An unknown bond

Did you ever feel an unknown deep bonding apart from the one we share with family, friends and relatives? Well I remember this special bond between my father and his doctor. My father, an ex-army personnel, was very strict and disciplined, but he was also friendly and jovial. In 1997, my father, who was in his late 50’s, underwent bypass surgery. Although he had a hard time leading a normal life, he kept himself busy anyway. In his 70s, he began to have health problems. Along with the heart problems, Myasthenia Gravis, a neuromuscular disease, was also diagnosed.

We brought my parents to Hyderabad in 2018 so that there would be a change in the environment. One afternoon, after lunch, he started feeling uncomfortable. We rushed him to Care Hospital right away. They found that the valves had leaked, which caused water to accumulate in his lungs, a condition called heart failure. He was moved to the intensive care unit.

A middle-aged person interacted with us during that period. Dr. Praneeth Polamuri introduced himself as a Consultant Cardiologist and explained my father’s condition and gave us hope. Even though we were aware that my father’s condition was critical, the doctor made us feel comfortable with his words. Within 10 days, my father was shifted to the ward for further observation. His condition was improving and we were relieved.

As a result of this stay, my father became very close to the doctor. With this doctor, he felt comfortable sharing his feelings and his progress. In addition, the doctor listened patiently to my father’s words, which led to a strong bond between doctor and patient. Then, during discharge, Dr. Praneeth informed my father about his health condition and motivated him to be healthy and active as usual.

We took the utmost care of my father at home and tried to make him comfortable with his changed eating habits. My father was prescribed a very low-salt diet and only a litre of water per day. In addition, swallowing 12-15 pills a day made him feel even more irritable.  There is no doubt that he would eagerly await the consultation, in hopes of meeting the miracle of his life. During this time, he also complained about the tasteless food we served and the many tablets he was given.

Whenever he had any minor health issues, he would ask me to contact the doctor, and the response was often quick. During the next six months, my father was hospitalized three times with varying health issues. Even though the situation was to be handled by other department doctors, my father would always request to see Dr. Praneeth. The touch of this doctor made him feel more comfortable.

He used to complain to us about how strict we were about his food habits and the doctor used to laugh at his words. Regardless of their age, they used to have good conversations as if they had been friends since childhood. I could see the happiness in my father’s eyes during their interaction.

After 6 months, my father insisted on returning to his hometown. Dr. Praneeth agreed on the condition that he should be back within a month. My father agreed and his journey to his hometown began.

For a few days my father was feeling better, but slowly his health started deteriorating. My brother rushed him to a hospital in Chennai, which is near my hometown, when things became critical. So, I flew from here to Chennai. When I arrived, my father was very weak and frail in the intensive care unit. I was taken to the ICU to see him. As soon as he saw me, the first question he asked was, “Did you inform Praneeth that I am admitted?” As tears rolled down my cheeks, I managed to answer, “Yes”. After a while, I wasn’t able to stand there with the emotions flowing. I came out and sent Dr. Praneeth a message about my father’s condition.

I can’t remember a single day without hearing the name Dr. Praneeth throughout the fortnight that my father was in the ICU. Actually, all he talked about was Dr. Praneeth. It was then that we realized just how much space this doctor had occupied in my father’s heart. We also joined my father in complimenting the doctor to make him feel more at ease.

My father asked to take him back to his hometown as his health steadily worsened. This was the last thing he requested, and we fulfilled it. His death was peaceful. Alas! We bid him a tearful farewell. Although I couldn’t speak with the doctor, I sent him a message that my father had passed away. He replied immediately, “I’m sorry for your loss.”

Later on, I met Dr. Praneeth and observed his friendly approach to patients. Every patient receives a minimum of twenty minutes of his attention. Clearly he was committed, enthusiastic, and passionate about providing quality service to his patients. In addition to having plenty of patience, a cheerful smile, and a confident approach, this person is a real miracle. His ability to make people comfortable even when hope seems lost is truly remarkable. Regardless of age, everyone feels comfortable discussing their problems with him. Although words are inadequate to express our appreciation for him, the memory of his bonding with my father will never fade.

Salute to this hero who devotes his life to serving others. He saved many lives not only with his treatment, but also with his infectious smile. It would create an unknown bond with many, similar to the one he created with my father. It was a truly incredible yet unforgettable bonding experience…a bonding we did not know existed!

To all new doctors and current practitioners, I wish the best of luck. Remember to adopt a humane approach while taking care of your patients. Smiles and bonds go a long way!