Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic lung condition where the lung tissue becomes damaged and scarred. This scarring thickens and stiffens the tissue, making it more difficult for the lungs to work properly. The damage caused by pulmonary fibrosis cannot be repaired, but treatment can help relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.
For 55-year-old Nagat Salih from Sudan, this news was both shocking and compounding. After a few weeks of keeping the new to myself, I felt I had to tell my family about it. This was one of the hardest things I had to do. This was compounded by the fact that no-one in the family had ever heard about this condition.
Nagat was originally diagnosed with potential IPF in 2015 when some indicators were noticed on an X-Ray and subsequent CT scan. After further tests, his doctor confirmed the presence of early-stage IPF. As a result of being diagnosed at such an early stage, Nagat has prescribed the medication, which can slow the progression of IPF. For Nagat this was the only real encouragement since diagnosis. “Thankfully the medication helped in slowing down the symptoms drastically”, says Nagat.
After further discussions with his doctor, it was agreed that the best course of action was to travel to another country. “My doctor advised me to get Bronchoscopy treatment since there were limited options in terms of hospitals; we decided to focus our search in India.” Nagat’s search online led him to Vaidam.com. He was subsequently contacted by a Vaidam case manager who after the initial round of questions, requested Nagat to send across him medical reports from his earlier doctor visit.
Resolved to improve his quality of life, Nagat made arrangements to get the best possible treatment in India. After carefully going through the list of best lungs hospitals in India, he decided to get treated at Jaslok Hospital in Mumbai. Arriving in Mumbai, Nagat and his family are received at the airport by a Vaidam Patient Relations Executive. Meanwhile, Nagat’s case manager makes the necessary appointment with renowned Pulmonologist Dr. Susheel Bindroo.
After his first meeting with Nagat and carefully analyzing all his earlier test results, Dr. Bindroo decides to go ahead with the Bronchoscopy treatment. “He explained the procedure and what to expect adding that it was not a major procedure and that I should not worry too much.”
A Bronchoscopy is a procedure where a Pulmonologist looks into the large airways, using an instrument called a bronchoscope, which is like a long, narrow tube attached to a camera. During the Bronchoscopy there is a process called bronchial lavage (washing), meaning that some water is squirted into the lungs and removed. The entire procedure generally takes around 20 minutes and the only post-surgery side effects are the dryness in the throat with a little soreness.
“After the procedure, I was taken to my private room where I slept for around 1 hour before the nurse gave me some biscuits to eat. I was still a little sleepy from the sedative, but overall I was feeling just fine,” recalls Nagat. Over the next few days, Dr. Bindroo kept him under close observation to see how he was doing after the Bronchoscopy procedure. Happy with the signs, Dr. Bindroo discharged Nagat after 2 days in the hospital. “The Bronchoscopy procedure will continue, however, he is reacting well to the treatment and that is a good sign”, said Dr. Bindroo- listed among top 10 chest specialists in India. .
Now back in his home country, Nagat sends his love to Vaidam, “It was truly a difficult time in my life, but thankfully you (Vaidam) were there for me. I didn’t have to worry about whether the doctor had received my reports or if my tickets were booked on time, everything was taken care of. I recommend anybody to try Vaidam and see for themselves the complete care provided in India”.
Vaidam would like to wish Nagat a speedy and wholesome recovery and a long life ahead.
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