty facility renowned for its state-of-the-art infrastructure and comprehensive medical care. Equipped with the latest technology and sophisticated medical equipment, the hospital aims to provide all-encompassing healthcare services under one roof. The Urology Department at ACE Hospital excels in delivering high-quality surgical and treatment options, including a range of laparoscopic and invasive procedures.Dr. Suresh Patankar handed over some medications to Manju for me. He advisedme to visit him in person after a month. After taking the medications for a month, I went to Pune to see the doctor. He appeared to be around 70 years old. From the very first glance, it was clear to me that he was a person of great humanity and dedication.

Dr. Suresh Patankar is not only a renowned surgeon and clinician but also a dedicated researcher and academician with significant contributions to medicine, particularly in urology. His commitment to advancing healthcare has led to notable reductions in healthcare costs, benefiting society at large. As a distinguished educator, Dr. Patankar is a teacher of exceptional caliber, with substantial contributions to medical education. His relentless research spans modern technology, surgical techniques, and the traditional Indian system of medicine. He actively promotes holistic healthcare to address common health issues arising from modern lifestyle challenges. Dr. Patankar stands out for his unique qualifications in Ayurveda, yoga, and contemporary medicine.

 

In his nearly four-decade career as an urologist, Dr. Patankar has pioneered several groundbreaking surgical procedures and is the founder of ACE Hospital in Pune. His work has earned him numerous accolades, including the prestigious National Award for "Innovation in the Medical Field" from the National Indian Medical Association, presented in Chennai on August 4, 2018, by Dr. Ravi Wankhedkar, President of IMA, and Hon. Justice Subramaniam. Dr. Patankar's innovative work has earned him national recognition for its societal benefits. His research spans a wide range of medical disciplines, including basic sciences, surgical techniques, and drug development. His innovations, which include novel drugs for treating kidney stones and enhancing wound healing, and his proprietary surgical techniques in urology, have earned him numerous international patents. Additionally, he has authored books on herbal medicine research.

At ACE Hospital, a team of skilled urologists is employed, and offers Ayurvedic treatment options. The hospital's founder, Dr. Suresh Patankar, treated me with exceptional compassion. He took the time to discuss my urinary issues thoroughly with every doctor in the Urology Department."Let's explore every possible way to assist him," Dr. Patankar directed his colleagues, observing my condition closely. "The urine bag must be changed immediately," he added. Following this, a series of tests were carried out, with the bladder scan being the most crucial among them. The bladder scan uses ultrasonic reflections to distinguish the urinary bladder from surrounding tissues. It is a non-invasive, portable tool used for diagnosing, managing, and treating urinary outflow dysfunction. Cystoscopy, on the other hand, allows a healthcare provider to examine the lower urinary tract for issues in the urethra and bladder. Through the cystoscope, surgical tools can be introduced to address certain urinary tract conditions.During a bladder scan, the urethra is first cleaned, and a thin, flexible tube called a catheter is inserted into the bladder. A liquid containing radioactive material is then passed through the tube to fill the bladder, allowing you to feel a sense of fullness. The bladder is subsequently scanned, and images of both the bladder and kidneys are captured.During the test, you might also be required to urinate.. If the doctor needs to assess how the bladder empties, images will be taken both when the bladder is full and after it has been emptied. There is a small risk of developing a urinary tract infection as a result of the procedure.

The bladder scan test helped determine how much urine was retained and how much urine was normally being expelled. The doctors also taught me how to perform Clean Intermittent Catheterization (CIC). Individuals with bladder control issues may need to perform self-catheterization to effectively empty their bladders. This process, known as clean intermittent catheterization, involves using a catheter (a thin tube) to drain urine at regular intervals throughout the day. It is often required for people with specific medical conditions that impair their ability to urinate normally. As the term implies, self-catheterization is a procedure that you carry out on your own to manage bladder function. I was advised to perform Clean Intermittent Catheterization (CIC) three times a day—morning, afternoon, and night. I was instructed to record both the normal urine output and the urine volume obtained through CIC, and to review these measurements monthly. In the first month, the normal urine output was at 50%. The doctor noted this as "Good." From the following month, the doctor recommended performing CIC only twice a day. After two months, the doctor assessed my condition as "Very Good" and advised that CIC could be reduced to once a day starting the next month. By then, approximately 75% of the urine was being expelled normally. Eventually, CIC was discontinued. On July 22, 2022, a Urologic Endoscopy was performed. Urologic endoscopy is used to diagnose urinary tract issues and comes in two primary forms. The first is cystoscopy, where the doctor uses a camera mounted on a long, flexible tube to examine the urethra and bladder. This procedure allows for a detailed view of these areas to help identify any potential problems.

