(Testimonial from overseas patient)
This is a true unedited testimony from a highly educated father and son who traveled a long way to get treated for snoring and sleep apnea(OSA) in a small place like Jubilee Hospital in Trivandrum.They are into cotton industry for living.
Please read thier story:
“A Journey to Jubilee Hospital, Trivandrum, Kerala,India”.
I had been suffering from chronic nasal congestion for more than thirty years and was absolutely dependent on nasal decongestant. The very decongestant was my worst enemy as it caused more congestion at the end. For the cure of my resulting breathing difficulty I talked to several doctors and they gave different opinions but no cure. With age, sleep apnea developed and night time snoring was at its peak. Last three years I searched through Internet for cure. Gradual passage of time my knowledge about nasal ailment increased. During this period I came to know about CPAP machine which was a relief of sleep apnea but no perfect solution. Wherever the patient goes he has to carry the machine with him. Also during sleep he has to keep the mask attached on his face which is bothersome. I started seeking permanent solution and then I found surgical alternative.
I sorted three surgical procedures applicable for me,
1. Laser turbinectomy
2. Laser septoplasty
3. LAUP
I started reading anything found on these three subjects and came to know that in countries like USA, Spain and U.K. these surgeries are done with the help of Laser. The advantage is least bleeding, quicker recovery time and less pain during post operative period. I was satisfied with the solution and made a thorough search on India, Thailand and Singapore via Internet. Due to overwhelming cost factor I dropped Thailand/Singapore and concentrated mainly on India as journey and staying cost would be the least. I found Laser treatment in Chennai, Bangaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Trivandrum. Since January this year I started collecting information from all these five places. I narrowed down my search on the basis of quick response, detailed feedback and length of experience of the concerned surgeons. In my scrutiny Dr. Paulose of Jubilee Hospital, Trivandrum had the highest score. Although I travelled lot of places in India before but Kerala was the farthest unknown remote place for me. I read the most informative blog of Dr. Paulose on the internet and not only it educated me but tempted me to meet this dedicated person. So I decided as Kerala is “God\’s own country” then why not handover my worries in the hands of Dr. Paulose.
Having made up my mind I left Dhaka for Trivandrum on 28th of May, 2011 with my eldest son. After reaching Trivandrum we phoned Dr. Paulose and fixed appointment in the hospital for the following day. Meanwhile we made a short survey of the hospital. It was not a big showy hospital like one usually finds in Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata. No rich or luxurious atmosphere but utmost functional. Everything needed was there with no frill.
We met Dr. Paulose at his clinic in the morning as arranged. It was a memorable experience which can not be forgotten. After exchange of pleasantries we forgot that we were in a different land having no similarities with our culture and language. As my son was suffering from Sleep Apnea (reported by his wife) so we both got checked by Dr. Paulose. On investigation it was found that my son had more obstruction in throat than mine and needed immediate surgery. As per procedure we had our sleep apnea test done in our hotel room where we initially boarded. Next day we finished all other tests like MRI, blood, x-ray etc. After receiving all the test results DR. Paulose decided to do little bit of turbinate reduction, major scrapping of inner throat including tonsils and adenoid glands under general anesthesia in my son\’s case. In my case it would be major in turbinate reduction, DNS and minor in throat. My son underwent surgery on Thursday and I had surgery in the following Saturday. Usually post operative pain lasts for ten days individually so for our own satisfaction we stayed the whole ten days in hospital cabin to have periodical check up. Due to extreme hospitality of the entire team starting from the top management to the bottom we decided to stay few more days than actually required. Dr. Paulose like a patron saint ensured our every needs and comfort.
The entire hospital is neat, clean and orderly. Our cabin was a large room furnished with TV and air conditioner. The daily cabin charge was fantastically low compared to other big hospitals. It was only US$ 34 per day. Also the total cost of surgery including medicine was well under US$ 1000 per person. It is hard to believe for such a high tech operation. During recovery time there is an excellent opportunity to visit beaches like Kovalam &Shangamugam. Main attraction is Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu, only three hours train journey from Trivandrum. We stayed two days in Kanyakumari and came back to hospital for final check up. Dr. Paulose expressed his satisfaction over our recovery progress and gave us future instruction in writing. Then came the worst part of bidding farewell to all the members of Jubilee Hospital after staying for long fifteen days. We are tremendously grateful to Dr. Paulose and will never forget anesthelogist Dr.Thomas who cancelled his holiday for our surgery. We are indebted and thankful to all the ever caring nurses who comforted us unselfishly and with true devotion.
We returned to Bangladesh on 18th June with rich memories of Kerala.
We will be happy to share our experience with any one who is seeking treatment for this deadly and miserable disorder-OSA:
We will be happy to share our experience with any one who is seeking treatment for this deadly and miserable disorder-OSA:
shafiqur rahman : tuluactive@gmail.com
(Father age 62)
Ashaqur Rahman: Â ashcocotton@gmail.com
(Son age 33)
