Shahana from Fiji finally Gets Rid of the Neurogenic Tumor at Indian Spinal Injuries, New Delhi

Tell us about yourself.

I am Shahana Shabana Begum from Fiji. I am 28 years old.

What brought you to India?

My problem started in October 2018 when I started feeling pain in the legs. For some time, I mistook the pain as a part of regular fatigue or lethargy. However, it kept worsening over time and started radiating to my back. I had to take pain-killers to do day to day activities. I had to consult a local physician for the issues. After going through the investigations, I was told that I have a spinal tumor.   

What kind of treatments did you undergo before coming to India?

None. Since there are very limited resources in Fiji, there was no scope for the surgery. Hence I was put only on the pain-relieving medications.

How did the decided the place of the treatment and chose the hospital?

Once I decided to come to India for my treatment, I started browsing the internet to look out for the best neurosurgeons in India, the cost involved and other aspects. While doing so, I came across the website of Vaidam Health and came to know that they facilitate international patients for treatment in India. I posted my query on their website and received a call back shortly by one of their case managers. My case manager was Dr. Amarroop Nain, who took my reports and shared it with some of the best Neurosurgery Hospitals in India to get the best opinions and associated quotes. She also provided me some doctor profiles to help me select one of them for my treatment. She also discussed with me about several other details like cost, place of accommodation, airport pickup etc.

How was your process of visa application?

After I decided to come to the Indian Spinal Injuries Center, New Delhi by considering all the aspects of my treating and reading the profile of Dr. Arun Sharma, the entire process was assisted by the Vaidam team. Everything from getting the Visa Invitation Letter from the hospital and the visa application was done by the team. I provided them the required information and the documents and received the visa within 2-3 days on my email. The entire process was very smooth.

Describe your experience at the hospital

My appointment was scheduled with Dr. Arun Sharma after I reached my hotel. During the appointment, the doctor listened to me very patiently while I explained my story to him from the beginning. He was very observant and perceptive about all my signs and symptoms. He conducted a physical examination and also ordered a few more investigations. After the reports came back, the doctor told me that I had a Neurogenic tumor in Lumbosacral spine and I would need a tumor excision surgery.

Soon the surgery was conducted on a scheduled date. I was kept under observation for a few days and then discharged from the hospital. Before my discharge, the team at the hospital made sure that I was recovering well and have no complications from the surgery. The doctor also told me about the lifestyle changes like the exercises that I would need to do after I reach home for better recovery.

How was your overall experience of your entire visit to India?

My experience was entirely smooth and well-coordinated. I was picked up from the airport and dropped back. My accommodation was arranged by the Vaidam team. Other than that, everything that I needed and all my queries were well answered. I am absolutely satisfied with my visit to India.