Patient Speak Messages

Ms.Michelle Smith
Buellton, California
Surgery date: 3/5/14

When I was 80 in 2010, my surgeon Dr.Paul Ramesh told me that if I if I chose medicinal aid it will be palliative but choosing bypass surgery will be more curative. The one memorable line which made me decide on surgery was his saying "I will do it as I would do it to my father." I am hale and hearty now and better than what I was at 80.

R.Natarajan, Chennai.

I come from a family of doctors and I was suffering from morbid obesity with co-morbidities like diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnoea. It was becoming increasingly difficult for me to concentrate on my practice and continue my day today life. I've been consulted at least six doctors in the past three months for surgical option, still not able to convince myself. I finally consulted Dr.Rajkumar and was very happy to see him spend lots of time explaining everything about obesity, its surgical options and what suits me better. I got operated after adequate preparation. To my surprise I had a very smooth recovery, and was able to be discharged with liquid diet on day 3. Being a doctor, I could appreciate the way he has organized his team and the way every single doubt, worries and apprehensions are addressed even before you ask them. Hospital services were excellent too. I am happy to be operated by the best in the region.

Dr. Rama Devi
General Practitioner, Hyderabad

I came to India as a medical tourism patient to Dr. Rajkumar. I am thankful to my stars to be treated under him who became more of a friend to me. I lot 82lbs in six months after my bypass and lost my Diabetes, Hypertension, Cholesterol and Joint pain. I am back to my energetic best in the last few months.
Tye Bluebell
Shop Owner, Mexico

"I am a 65 year old Scottish gentleman with morbid obesity and life threating co-morbidities like Hypertension, Diabetes and High cholesterol and was on medication for the same for 6 years. I also used C-PAP machines for 10 years to combat my sleep apnoea. When I wanted to travel to Chennai, I went on Google search and found that Apollo Hospitals was the best tertiary care hospital in the region. I found out about Dr. Rajkumar Palaniappan and learnt that the Apollo Bariatric Institute had introduced Robotic surgery in India. My surgery happened to be the first Robotic Gastric bypass in India and am so happy that I could get it done under one of the most well equipped tertiary care set-ups. One year since my surgery, I can't believe I lost 66 kgs and am now not on any support for my C-PAP, no medication for Diabetes, Hypertension and high cholesterol. I immensely thank the Bariatric team at Apollo hospitals for taking good care of me."

Mr. Michael Cameroon
Social worker, Scotland
Lost 61kgs in 18 months

Before the surgery I weighed 128 kg and was not even able to walk properly. My self esteem and self-confidence was low. Now after the surgery, I am 81kgs. I feel healthier, have better self-confidence and self-esteem. In simple terms the surgery has turned my life upside down. Thanking Apollo and its Bariatric team once again for changing my life.
Sridhar Venugopal
Manager, Chennai

"I never thought I was so fat until my trip to Spain in March 2007. I made a resolution to lose all the extra flab in a year, but failed to do so in the first 6 months. That's when I decided to undergo Bariatrics during my New Year trip to India in December 2007. I can't believe I could achieve that and look stunning like any other fit girl around. Sleeve Gastrectomy has completely change my outlook towards life and I feel like am born again. M boyfriend feels more super charged about my new look than myself."

Mrs. Rachel Witchowski
Office Executive, UK
Lost 48 kgs in 10 months

Could anyone imagine how dreadful it is to weigh 140 Kgs and how awesome it feels to be weighing 78 kgs in just 12 months since? It surely gives me a great feeling of losing weight effortlessly. Yes! Without working out and eating all that I loved eating. Thanks to Dr.Rajkumar, I am living a new life which I never thought I would be able to, until last October. One year gone and I've lost 62 kgs without any effort. Contrary to all speculations and doubts, I'm more energetic than before with plenty of never before found enthusiasm and energy level, to boost my confidence every passing day. I'm thoroughly enjoying my life dressing up in all the kind of clothes I always wanted to get myself into and weighing myself every week to see the amount of weight I am losing.
Rekha Kamath
Business Executive, Bangalore

About 4 years back, our dad developed complications (blood while urinating) while in US. After initial consultations, doctors in US feared the worst and advised immediate medical care. The same night he boarded an outbound flight to Chennai, India. Meanwhile, in a state of panic, we reached out of Dr. T Prithviraj from Apollo Hospitals for help and he agreed to take care of our dad. Under his direction, our dad arrived to an awaiting ambulance ready to administer emergency care. From the airport, he was directly driven to and admitted at Apollo Hospital. After tests, we were told the scariest words that no one should hear- that our dad had bladder cancer. The thought of losing an organ had us frightened to core and that does not even begin to cover the range of emotions we felt. We were worried about the mental and social impact this would have on the day-to-day activities of our dad. With all doom and gloom, our silver lining was having Dr. T. Prithviraj take care of our dad-which, to this date is probably the best collective decision we made. Dr. T Prithviraj's most endearing qualities were his attention to detail, his diligence in diagnosis, and his over whelming care provided to our dad. We still remember his calm demeanour as he explained treatment options including the risk-benefits of each option. He also spent one-on-one time with our dad to alleviate his concerns and helped put his mind at ease ahead of his surgery. On the day of the surgery, we still in awe about the way he seamlessly coordinated all aspects of the surgery. This involved everything from scheduling the operation, assembling the great team of doctors (Dr. Joseph V Thachil, Dr. Raja) and handling the logistics to arrangements for post-surgery recovery phase. After several hours on operating table, Dr. T Prithviraj broke the most memorable news ever - that the surgery was successful and that our dad was cancer free. Looking back, it was the day our dad was blessed with a second chance and words cannot express the gratitude to Dr. T Prithviraj for making it a reality.