I was concerned about the urine tube and bag, but the doctor addressed my worries with exceptional compassion and care. He thoroughly understood my issues, administered effective treatment, and ultimately removed both the urine tube and the bag. No amount of gratitude can truly express how thankful I am to him. Doctors like Dr. Suresh Patankar, who exhibit such dedication and empathy, are the true pillars of the healthcare field. I pray that Dr. Suresh Patankar and his colleagues are blessed with long life and good health.

POURING SALT ON THE WOUND

Just as my physical and mental health began to stabilize, another disaster struck, akin to "adding insult to injury." On August 17, 2022, at 1 PM, I fell in the bathroom of Swan Harmony in Navi Mumbai. The fall resulted in a severe impact on my shoulder against a water pipe, causing a shoulder fracture. Unable to get up after the fall, I was found lying on the bathroom floor. Hearing the commotion, my wife rushed to the scene but was unable to help me up. In desperation, she called our son, Manu, who works as a Systems Manager at the State Bank of India’s Global Office in Navi Mumbai. Manu arrived within a few minutes. Together with my wife, he managed to lift me from the bathroom. I was in intense pain, particularly in my left shoulder, which was immobile. Without delay, Manu drove me to the Intensive Care Unit at Apollo Hospital in Navi Mumbai. The hospital was extremely busy, and it was over an hour before I even had an X-ray taken. After reviewing the results, the doctor informed me that I had a shoulder fracture and needed surgery as soon as possible. Following initial treatment, I returned home in the evening to discuss the situation with my daughter. Manu contacted Dr. Salil N a Medical Oncologist at Apollo Hospital, who advised postponing chemotherapy for a few days and to consult the orthopedic surgeon Dr. Sameer S. Chaudhari immediately.

Dr. Sameer Chaudhari is an experienced orthopedic surgeon based in Belapur, Navi Mumbai, with 15 years of expertise in the field. He practices at both Apollo Hospitals in Belapur and Terna Specialty Hospital & Research Centre in Nerul, Navi Mumbai. Dr. Chaudhari completed his MBBS from MUHS Nasik in 2008, followed by a Diploma in Orthopedics and an MS in Orthopedics from PDY Patil University in 2011 and 2013, respectively. He is a member of the Maharashtra Medical Council and the Indian Society of Hip and Knee Surgeons (ISHKS). Dr. Chaudhari has received specialized training through several prestigious fellowships: Knee and Hip Arthroplasty Fellowship at Sunshine Hospitals in Hyderabad, Trauma and Arthroplasty Fellowship at P D Hinduja National Hospital in Mumbai, Arthroplasty & Adult Reconstruction Fellowship at P D Hinduja National Hospital in Mumbai, and a Fellowship in Minimal Invasive Knee Replacement at ILSAN Hospital in South Korea. Dr. Chaudhari offers a range of services including Revision Hip and Knee Arthroplasty, Primary Hip and Knee Arthroplasty, Functional Orthopedics, Ankle-Brachial Index assessments, and Spasticity management. Following his recommendation, I was admitted to Reliance Hospitals in Navi Mumbai on August 22. Reliance Hospitals is renowned as one of India's top multispecialty hospitals, offering comprehensive treatment and healthcare services with excellent staff facilities and advanced technology.

On August 23, I underwent surgery led by Dr. Sameer Chaudhari. He is a highly skilled and compassionate doctor who thoroughly listened to our concerns. His approach and behavior are commendable. At his clinic, the complete setup is available, allowing X-rays and the entire procedure to be conducted during a single visit. He accurately explains the problem and provides all necessary details to the patient. The consultation was smooth, with no waiting time, and the doctor prescribed the required medications during the visit.

 

Dr. Salil N ,the  Medical Oncologist from Apollo Hospitals, visited me at Reliance Hospitals after my surgery to offer advice and support. I want to express my gratitude to him here. Following the hand surgery, Dr. Chaudhari recommended several days of physiotherapy. Based on his advice, I consulted Dr. Pallavi Patekar, a General Physician in Navi Mumbai. Dr. Pallavi Patekar is an Internal Medicine consultant who completed her MBBS from Topiwala National Medical College and Nair Hospital in Mumbai, and her DNB in Internal Medicine from KIMS (Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences) in Hyderabad. Dr. Pallavi Patekar is a highly skilled Internal Medicine consultant in Navi Mumbai, with 10 years of experience in the medical field. The medications she prescribed proved to be very effective.

 

To conclude this experience note, I would like to share a significant incident during my stay. I was admitted to Reliance Hospitals for my shoulder surgery (Left Proximal Humerus Fracture). However, on August 25, the name of the hospital was changed to Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital. Upon my discharge on the same day, the hospital management chose to honor me with this change. The doctors and management representatives came to my side to express their respect and explain the significance of this change. I was presented with a momento bearing the new name, "Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital," along with  token of appreciation.