A Quick Decision of Valve Replacement During the Surgery Helped to Cure the Deprecating Congenital Heart Defect of 2-Year-Old Portia from Kenya

Running her fingers on the keyboard, Mrs. Leah Gathoni Kariuki fixed her eyes on the computer screen as she scuttled through the internet to get a permanent cure for her little daughter’s congenital heart defect. Medicines could not solve the problem. The weakness in little Portia’s tricuspid valves caused her momentary bouts of exhaustion. Getting a treatment became inevitable so as to curb any of the fateful chances of deterioration of her cardiac condition.

“On 12^th October 2017, Dr. Twahir of Agakhan Hospital Mombasa picked a murmur on my second born daughter Baby Caiclyn Portia. He advised us to see a pediatric cardiologist and through echo and ECG test is how I got to learn that my Portia had a congenital heart disease. But I could not find a treatment option that would provide me with a permanent recovery. I was worried. During my online search, I got to know about Vaidam Health. After my enquiry, I received a call from them in which I was informed that treatment is available at top cardiac hospitals in India for Portia’s heart condition”, said Mrs. Kariuki.

Without any further delay, Leah and her sister arrived in India for Portia’s treatment. They went to Medanta – the Medicity Hospital in Gurgaon and consulted Dr. Amit Misri and Dr. Anil Bhan. “We consulted Dr. Misri first. He recommended us to a senior cardiothoracic surgeon in the hospital, Dr. Anil Bhan. Although Dr. Bhan suggested a valve repair surgery, he also said that a proper medical management would cure her as well. But I did not want to waive away time and wait for situations to worsen and gave my consent for the surgery”.

Portia underwent an open heart surgery in India through which her tricuspid valve had to be repaired. But during the surgery, Dr. Bhan and his team of the best pediatric cardiologists in India realized that the condition of her heart was actually worse than what was visible in the echocardiogram. The valves were beyond repair that compelled the doctors to perform a valve replacement surgery.

“I was taken aback when Dr. Bhan disclosed about the valve replacement surgery. But I am happy and relieved that the surgery is successful and her recovery has been stable. Right after the surgery she was shifted to the ICU. Medanta’s medical infrastructure and patient care team are excellent. I never imagined that my daughter could recover from such a major surgery within just ten days. The treatment has been phenomenal. I am truly grateful to the doctors and Medanta – the Medicity for providing Portia with the right treatment. The swift decision taken by Dr. Bhan saved her and I cannot thank him enough”, said she.

Delighted with the assistance provided to them by Vaidam, Mrs. Kariyuki said, “I have never seen such a quick, responsible, organized and professional team. It is for Vaidam that I have been successful to find the right treatment for my daughter. They have provided me with all the information I needed regarding the best hospitals and doctors for pediatric cardiac condition along with the cost of the treatment. I never been to India before but with the team’s complete support I have never felt helpless or out of place because from airport pickup to accommodation, everything was duly arranged by them and I did not have to go through any trouble”.