For our Dad, recovering from bladder cancer was a life altering and powerful experience. Over the last 4 years, after several highs and lows, he finally adapted to the lifestyle without bladder and clawed his way back to social normalcy. We thought our father won the battle with cancer. But during one fateful day of July 2013, he started showing symptoms of tumour in his tongue. Without any second thought, we rushed to Apollo for an appointment with Dr. T Prithviraj. After series of tests for our dad, his biopsy revealed stage 3tumor in his tongue. We felt that the whole world came crashing down as the thought of him having another surgery was unimaginable. All of us were restless and had several questions due to the recurring nature of his tumour - but, Dr. T Prithviraj was very patient with us and in his usual calm demeanour, answered and explained each one of them. After convincing us of the need for the second surgery, Dr. T Prithviraj reacted fast and immediately scheduled our dad's surgery within the same week. As always, we had no reservation in trusting our dad to the able hands of Dr. T Prithviraj. This time too, Dr. T Prithviraj assembled a great team of doctors (Dr. Sashibhusan) and coordinated the surgery effectively and with ease. Dr. T Prithvira came through for us once again - the surgery was successful and our dad was once again cancer free for second time in four years.

We would like to add that it is not just these two major operations which our father was undergone in Apollo under Dr. T Prithviraj. He also had a major septic gall bladder surgery and a previous tongue operation for a non-cancerous condition and a rectal operation also.

Every one of these operations had gone successfully in the secure hands of Dr. T Prithviraj in the comfort of Apollo with its dedicated staffs. Apart from his surgical expertise, it is his please bed side manners and his comforting words and reassurance that carried us through every one of these difficult situations.

Our dad means a lot to us and has been an integral part of each one of our lives and we are truly blessed to have an opportunity to be around our dad for foreseeable future. Dr. T Prithviraj saved his life twice in 4 years and there are no words to express how grateful we are. Simply put, we genuinely feel that God answered all our prayers through healing touch of Dr. T Prithviraj. We are forever indebted to him.

We would also like to thank the nursing staff, from all shifts, for their kindness and care from the day of admission to our dad's last day. They were professional courteous and we commend them for selfless service.

This note will not be complete without kudos to Apollo Hospitals and the support staff. There is no alternative to Apollo for providing quality patient care with best in class infrastructure and state of the art medical facilities /devices - the professional ambience of the HDU is a for-runner to several institutions even in the west. We have utmost satisfaction for the quality and the value of services rendered by Apollo Hospitals. We would happily recommend this hospital to all our friends and family.

From,

N. Sundarajan (son), N. Halliga (wife) and all the other members of the family.

Namaste Dr. Vijay Bose,

Hiking, biking, or swimming almost every day enjoying a healthy, athletic, lifestyle I thought I'd never see again. The only difficult part is remembering to keep the activity level dialed back for a while longer. All the other related problems I was having (low back pain, outer ankle/shin pain) have all cleared up and gone away. I'll send an x-ray when we get to 6 months post.

My sincere gratitude and many thanks to you and your staff. Everyone was great - Dr. Prajit, nurses, rehab therapists, Mohan, Healthbase, the Main charge of Apollo's food, cleaning staff... top shelf all the way. The entire experience was so incredibly positive that I find myself sharing it with anyone who will listen...

Warm Regards from Los Angeles,
Kevin Light
BHR Chennai 11 April, 2013

PETER & KIMBERLEY MILLER 24 KATHLEEN CT, FLEETWOOD PA USA 19522.

The Apollo Hospital was recommended to us by our good friend SANJIV SARAN, a resident of New Delhi, and a fellow Rotarian. Both my wife and I had travelled to India a number of times to do projects with Rotarians from around the world. Over time we found we (my wife and me) were losing a battle with our weight. Our doctor at home finally suggested either drugs, or surgery. But surgery was out of the question in the USA, so we suggested to our doctor that we do the surgery on our next trip to India he agreed. My next call to SANJIV was to put the process in motion. The Hospital facility has met our expectations. The medical staff has far exceeded anything we expected Dr. KRIPLANI has been excellent from his initial advice to our ongoing consultations. Our internist is also excellent. The nursing staff has been on call at any moment needed and the housekeeping staff has been absolutely outstanding. We both feel we have received excellent care - as good or better than we wouldhave received in the USA. Our decision to have this gastric sleeve surgery together is a step toward improving life - long health and Apollo Hospital is now a part of that decision. I also want to thank Rekha Nair, who helped us so much to coordinate our plans. She also made us feel welcome and secure. Special thanks to PURAN SINGH in housekeeping for excellent care.

THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!! PETE AND KIM MILLER

To Apollo Speciality Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, INDIA.

REF: APPRECIATION LETTER ANNA S. MUSHI AND APOLLO SPECIALITY HOSPITAL

Heading above refer, my wife (Anna) has suffered from chronic neck pain and loose power on right hand and leg. The pain started slowly and keeps growing up for the past 3 years. We have consulted many surgeons and medical checks in Tanzania with no success. The last Hospital was our national hospital where the MRI scan was done and detect a problem in SIPNAL CORD and been advised to undergo for a spinal cord surgery. According to availability of the neuro surgeon speciality and the nature of the surgery required. I deside to seek for medical treatment oversees. My brother's wife was in Apollo Speciality Hospital under Dr. VIKAS for a LIVER SURGICAL which took place on MAY, 2012, the operation went successful. I got Dr. Vikas contact from my brother, and contact him through phone/Email and deliver all my wife medical documents . My request did not meet Dr. Vikas specialties, he then by pass my documents to Dr.Parthiban J.K.B.C, who is a senior neuro Surgeon Consultant. His replay was to see the patient. We made our way to Apollo Speciality Hospital on 29th of June, 2012 and arrive on 30th of June 2012 the Miracle Day. With amazing speed, from the day arrived she did be sent for medical checks for 6Days continuously under Dr.Parthiban and his team, every step we was well informed.

On 05th July 12, 2012 We had a call to meet Dr.Parthiban in his office for the check result, and treatment plan, as per Doctor , Spinal cord surgery was required to remove the lesion, and the time to conduct the operation he estimate to be 8Hours. I knew how danger the operation was, look at my wife and see how she fill and cry. I had no way to go; the only way was surgery to take place. I made my decision, the operation to take place and save my lovely wife life. On 09th July 12, 2012 the Miracle day arrived and the surgery was conducted successful, for seven hours, under Dr.Parthiban and his lovely team. She then moved to a medium Intensive care Unit, where she stays for 24HRS.First time I meet her ,she was In ICU Room, the only thing I saw was a smile on her face. I thanks GOD for all happened to my wife. Dr.Parthiban I thanks you again, God have path the Miracle through your hands with the help of Apollo Speciality Hospital Team you did it. Big up to all for the help done to my wife life. Thank you all, May God continue to up hold Apollo Speciality Hospital and the Team. Well come to Tanzania all. Our contact as per above address.

GLORY TO GOD Mr. & Mrs. A.A.Masoy

To Apollo Speciality Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, INDIA.

REF: APPRECIATION LETTER ANNA S. MUSHI AND APOLLO SPECIALITY HOSPITAL

Heading above refer, my wife (Anna) has suffered from chronic neck pain and loose power on right hand and leg. The pain started slowly and keeps growing up for the past 3 years. We have consulted many surgeons and medical checks in Tanzania with no success. The last Hospital was our national hospital where the MRI scan was done and detect a problem in SIPNAL CORD and been advised to undergo for a spinal cord surgery. According to availability of the neuro surgeon speciality and the nature of the surgery required. I deside to seek for medical treatment oversees. My brother's wife was in Apollo Speciality Hospital under Dr. VIKAS for a LIVER SURGICAL which took place on MAY, 2012, the operation went successful. I got Dr. Vikas contact from my brother, and contact him through phone/Email and deliver all my wife medical documents . My request did not meet Dr. Vikas specialties, he then by pass my documents to Dr.Parthiban J.K.B.C, who is a senior neuro Surgeon Consultant. His replay was to see the patient. We made our way to Apollo Speciality Hospital on 29th of June, 2012 and arrive on 30th of June 2012 the Miracle Day. With amazing speed, from the day arrived she did be sent for medical checks for 6Days continuously under Dr.Parthiban and his team, every step we was well informed.

On 05th July 12, 2012 We had a call to meet Dr.Parthiban in his office for the check result, and treatment plan, as per Doctor , Spinal cord surgery was required to remove the lesion, and the time to conduct the operation he estimate to be 8Hours. I knew how danger the operation was, look at my wife and see how she fill and cry. I had no way to go; the only way was surgery to take place. I made my decision, the operation to take place and save my lovely wife life. On 09th July 12, 2012 the Miracle day arrived and the surgery was conducted successful, for seven hours, under Dr.Parthiban and his lovely team. She then moved to a medium Intensive care Unit, where she stays for 24HRS.First time I meet her ,she was In ICU Room, the only thing I saw was a smile on her face. I thanks GOD for all happened to my wife. Dr.Parthiban I thanks you again, God have path the Miracle through your hands with the help of Apollo Speciality Hospital Team you did it. Big up to all for the help done to my wife life. Thank you all, May God continue to up hold Apollo Speciality Hospital and the Team. Well come to Tanzania all. Our contact as per above address.

GLORY TO GOD Mr. & Mrs. A.A.Masoy

I am a Kenyan. Having had gone through several operations in Nairobi hospitals in Kenya unsuccessfully. My husband met with Mr. Mohan in Kenya who told him about the Apollo Hospitals. We made our way here and from the airport we were picked by ambulance thanks to Mr. Lokesh who acted very fast and organized for a doctor immediately I got admitted. I am thankful for every doctor who attended to me. Plus very friendly nurses. The doctors are perfect. The waiters are doing good job. Cooks, cleaners and the assisting staffs.

