65-Year-Old Zimbabwe Patient Finds Relief After Spine Surgery in India

Patient Details

Name: Ms. Charity Mukudoka

Age: 65 Years

Gender: Female

Country of Origin: Zimbabwe

Doctor: Dr. S.K. Rajan

Hospital: Artemis Hospital, Gurugram, India

Treatment: O-arm and neuronavigation-guided minimally invasive L4–L5 TLIF with L3–L4 and L5–S1 decompression

Watch Ms. Charity Mukudoka’s daughter share their full experience in the video below

For nearly two years, Ms. Charity Mukudoka from Zimbabwe had been dealing with tingling and numbness in her left leg. With time, the problem became more difficult to manage. About 8–9 months before coming to India, she began experiencing lower back pain, and the pain gradually started travelling down her left leg. Her walking was also getting worse, and she could take only a few steps without assistance.

As these problems continued, Ms. Charity realised that she needed proper treatment. She began looking for treatment options outside Zimbabwe and decided to explore medical treatment in India. However, travelling to another country for treatment meant finding the right doctor and hospital and arranging everything needed for the journey.

While discussing her treatment options with people she knew, Ms. Charity got to know about Vaidam Health through a friend who had previously travelled to India for treatment with Vaidam’s support. Hearing about her friend’s experience gave Charity confidence to reach out to the Vaidam team and discuss her own medical concerns.

After speaking with her and understanding her medical condition, our team guided her on the next steps and suggested Dr. S.K. Rajan at Artemis Hospital, Gurugram, for her evaluation and treatment. Ms. Charity decided to proceed and planned her journey to India with her daughter and sister.

The Vaidam team then helped Ms. Charity and her family prepare for their travel. We assisted with her medical visa, medical documents, doctor and hospital appointments, and travel arrangements. Once they arrived in India, we continued to support them with airport pick-up and drop-off, local transportation, hospital visits and appointment coordination. We also helped with their accommodation, food and other day-to-day requirements during their stay.

At Artemis Hospital, Ms. Charity underwent the required tests and evaluations under the care of Dr. S.K. Rajan. The investigations showed L3–S1 degenerative disc disease with multilevel lumbar canal stenosis, which explained the back and leg symptoms she had been experiencing.

Following her evaluation, the treatment was planned. On 1 August 2026, Ms. Charity underwent O-arm and neuronavigation-guided minimally invasive L4–L5 TLIF with decompression at L3–L4 and L5–S1.

Her recovery after the procedure was smooth. Physiotherapy was started, and she was monitored by the medical team. She was discharged on 4 August 2026, and at the time of discharge, she was feeling better and could walk on her own. She was advised to continue physiotherapy and follow-up.

Ms. Charity and her family stayed in India for around 25–30 days. During their stay, the Vaidam team remained in touch with them and continued to help with their hospital appointments, transportation, accommodation, and other requirements.

Speaking about her experience, Ms. Charity said:

“I was having a lot of problems with my back and my leg. I had numbness and tingling in my left leg, pain in my lower back, and I was finding it very difficult to walk. I could only walk a few steps, so I decided to look for treatment in India. I came to know about Vaidam through a friend who had travelled to India for treatment with their support.

When I contacted Vaidam, the team understood my problems and guided me about the doctor and hospital. They helped us with the arrangements for coming to India, including visas, doctor and hospital coordination, airport pick-up and drop-off, transportation, and accommodation.

I came with my daughter and my sister, and the Vaidam team supported us throughout our stay. They helped us with our hospital appointments and other arrangements. Whenever we needed help, we could contact the team, and they would guide us.

I am very thankful to Vaidam for everything they did for me and my family. Coming from Zimbabwe to India for treatment could have been difficult to manage on our own, but their support made the journey much easier for us. I truly appreciate all their help and support.”

What started with Ms. Charity looking for a way to manage her worsening back and leg problems eventually brought her from Zimbabwe to Gurugram for treatment, after a friend shared her own experience with Vaidam. With her daughter and sister beside her and the Vaidam team assisting throughout the journey, she was able to focus on getting the care she needed.

We are grateful to have been a part of Ms. Charity’s journey and wish her continued recovery, improved mobility, and good health ahead.