Inspiring medical miracles in India you need to know about this week

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People face many health challenges every day and many times they become really severe. While the severity may differ, it is always disheartening to hear. This has changed over the years, owing to medical advances not only around the world but also in India, people are able to get treated successfully in time.

These medical cases are inspiring not only for the ones undergoing treatment but also for their families, as they navigate their lives around them. While one highlights a woman's important journey in getting diagnosed with superficial endometriosis and 'kissing ovaries', the other highlights a child, finding a ray of hope, in his thalassemia treatment, and meeting his donor.

Here are two cases from this week:

Pune woman successfully treated for superficial Endometriosis and 'Kissing Ovaries'
Meenal (name changed), an IT professional, began experiencing persistent lower back pain in 2020. Assuming it was due to her desk job and prolonged sitting, she ignored the pain. As the pain worsened, she decided to consult an orthopedic specialist, but no issues were identified. Suspecting kidney stones, she underwent further tests, but those results were clear as well. Despite experiencing severe period pain, she initially relied on painkillers, assuming it was normal.

Further investigation by a gynecologist revealed two ovarian cysts, with additional scans raising concerns about a possible tumour. Seeking a second opinion, Meenal consulted Dr. Wing Commander Sushil D. Garud (Retd), consultant - Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Laparoscopic Surgery at Motherhood Hospitals in Kharadi, Pune.

Meenal sharing her experience, said, "During my tests for kidney stones, doctors discovered two cysts, but I had very little awareness about what that meant. Further advanced tests suggested the possibility of a tumor, which left me extremely anxious. Seeking a second opinion, I consulted Dr Sushil. He advised a biopsy first, which thankfully ruled out cancer. It was then confirmed that I had a rare condition known as kissing ovaries, and the endometrial tissue had spread to my peritoneal lining and bladder."

She adds, "This condition caused severe discomfort, particularly with frequent urination. I would wake up 3-4 times every night to use the washroom, and the constant sensation of needing to urinate left me exhausted. I was barely sleeping 2-3 hours each night. The continuous pain and discomfort made it extremely difficult to focus on my job, and eventually, I had to quit."

Dr Sushil then conducted a detailed evaluation. An MRI revealed her condition was more complex - her ovaries were stuck together in a condition known as "kissing ovaries" and were attached to the back of her uterus. Further investigations identified two ovarian cysts - one measuring 5x6 cm on the right ovary and another measuring 3x4 cm on the left ovary.

Additionally, parts of her intestine were adhered to the cysts, a condition linked to superficial endometriosis, also known as peritoneal endometriosis, where the endometrial lining extends outside the uterus and implants on the peritoneum - the thin layer of tissue lining the abdominal cavity and covering the abdominal organs. The space behind the uterus, called the Pouch of Douglas (POD), a common site for endometriosis growth, was also blocked.

Dr Sushil performed a highly specialised laparoscopic surgery that lasted 1 hour and 30 minutes, during which he successfully removed the ovarian cysts and endometrial implants from her abdomen. Complete removal was essential because simply puncturing cysts or burning plaques wouldn't stop the pain or prevent further tissue damage. Since the peritoneum is flexible, the affected parts were carefully removed to ensure effective treatment. With proper removal, endometrial plaques can keep accumulating, leading to cysts that grow larger with each menstrual cycle due to trapped blood.

Following her surgery, Meenal experienced significant pain relief, marking a positive turning point in her journey. She shares, "Two months ago, I underwent surgery, and felt immense relief afterward. I am now recovering well. I've been advised to take things slow, prioritise rest, maintain a proper diet, and ensure enough sleep." Post-surgery, Meenal was advised to maintain a healthy lifestyle, avoid junk food, improve her sleep routine, and continue hormonal therapy if she plans to delay conception.

"Endometriosis affects around 10 per cent of women and up to 50 per cent of those struggling with infertility, yet its symptoms are often overlooked," said Dr Sushil. "Surgical intervention requires expertise - simply removing cysts is not enough. To effectively reduce pain and prevent recurrence, excising endometrial implants from all affected areas is crucial. Timely diagnosis and comprehensive treatment play a vital role in improving outcomes for women facing this challenging condition," he adds.