During my stay in Apollo Hospital, I was thrilled with every aspect (doctors). I was more so impressed with the excellent job well done by my doctor, Dr. Dixit

Thank you doctor. The hospitality and understanding by Mr. Mohan. The lower class staff were very swift and handy. Thanks to the dieticians also. We will spread the word back in Kenya about Apollo Hospitals and therefore get you patients.

You have made directly and indirectly our stay as the most comfortable as possible.

I do not know how to thank all the entire management from Doctors to cleaners. I am very grateful to all Doctors who attended me. God bless you all.

Thanks.
Amour Rashid,

I was so impressed with the standards of the hospital and especially the Wonderful attention of all the staff.

The nursing care is second to none. I had my right knee joint replaced and I was amazed at the speed of my own recovery time. I was honored to give a lecture to nurses and staff on Kenya and I wish Apollo Hospitals and its staff all the best for the future.

ASANTE SANA (THANKS) to Dr. Pingle who carried out my Surgery.

I arrived here with my daughter Mobolaji Olajolo, 22 years old and we felt the human touch of Apollo Hosptials right from the Reception Hall of the airport, when two gentleman accosted us here and took us into the hospital Ambulance to the hospital room prepared for us.

I want to emphatically state that I am impressed by the medical treatment received by my daughter. I therefore want to thank most sincerely all the doctors, nurses, dieticians etc but most especially Dr. J.C. Pingle and his team, Dr. Nayak and his team, Dr. Kesavulu and his team. Mr. Radhey Mohan, Mr. Subodh Singh, Mr. Lokesh and a host of others who made our stay enjoyable & unforgettable.

I hope the hospital will keep up this standard but endeavor to improve on the diet to accommodate other views. I shall not hesitate to recommend this hospital to others anywhere any time. Thanks and God bless you all.

I cannot thank you all enough for the service at Apollo-from the surgical team to the nurses and staff. Wonderful service.

My visit to your hospital has left me with only good memories and the highest regard for the professional and compassionate treatment I received under your care.

I just want to thank everyone involved with my Brand new knee. I am very excited about being able to do the things I love to do, like playing with my grand children & working in my yard.

I came here for my Lap. Gastric bypass surgery. We were treated as good as can be, the hospital is very efficient and well organized, extremely clean, the doctors are excellent. Nurses and other staff very caring & well trained. I would come back here for another problem any time. It was worth the long flight here.

"I have known Apollo Since its inception. The services are satisfactory and the doctors are highly qualified and dependable"

I am very satisfied with the services, I have been visiting Apollo Hospitals since 1991 and the services here are very homely. Doctors are also very friendly in their approach and knowledgeable.

Aloha - Finished. That was hard work. Tough conditions, took just over 31 hours to swim 6.2 miles, bike 261 miles and run a 52.4 mile double marathon. No wonder I am smiling. I am done!

Ultraman World Championships 2011, my 10th Ultraman distance finish on the Smith and Nephew BHR. I ended up second in the 50-59 division [male] after having a great battle with Dan Squiller from San Diego, who is now the reigning World Champ for that division. Always the bridesmaid it seems!

Dan went 1:09 faster than he ever has at that distance though, and I kept the pressure turned up the entire time.

So it was a great race and a really wonderful experience for a guy who was told he would never run again not that long ago !

Thank you !

Cory Foulk

"Great surgery... Great Dr Gulati. Highly recommend - "Friendly staff"
-- Kipp Patrick Archambault, U S A

We are very satisfied and happy with the attention and care given to us from the time of admission. When we arrived, we did not know what to expect, however, our stay and attention to our needs were met by the staff in the Platinum Lounge. The doctors were very dedicated and the conclusion of our stay was most professionally done. As a patient, I was impressed with the investigative procedures applied by various departments before deciding on curative action. We therefore wish to thank most sincerely everyone who was involved in my treatment. We now surely will not hesitate to recommend this hospital to our friends and countrymen.

Joseph and Phebby Kamuela, Zambia

Treating Doctor : Dr Deepak Govil General Surgery
Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, Delhi.

My suffering and relief - Before and after TAVR.

I am Ramanathan, a 69 years old retired Maths professor. I had a long history of COPD. In 2013 January I was diagnosed with a heart condition known as Aortic Stenosis, a narrowing of the heart valve which caused severe breathlessness and fatigue. I came to know that patients diagnosed with severe Aortic Stenosis had a life expectancy of only 2 to 5 years.

The remedy was to get the Aortic valve replaced. I approached a reputed heart surgeon of a highly reputed hospital seeking his help for the aortic valve replacement. But he was not willing to operate on me in view of the extremely high risk due to severe COPD.

While browsing the internet I happened to read about a new procedure called TAVR. But it was not available in India at that time and it had a first year survival rate of only about 60-65%.

