In the gentle ebb and flow of life, some moments etch themselves into our memory with an indelible grace. One such moment stands vividly in my mind, a moment that unfolded with both tenderness and urgency, revealing the delicate thread that binds a mother's health to the hearts of her children.
It was the day my mother, the beacon of strength in our family, was diagnosed with a formidable illness. This experience unearthed a profound truth: mothers, with their boundless love and quiet sacrifices, are the precious custodians of our well-being. Their health is a treasure we hold dearer than gold.
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This is an old incident that dates back to 2013, which I often share with people. Our moms are quite close to our hearts. If something happens to them we get really worried. My mom is diabetic and a patient with hypertension as well. She also suffers from disturbed levels of thyroid. So back then 3-4 times it happened that she would faint suddenly. Once we were walking on the road holding hands, she suddenly fell on the road. Another time we went to withdraw money from an ATM. She felt tired so she sat on the chair outside the ATM room. When I came out I found her fainted. Since it was the hustling and bustling Johari Bazar of our beautiful Pink City, the first thought that came to my mind was that someone had done something for theft. Two more such incidences occurred in the same month and it alarmed me. Every time she fainted we would put sugar in her mouth, sprinkle some water on her face and she would wake up. We thought it was happening due to low sugar.
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So we consulted her physician but her sugar levels were fine and this wasn’t because of low sugar. So we were referred to a neuro-physician for some possible clots in the brain. We consulted the Late Dr Ashok Pangaria, a Neurologist at SMS Hospital, Jaipur. He listened patiently to the entire fainting incident and concluded that this wasn’t neurological but this was a case of cardiology. So he suggested we meet Dr.Vijay Pathak, Cardiologist, SMS Hospital, Jaipur. We went to see Dr. Pathak. He too gave us time and listened patiently. He concluded that fainting was indeed heart-related and referred us to Dr. Jitendra Makkar, Interventional Cardiologist and Electrophysiologist in Fortis Hospital, Jaipur.
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So we made an appointment with Dr. Makkar and went to see him. He too gave us a patient ear and discussed with us some tests to be done in OT. Once mummy was out in the CCU Dr. Makkar refused to send mummy home. He told us that the fainting was because mummy’s heart was skipping beats and that she needed a pacemaker. This was unbelievable for us. My mom had come to my place to pick me up. She drove the car herself and now the doctor was saying that her condition was not fit enough to go back home without the pacemaker.
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I tried to explain to him that we were in the hospital just for some tests to be done and not surgery. We weren’t prepared for surgery. I created a total ruckus in the ICU. Dr Makkar showed me that mummy’s heart was attached to a temporary pacemaker and the moment it was removed her pulse started falling. I saw that but couldn’t believe it because I was so sure that hospitals are commercial and they create situations for patients to end up in surgery. But the cardiologist was firm and patient and said that he wouldn’t allow me to take my mom home. He went on to say that if I didn’t trust him or Fortis Hospital I could take her to SDMH or SMS Hospital by Fortis ambulance, and he would personally make an appointment with the doctors there. He stated firmly that, it is his moral duty to save the patient’s life, so he wouldn’t allow mummy to go home without a pacemaker. Listening to this I calmed down and agreed to leave my mom in the hospital.
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I took the test reports and shared them with 3 other cardiologists in Jaipur, Delhi and the USA. All three of them explained that she needed a pacemaker. I understood that my mom was in safe hands.
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The next day her surgery was planned and she got a pacemaker attached to her heart.
It's been 10 years now. She recently got the battery replaced and is leading a happy and active life.
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Thanks to all the doctors who diagnosed the situation and referred me to the specialist who they thought was best for my mother. I’m especially thankful to Dr. Jitendra Makkar for being patient with me and taking a strong stand for the well-being of his patients.
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At DRx5, we consider doctors to be real-life superheroes. Do you have a superhero story to share? Feel free to share your story of gratitude with us at drx5jpr@gmail.com and be a part of "Beyond the Scrubs: Honoring Healthcare Heroes"
