Bondad Blaine from Australia is five years old. But unlike any other toddler of his age, he does not communicate or participate actively in games. Apparently one may consider him as an extremely shy boy but he had been suffering from the complex developmental condition of autism since birth. After a long search for a proper treatment, tightly held in the arms of his mother, Blaine arrived in India. Here, Mrs. Donalyn talks about their medical trip.
When did you get to know about Blaine’s condition?
We did not know about his condition initially. The symptoms became more and more apparent as he grew up. I noticed he did not talk like other kids do and he faced a certain difficulty to express what he wanted to say to us. He confuses between the alphabets; learning as a whole has been quite an ordeal for him. I thought he might be a bit slow and shy but later I discovered further behavioral patterns that were not normal. After I took him to a pediatrician in Australia, I got to know that he is suffering from Autism.
What treatment was recommended by the doctors in India?
A stem cell treatment was recommended for Blaine. After he was diagnosed with Autism I did a lot of research on the condition itself as well as its treatment options. I knew about stem cell treatment but after I and my sister along with Blaine met Dr. Alok Sharma at Neurogen Brain and Spine Institute in Mumbai, I got a clear picture of what it is, how it is performed and that a vast spectrum of medical conditions can be cured through it.
How has he been doing since the treatment?
Blaine is doing fine after the treatment. Dr. Sharma told us that it would take about a month or two for the stem cells, introduced in his body, to start functioning. Since it is a neurodevelopmental disorder, the stem cells would improve his brain and nerve functions so that he can lead a normal life and the disorder does not interfere with his growth, intellect and maturity in the long run. Dr. Sharma has been very kind to us. The way he explained the disorder, the procedure and advantages of stem cell treatment is proof enough of the expertise he holds in this specialty. Neurogen Brain and Spine Institute incorporates all the advanced medical facilities required for performing a stem cell treatment. I am really happy and hopeful for my son’s recovery.
When did you contact Neurogen Hospital- one of the best neurosurgery hospitals in India?
The appointment was arranged for us by our case manager at Vaidam Health. We came across their website while we were looking for proper healthcare centers and treatment options online.
Tell us about your experience with Vaidam.
The team of Vaidam has assisted me with one of the top 10 Neurosurgeons in India for the treatment of my son. Within two or three days of getting in touch with them, I was provided with quotes from the hospital. They have helped me plan my trip from the beginning. I was fully informed about the treatment and its cost, accommodation facilities in the city, visa application and other nuances. Even after I arrived in India, they were regularly in touch with me through follow-up calls. We did not feel alone or helpless for even once. The team also celebrated my son’s birthday after they got to know about it. It was really sweet and kind of them. I feel so positive after meeting them and it has been a nice trip.