I had to be on medical treatment since I did not have have any other options available. My condition was worsening year after year. From December 2016, I started to have severe symptoms including recurrent chest pain, severe breathlessness, incessant cough and fatigue that resulted in repeated hospital admissions. I was not able to sleep due to the cough. I could not lie flat on my bed and I had to lie down in an inclined position. My disability was so severe that I could not walk even 15 - 20 steps. Even talking was difficult for me because of the cough and breathlessness. My condition was so bad that even at my home I had to be put on Oxygen for all the 24 hours. While in the hospital I was admitted in the CCU repeatedly. I had completely lost hope on any chance of survival. That is when my family doctor Dr. (Major) Parthasarathy advised me to consult Dr. Sengottuvelu of Apollo Hospitals and informed me that he is an expert who has done several successful TAVR procedures.

I met Dr. Sengottuvelu. He assessed my health condition and explained me that TAVR is the only option available for me and it will definitely improve the quality of my life. I was evaluated for suitability of the procedure. Again after conducting several tests I was informed that my anatomy had a high risk factor even for TAVR, which worried me more. Due to the high risk, several other doctors advised me agaist TAVR.

I had less than half mind to go for the procedure initially. It was very costly and the risk was very high. I had very limited resources. It was an unbearably huge financial burden on me. I could not make a decision and was very much hesitating to proceed. Dr. Sengottuvelu and his team of doctors explained the procedure and its pros and cons to my family members, relatives and myself. It was also felt that if I don't undergo the procedure, the suffering and repeated hospitalization will continue till the end affecting the daily lives of my people. That will also be a financial burden for us. My family members and myself had a prolonged discussion on this matter and l finally agreed. The support of our relatives and family friends during this crisis had a strong positive emotional effect on me. Also the logically strong counseling by Dr. Sengottuvelu and his team had a great impact on me.

The TAVR procedure was done on 11th February 2017. I went through the procedure under general anaesthesia without any problem. There was no pain or any significant discomfort. I felt very much better immediately after the procedure. The incessant cough and discomfort disappeared. I was able talk effortlessly. All the physical and psychological stress had vanished. The crisis had blown over. The recovery was miraculous. Within five days I was discharged from the hospital. My whole family and relatives were very happy to see me walk and do all my routine activities.

Words are not enough to express my gratitude and happiness. I had a second lease of life. I will be always grateful to Dr. Sengottuvelu and his team for the patience and the time they spent with me and the extreme care they provided with meticulous planning. I am also thankful to Apollo hospital and the nursing staff who took care of me during my days of crisis.

Today is 10th October. 8 months have passed since my TAVR procedure. I am perfectly normal. I am able to walk more than a kilometre effortlessly.

Thank you Doctor for all that you have done for me.
N Ramanathan

I am a doctor and was detected with severe calcium deposits in one of my heart valves. The only treatment option was open heart surgery with replacement of the valve. Since I did want to undergo open heart surgery which involves cutting the chest bone, I searched the internet and found Dr. Sathyaki Nambala from Apollo Hospitals, Bangalore.

When I met Dr. Sathyaki and interacted with him, I found him to be such a humble person and highly knowledgeable in his field of minimal invasive/endoscopic heart surgeries. After meeting him in person, I was convinced that I will get my valve replacement done with him only.

On the day of surgery, I got myself admitted in the morning and various tests were done during the day. With all tests being normal, I underwent the surgery which lasted for 1 to 2 hours. The day after the surgery, I was asked to walk in the ICU and then shifted to my room. On the 3^rd day, I was discharged from the hospital.

I would like to sincerely thank and appreciate Dr. Sathyaki for treating me, Dr.(Lt.Gen) Shiv Kumar Sharma, Director Medical Services who is a gem of a person and a very caring gentleman and Apollo Hospitals, Bangalore for giving me a news lease of life.

Thanks to Apollo my wife has been saved from a life endangering infection in the spine. From 1992 when Ovarian Cancer was detected she had had a series of major surgeries initially directed towards Cancer Ovary but later to correct sequel to various treatment given including radiation. Present admission was with an illness unconnected either to cancer or its treatment. Discitis at L5 S1. Once again diagnosis was quickly arrived at, appropriate treatment instituted including surgery on the spine. Eighty year old Jayalakshmi was discharged with advice on follow up to be done. Kudos to Apollo.

Permit me to record my gratitude & indebtedness to the team of doctors who jointly helped my wife tide over the crisis. Doctors Ravi, Senthil, Anand Murugesan, Ramasubramanian deserve credit for their commitment & dedication matched of course by high technical expertise. Unmatched infrastructure available in Apollo made a huge difference. Nurses in HDU were exemplary in caring for my wife. Last but not least administrative support extended by Dr.Bama (remaining always incognito but very effective) was tremendous.

My salutations once more to Dheergadharisi Dr.Reddy who had made this possible and MS.Preetha reddy who is seamlessly pursuing the goal .

I was diagnosed with this fatal illness (Pulmonary Hypertension) in 2011 at just 18 years of age. Little did I know, my life would Change completely. I was an engineering student filled with dreams and hopes for my career and future. I was on a lot of medication which never relieved my symptoms but just prolonged my life. The side effects of these medicines left me debilitated for days. I couldn't enjoy simple activities such as bathing, dressing up, walking or climbing stairs. I was queasy and tired most of the time and carried my medicines with me wherever I went. Even though I had a hard life my only source of comfort was the Almighty. My condition deteriorated rapidly and soon I was hooked on to an oxygen machine. Viola, could things get worse?