Adding to that, the Pune-based doctor said, "Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, often causing severe pain and fertility issues. Women should not ignore persistent symptoms like intense period pain, painful intercourse, or unexplained infertility, as these could be signs of endometriosis. If left untreated, it can lead to complications such as blocked fallopian tubes, ovarian cysts, and even impact fertility. Alarmingly, even adolescents are increasingly being diagnosed with this condition, making early awareness and timely medical intervention crucial for effective management and improved outcomes."

She concludes, "My advice to all women is this: never ignore even the slightest symptoms. Period pain, constant back pain, or unusual discomfort should never be overlooked. It could be a sign of something serious, and seeking timely medical advice can make all the difference. Prioritise your health - don't wait until the pain becomes unbearable."

12-year-old Thalassemia survivor meets his stem cell donor in Delhi
In another heart-warming medical tale, 12-year-old Thalassemia survivor Pratham from Bikaner, for the first time met the man who gave him a second chance at life. The stem cell donor is 35-year-old Rohit from Kanpur.

The donor, a pharmaceutical management consultant, was inspired to register with DKMS Foundation India, a non-profit organisation dedicated to the fight against blood cancer and other blood disorders, after watching the Bollywood film 'The Sky is Pink', which depicts the struggles of a family with a child with a life-threatening illness.

Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder that causes the body to have less haemoglobin than normal. This can lead to anaemia, fatigue, and other serious health problems. A stem cell transplant can offer a potential cure for thalassemia patients, replacing their damaged blood-forming cells with healthy ones from a donor.

Dr Esha Kaul, director - Hematology, Hemato-Oncology, BMT, from Max Super Specialty Hospital in Vaishali, Ghaziabad, says, "Thalassemia continues to place an immense physical and emotional burden on children and their families, especially in India, where the incidence remains among the highest globally. While blood transfusions are a temporary solution, stem cell transplantation offers the only curative path forward. For many patients without a matching sibling, a matched unrelated donor (MUD) transplant becomes their only lifeline. The challenge, however, lies in finding that one-in-a-million match."

Diagnosed at just six months of age, Pratham spent much of his early life undergoing frequent and distressing blood transfusions. For nearly seven years, his family searched tirelessly for a matching stem cell donor, never giving up hope. That hope turned into reality when, on his mother's birthday, the family received a call, informing them that a perfect match had been found through DKMS Foundation India.

That match was 35-year-old Rohit, who had registered as a donor during the Covid-19 pandemic after being inspired by a film which mentions information about DKMS in its credits. He registered online and ordered a home swab kit , and eight months later, was identified as the life-saving match for Pratham.

"When Pratham first came to us, he was very young and playful. We gave him all the support and treatment, but a stem cell transplant was his only curative option. Luckily, he found a matched unrelated donor, and we could proceed with the stem cell transplant. His story is a powerful reminder that thalassemia can be effectively managed with early diagnosis and the proper medical interventions," shared Dr. Vikram Mathews, director, CMC; Professor of Haematology, Department of Haematology Christian Medical College Vellore, who treated him.

The meeting between Pratham and Rohit was an emotional and joyous occasion, filled with tears of gratitude and heartfelt appreciation. Pratham and his family expressed their profound thanks to Rohit for giving them a second chance at life.

"Seeing Pratham smile in person was overwhelming," said Rohit, who met Pratham in Delhi, for the first time. "I feel proud to have helped in this small but meaningful way."

"Thanks to Rohit's kindness, I no longer need blood transfusions or painful needle pricks. I feel strong and happy," expressed Pratham, who now attends school regularly, participates in extracurricular activities, and pursues his love for cricket.

Rohit's stem cell donation, starting with a simple cheek swab, cured Pratham's thalassemia, and their emotional reunion celebrated this life-changing gift of hope and selflessness.

India sees over 10,000 children born with thalassemia each year. Regular transfusions are the norm for many, but a blood stem cell transplant remains the only curative option. However, the availability of matching donors, especially from Indian ethnic backgrounds, is critically low.