Healing Hands: A Journey with Sita Devi Chatri

Dr. Asif Iqbal’s Perspective

I remember the first time I met Sita Devi Chatri; it was a rainy evening when she was admitted. Sita Devi, a 90-year-old woman with a strong spirit, was battling multiple ailments, including Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), pneumonia, and severe breathing problems. Her frail body struggled for every breath, and her face showed signs of enduring pain and hardship.

A Battle with COPD

Sita Devi’s condition was critical when she arrived. As a COPD patient, her lungs were significantly compromised, making it difficult for her to breathe normally. Pneumonia had only exacerbated her situation, and each breath she took seemed to be a Herculean effort.

I took a deep breath myself, knowing the road ahead would be challenging for both of us. As her primary caregiver, it was my duty to provide her with compassionate care and ensure she felt supported throughout her treatment.

Understanding Sita Devi

I spent time learning about Sita Devi’s life and background. She was a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, a pillar of strength for her family. Her eyes, though tired, sparkled with the memories of a life well-lived. She shared stories of her youth, her family, and the countless battles she had fought and won. This insight into her life gave me the strength and resolve to help her through her darkest times.

The Treatment Plan

Our treatment plan for Sita Devi was comprehensive and focused on alleviating her symptoms while providing comfort and support. We started with a regimen of antibiotics to combat pneumonia and bronchodilators to ease her breathing. Additionally, she was put on oxygen therapy to ensure she received the oxygen her body so desperately needed.

But medicine alone wasn’t enough. Sita Devi needed emotional and psychological support to fight her illness. I made it a point to visit her regularly, holding her hand, and offering words of encouragement. My team of nurses and I worked tirelessly, monitoring her progress and adjusting her treatment as needed.

A Glimpse of Hope

Days turned into weeks, and slowly, we began to see improvements. Sita Devi’s breathing became less laboured, and her strength started to return. She began to smile more, sharing anecdotes from her past and expressing gratitude for the care she was receiving. Each small victory was a testament to her resilience and our team’s dedication.

The Healing Process

Healing is not just a physical journey but an emotional and spiritual one as well. We involved Sita Devi’s family in her care, encouraging visits and interactions that lifted her spirits. Her grandchildren brought laughter and joy into her room, and their presence became a crucial part of her recovery process.

Sita Devi’s journey was a reminder of the power of compassionate care. Through our combined efforts, we managed to stabilize her condition and improve her quality of life. Her journey wasn’t without its challenges, but her determination and the unwavering support from her family and our medical team made all the difference.

A Heartfelt Goodbye

After several months of intensive care and support, Sita Devi was ready to return home. It was a bittersweet moment for all of us. We had grown attached to her and her incredible spirit. As she left, she held my hand and said, “Thank you for giving me the strength to keep fighting.”

Her words were a testament to the healing power of compassionate care and the incredible bond between a doctor and their patient. Sita Devi’s journey was not just about overcoming illness but about finding hope and strength in the darkest of times.

Dr. Asif Iqbal

In every patient I treat, I see a story of resilience and hope. Sita Devi Chatri’s story will forever remain a reminder of why I chose this path – to heal not just with medicine but with compassion and understanding.