It did!! I was in bed 24*7. My hangouts were mostly hospitals for the past few years, consulting doctors in search for a cure. In my case, a heart and double lung transplant was the only option.

Until one night I received a call from my doctor saying I have a suitable organ. It was the 14th of February at 4:15am I was wheeled into surgery. By the Grace of Jesus Christ my surgery was successful and the recovery was pretty quick. I am almost back to normal. The Lord has fulfilled the promise he gave me this year. I felt his presence personally.

I thank Apollo Hospitals, Chennai well wishers, family and friends for your continuous support and prayers. A special thanks to the entire heart and lung transplant teams of Apollo hospitals, Chennai.

There is a New World awaiting post transplant patients! 6 yrs ago, no one in the family or even me, ever thought I would take up Astronomy and Science! Just a casual conversation, post transplant, with Dr Anand Khakhar, Apollo Hospital , triggered off this childhood passion in me Today I am doing online courses in Physics, Chemistry, Astronomy, Astrophysics and Observational Astronomy. I also give talks to beginners and do many outreach programmes for spreading Astronomy!

Enjoy the 2nd innings given to you by the Donor and your Doctors! This is a great way for repaying them back.

Kumaradarani is now six years post liver transplant and is enjoying her new lease on life she is now the proud grandmother of an energetic 18 month old granddaughter. She has married off one of her sons and is looking to marry and settle her other son. All this seemed like a distant dream six years ago when she could not care for her children, barely walk nor eat and was constantly worried about her children's future, a future she did not think she could be a part of. She and her children feel lucky and grateful for this time together and would also like to be organ donors as they now recognize the impact this act has on others lives.

Mrs. Kumardarani
53 years old

Dnyshree was just a two months short of her 16th birthday when she developed jaundice, yes just jaundice but her condition deteriorated drastically in 20 days her doctors felt a liver transplant was her only option. And as her situation was critical, her doctors at the Pune Hospital contacted Apollo Chennai who then sent her an Apollo ambulance to airlift her to Chennai. On 20th March 2013, she received a donor organ that gave her a chance at life again. Now nineteen year old Dnyshree states "life is just normal now but I am thankful for that. I never thought about organ donation before but now me and my whole family have decided to donate and whenever I get a chance I tell people about this and encourage them to do the same."

Ms.Dnyshree Ghule
19 years

On September 14, 2015 Amit Salariya age 45 will celebrate his first year post transplant. He has used this second chance at life wisely he states. I dedicate my time to my wife and children. My children were very young just 9 and 7 and they saw their father suffer a lot and were traumatized by it. Prior to this surgery I was worried about my children growing up without a father and concerned about my wife. I was very frustrated about my inability to help them and would get angry easily and was very emotional as I felt helpless. I still remember the call we got on September 13 2014 from Hyderabad that changed my life. Now I think about the donor family and am thankful to them for giving me this new birth.

Aqeel was a young man with his whole life ahead of him, like most 30 year old's he had many dreams and plans but suddenly in 2007 he developed liver cirrhosis of unknown origin. His life began to deteriorate he could not go to work, his mobility was restricted because of water retention, he was on drips and medication and he began to get frustrated and felt hopeless about his future which looked bleak and short. All of this changed one day in March 2013 he received a call, the call he dared not hope for, the call that changed his life, they had a donor. His life now has changed drastically he states I have left it all behind, I now go to work, the gym, play sports, I feel I have so much to look forward. This experience made me and my family pledge to be organ donors and we feel blessed that we were able to receive this gift and come out of it.

"I was shocked to know that I weighed 348 kgs when I measured myself on arrival at Apollo Hospitals and was suffering from severe sleep apnoea, arthritis and compulsive eating habits. I was rejected as a candidate fit for surgery all across the nation due to the high risk involved and non-availability of facilities. Dr. Rajkumar Palaniappan explained about the new Robotic obesity technique introduced for the first time in India and its availability in Apollo. He also explained the possibility of a safer surgery on me by this technique. Internet search showed it to be the safest minimally invasive option and I agreed for the same. He successfully performed the surgery on 31 April. I happened to be heaviest patient operated in the whole of Asia. I recovered well and yesterday for the first time in few years walked to the toilet myself. I am happy for having decided to come to Apollo Chennai and being treated under the great surgical hands of Dr. Rajkumar Palaniappan. I will always be grateful to him."

Mr. Sanjey Dey
Businessman,
Guwahati

"Greetings from California. I've been back to US after my recovery in a week's time. I feel very well and have healed up quite completely. Dr. Raj, you were truly kind to me on my arrival in India. I wish you all the best. You are a gifted surgeon. This I know, and I am so glad to have found you."

Mr. Jeff Miller Businessman, USA

Mrs. Deepali Munsi
Housewife, Goa
Lost 44 kgs in 12 months

"Being a chef, I had become a compulsive and voracious eater for the last decade and gained around 60 kgs since. I developed Diabetes very early in life and for the last 2 years am on drugs for my high BP. Bariatric surgery came as a blessing in disguise and I did it through Robotic technique under Dr. Rajkumar Palaniappan. It was a pleasant experience with the thorough professional work of the surgeon and his whole unit who treated me like a guest in their home. I'm 45 kgs lighter now, and stopped taking medications for sugar, BP."

