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Age is no barrier when it comes to regaining health. This incredible tale of a 90-year-old frail woman undergoing hip replacement surgery is proof of that.

One fine morning, at the crack of dawn, an otherwise sprightly elderly woman, found herself unable to get up from bed. Writhing in pain, she called out for help. The sudden agony and immobility, without any fall or injury, left everyone baffled.

Being a small sleepy Indian village, the family called out for their local doctor. Following a preliminary examination, the doctor recommended an immediate X-ray. As feared, the results revealed she had fractured her hip joint, rendering her completely immobile.

A pall of gloom descended upon the entire family as if a death knell had been sounded. In a couple of days, almost the entire family descended on the village to meet up with her, thinking it was the last they would see of her. 
Difficult as it was to see her lying listless, the family decided to seek consultation from the more experienced city-bred orthopaedic doctors. They reached out to us for assistance. 

We promptly forwarded the X-ray report to a specialist in New Delhi. The doctor concluded that she needed hip replacement surgery. However, given her age, the family harbored concerns about the associated risks. 

Should they choose to opt out of the procedure, the doctors could subside the pain with a few days of medication but it would render the patient permanently immobile.

On the other hand, undergoing the suggested hip replacement surgery could enhance her quality of life. The doctor swiftly addressed the family’s concerns regarding complications, her age, thin frame, and other risk factors.

To bolster the family’s confidence, we also sought consultation from a couple of seasoned orthopedic specialists. They also concurred with the course of action. Finally, the family agreed to the procedure.

The next challenge was to bring her to Delhi from the remote village, more than a thousand miles away. Flight was not a viable option as the nearest airport was more than 200 miles away, and she would not be able to undertake the tedious, bumpy road journey. The closest railhead too, was a few miles away, yet the only option. Booked in first class accompanied by a nurse, paramedic, and three senior family members, she finally embarked on a train journey, that would change her life.

An ambulance was kept ready at the New Delhi railway station to take her directly to the hospital. Moving swiftly, the hospital staff completed the necessary formalities and diagnostics began almost immediately. The reports were ready by evening, enabling consultations with the team of doctors. 

Numerous decisions had to be taken, including the type of surgery – partial hip replacement or total hip replacement, the choice of the most suitable implant, and strategies to reduce or minimize complications, if any. Fortunately, she had no other underlying health problems, such as diabetes or blood pressure, which normally afflict people of her age.

Surgery was scheduled for the day following her admission. One day was allocated in between for rest to recuperate mentally and physically from the arduous journey. The designated day arrived and she was taken for surgery. A few hours later, the doctor emerged from the operation theatre, still in his OT scrubs, with a jubilant smile on his face, indicating that the surgery had been successful. 

A couple of hours were spent in the hip surgery recovery room and she was then shifted to the private ward. Showered with love, affection, and care by her family and the nursing staff, she soon began to smile. A week later, she left the hospital in a wheelchair – ready to be taken home.

Following a month of physiotherapy and a nutritious diet, the grand old lady was back on her feet walking, laughing, and joking. It seemed she had got a new lease on life, with improved mobility and enhanced quality of life. This remarkable journey marked the end of her suffering and the beginning of a new, healthier chapter.

As witnesses to this incredible transformation, we were grateful to be a part of her story and felt motivated to continue serving patients diligently – one at a time.

If you or someone you care about requires healthcare assistance, Deepam is here to be the bridge of hope. Just drop us a line at info@deepammeditours.com and we’ll be delighted to provide support every step of the way.