Mr. Satheesh Krishnan
Executive Chef, Hyderabad
Lost 45 kgs in 12 months

My experience in Apollo Hospitals: Apollo Hospitals is a place to be and all so to be recommended to anyone anytime. The staffs are wonderful people always giving listening ears to the patients, the doctors are very efficient, delightful and committed to their work always giving their best. In terms of cleanliness I give Apollo 100%....

Ms. Nelly Samuel Akpan
Nigeria

We stayed at Apollo Hospitals from 15th Oct 2011 to 17 Oct 2011. Our stay was so exciting there we shifted our minds from being in hospital to a tourist hotel of 7 stars+.

The treatment accorded to me was excellent. I am very appreciate Dr Subramanium personal efforts and his staff. They solved my problem within a short time. Not only that, such a real service given to us by all your staff is commendable.

Thank you very much.

I will keep remembering Apollo.

May God bless you all.

Col. Sylvester Mokiwa Msindo
Tanzania

In Sickness and in Health

The misty skies and hesitant drizzle make Chennai look alluring and mysterious, quite unlike the bustling, rapacious city of ten million people it has become. I walk in from the drenched streets to the fluorescent lit foyer of Apollo hospital. There is no chance to notice the structure, setting or decor, as I am swept right away into a clamoring mass of humanity. Slowly, this moving, flailing, mass of persons parts to reveal the individuals, the people who have come from everywhere, hoping for everything.

Almost unfailingly they clutch a plastic bag crammed with a record of their lives, the secrets of their bodies. Some of these bags are cheerfully emblazoned with names of popular silk sari shops, x-rays, ECGs and blood reports poking out between the handles. Some of them, these patients, shuffle along, others rush purposefully, determinedly chasing a cure for their ailments. There are those who look fearful. Some are hopeful, others happy. Most look exhausted... and some seem to have started the process of grieving. Almost everyone is accompanied by a family member and there are uniformed custodians of the hospital everywhere, directing the flow, moving everyone along, and preventing chaos. Almost 25 years ago I stood with my sister holding a silk cushion with a pair of scissors, ready for the President of India, Zail Singh to cut the ribbon inaugurating the opening of this hospital. The brainchild of our family doctor and dear friend Dr. P. C. Reddy, the hospital has grown and now is a chain, taking care of people everywhere. They have all walked these corridors to be treated or visit friends, family or colleagues; Indira Gandhi, MGR, Karunanidhi, Rajiv Gandhi, film stars, the middle class, rich and poor, the forgotten and cast off. Apollo is now a behemoth corporate structure with hospitals, clinics and pharmacies across India, South East Asia, the Middle East and Africa.

Right after graduating from Madras Medical College I worked briefly in the ICU of Apollo hospital. Dr. P. C. Reddy would make his lightening rounds and fix each doctor with his penetrating gaze and ask the one most pertinent question about each patient. I learned to cut through the red herrings, to distinguish the trees from the forest, and get to the core of the patient's problem. Later I went away to many gleaming hospitals abroad but I missed that... the frail patient lifting folded hands in a Namaste. A Namaste of thanks, of blessing or of supplication. Apollo has often been criticized for being elitist, for catering to the rich. What I have seen is often different. Doctors and administrators trying to discount prices, surgeons foregoing their fees, and everywhere around me the common man, the patient, gets the benefit of cutting edge technology at a tenth of the cost as a developed country.

Twenty years ago I watched through the glass, paralyzed with fear, and it seemed that Dr. Reddy was waving his arms, and directing an opera of tragic proportions. Instead, he was saving the life of my father, his friend. The pain had my father in its vice like grip as drug after drug did not work and his heart attack marched relentlessly on. Dr. Reddy did not give up, rock steady, a General with his troops, trying everything for endless hours. Finally he made the decision which was ahead of its times, to go into my Dad's arteries, even in the middle of the heart attack, with a balloon to open up the choked blood vessels. Many years later the New England Journal of Medicine would report trials and success of balloon angioplasty in patients during an acute heart attack. This time I am here again and my father once again is the patient. He has had a state of art surgery, coronary artery bypass on a beating heart and a pacemaker implantation. They could not have done better at Cleveland clinic or any leading center around the world. I am grateful for my father's life. More than that I am proud of the advancements and strides our hospital, my city, our country has taken. Patients routinely travel to India for joint replacements, heart transplants, and cosmetic surgery. The old guard of cardiothoracic surgeons, cardiologists, urologists, surgeons and Gynecologists still anchor the hospital, their compassion a guidepost for their newer upcoming colleagues. And they are everywhere, the young Turks, some my former college mates, the young world renowned Surgeons and doctors to whom patients are coming from across the globe drawn with the power of the internet and Google research.

Where does Apollo go next? Obviously the main goal would be to strengthen clinical excellence, expand teaching and clinical research and trials. There is however another great unmet need: India's large rural and underserved population. In Tamil Nadu alone there are only 3989 Government doctors in rural areas and approximately 12,000 in Urban areas. All teaching and district headquarter hospitals are located in Urban areas. The Private health care in villages is at best sketchy. There are many health service delivery questions the world grapples with. How to deliver optimum care to an ageing population and harness technology while controlling spiraling costs? How to deliver medical care by utilizing telemedicine and the internet to far flung areas of our world? How to control sanitation and infectious diseases? We hope Apollo's growth and renaissance will lead to the answers to this and so many more questions for a better India and a healthier world.

Mr. Amusaa K Mwanamwambwa, MP,Zambia

New Delhi, Nov 20 (IANS) A 14-year-old boy will return to his home in Pakistan Friday with a new lease of life thanks to Congress chief Sonia Gandhi - yet another instance of people-to-people goodwill between the two sides.

Mobeen Ahmed was suffering from cirrhosis of liver since he was two. While there was no transplant facility in Pakistan, treatment abroad would cost far more than his father Iftakar Ahmad, a cook, could afford.

After raising some money, Iftakar, Mobeen and his elder brother Bismil came to Delhi for treatment at the Indraprastha Apollo Hospital. Looking for help, they turned to Gandhi.

A grievance redressal cell in Gandhi's office responded to their request.

He has eight siblings and his father works as a cook. Mobeen was a lost case till he reached out to the Congress president. The money for his treatment was raised through newspaper advertisements, Archana Dalima, head of the grievance redressal cell, told IANS.

"Soniaji also requested hospital authorities to relax the charges for the liver transplant," she said.

The hospital waived its fee and brought down the cost of treatment from Rs.1.5 million to Rs.600,000.

"We did not charge any fee for medical surgery," said Anupam Sibal, paediatric gastroenterologist and group medical director at the Apollo Hospital.

"When we first saw him he was very weak, malnourished and suffering from anemia and jaundice. He had a bloated belly, yellow eyes, stunted growth and swollen nails. His liver was completely damaged and we knew that he needed liver transplant," he said.

Bismil, 20, donated 40 percent of his liver for the transplant and the liver transplant surgery was done Oct 21.

"Now Mobeen and his brother have recovered well and are ready to travel," said Sibal.

Before returning home in Lahore, Mobeen Wednesday met Gandhi, who gifted him a cricket kit and, knowing his fondness for Hindi films, some movie CDs.

His case reminded many of Noor Fatima, a two-year-old Pakistani girl, whose parents brought her here in 2003 for a rare heart surgery amid extensive media coverage leading to support from Indians, from prayers to financial assistance.

Mobeen was the fifth Pakistani child to undergo liver transplant at the Apollo Hospital, which has conducted 125 liver transplants in the last 22 months.

My daughter had a scoliosis corrective surgery at Apollo Hospitals, Chennai. Apollo Hospital is friendly, homely and a modern hospital with highly qualified, experienced medical professionals and caring staff especially the international patient service team. The care and treatment is excellent and please provide this level of excellent medical service to humanity. God bless Apollo Family. - Ms.Okwu (Ms. Ama's Mother)

Medical Tourism: More Efficient and Affordable Ear Nose and Throat Surgery at Apollo Hospitals, India. Rajeev Rameth is an engineer project lead and department head for Atkins Middle East and India .While residing in London for several years he suffered from chronic nasal obstruction, diagnosed as hay fever by his UK physicians. Hay fever during winter is not normal so I knew it was not just hay fever, said Rameth. My nasal passage each morning was air tight. Only after a couple of hours would my speech be normal and not until in the afternoon would I be able to breathe easily. It was a poor quality of life. While on a recent assignment in Bangalore, India, Rameth consulted Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist Dr. Kumaresh Krishnamoorthy. [http://www.drkumaresh.com/profile.html]. My initial impression was that he is very thorough, speaks clearly, and his explanation and diagnosis were very convincing, said Rameth,He asked to take a CT scan of my nose immediately. The efficiency with which the physician could schedule the CT scan and discuss the results with the patient speaks volumes about the advantages of trusted medical tourism destinations like the Apollo Hospital chain in India. “Within five minutes the CT was scheduled, reports Rameth, “and I only waited about an hour before the doctor was able to review the scan results with me and show me exactly what was causing my problem. According to Rameth, none of the physicians he consulted in London ever suggested a CT scan. He described his medical care in UK as It didn't go well there. I don't know how it is in America, said Rameth, but in the UK maybe if I faint and they take me to the hospital they might take a CT scan but because I am healthy and fit they say it's just hay fever.On May 22, Rameth had Laser Turbinoplasty performed by Dr. Krishnamoorthy at Apollo Hospital in Bangalore, India. The surgery cost less than $2,000 (US) including the overnight stay in the hospital for tests run to make sure he was fit for the day surgery. The cost of the procedure and hospitalization was covered by his company insurance through International SOS [http://www.internationalsos.com]. The result so far is really fantastic, reports Rameth,I can intake as much air as I wish through my nose. The velocity is really good.

I find this hospital very neat and clean. They provided me with good medical services. This is where I specifically need to mention the extreme care shown by the doctor and his team. This is one of the best hospitals in this entire region