Dear Friends, I don't even know how to begin this but my mother has been diagnosed with spinal stenosis with radiculopathy, the MRI scan is attached herewith.

Please I am not here to solicit for money, I am here for your prayers, support and also for professional advice and directives bc this is something that has to do with the spinal cord.

I believe in the power of the social media bc I myself have used social media to help so many people especially with free importation guides. My Vietnam free importation guide has been viewed over 46,000 times on Nairaland alone and I've mentored over 100 people for free on that particular post alone. I have similar posts for other countries.

I seriously and urgently need the advise or guidance of someone in the medical field or someone who knows someone that has gone through this same process.

The Orthopaedic surgeon we met at Holy Rosary Hospital Emekuku yesterday said my mom needs surgery bc presently my mom cannot stand firm like before, she now bends b4 she could walk. I cried myself to sleep when i came back in December and found my mom in this condition. For over 1 year she's been going to FMC Owerri and Chapel group for check ups but they didn't see nothing serious apart from typhoid, malaria, ulcer and high cholesterol. Mom decided to try Holy Rosary Hospital Emekuku last month where she was refereed to the orthopaedic department. The surgeon told me that this surgery is something they do all the time, that they handled quite a number of cases recently. But I do not want to conclude yet. I want to seek the opinion of other doctors that is why i am trying different channel bc you never know where the help or solution might come from.

According to the orthopaedic surgeon at Holy Rosary, this surgery is compulsory and it needs to be done soon otherwise one part of moms body may paralyze. Already my mom does not feel anything with her left hand and feet. The doc said her nerve cells r not supplying blood to one side of her body.

My question and concern is this: Does Holy Roseray Hospital Emekuku have qualified instruments and personnel to carry out this kind of surgery?

WHAT is the best hospital in Nigeria for this kind of surgery?

My mom is the most important person in my life and I want to do everything within my power to stop her from the pains she's presently undergoing. We are so close that anything that affects her automatically affects me, this is why most times she doesn't let me know when she's ill. I've not had any sleep since we got this MRI scan.

I'm looking at going to the national orthopaedic hospital in enugu by next week but I will also welcome the advise and guidance of medical professionals on this forum.

To be honest I don't want my mom to go through any surgery bc she's 64 years old. I wish there's a solution. I am praying for a miracle because I know that there's nothing God cannot do. I pray for total healing for my mom.

God bless you as share and broadcast this message. A problem shared is a problem solved.

Gos bless you all.

Take her to UCH Ibadan, they are good over there ...

May God provide her with good health and lasting healing.....

Mynd44, Seun and lalasticlala over to you guys... Pls help a brother!!

l.

IamGoke:
Take her to UCH Ibadan, they are good over there ...

May God provide her with good health and lasting healing.....

Thanks very much for the prayers, we need them.
Please what is UCH and where is it located?

There are many hospitals in Nigeria but i want to narrow my search to those that handle these kind of cases only.

More advise is needed from others as i need to make a decision within 2 weeks time.

Holy Rosary may be able to handle it.
Lemme hint you on how hospitals work. They will invite a specialist to come and do the operation in there premises. Mind you she is old and sick and doesn't need the additional stress of travelling.
I won't be surprised that the same doctors you want to go and see in Enugu and Ibadan are the ones that will be invited to carry out the operation at Emekuku.
The best you can do is to inspect their facilities and be okay with what you have seen then make further enquiries about them. Ask for the doctors that will carry out the operation and you will discover they are coming from outside the state.

This is family pic we took on New Year's eve.

From this pic you will notice that my mom could not stand firm like b4. Though whenever she sees me she pretends as if all is well

God please heal my mom, this is the period I need her the most.

I dont know your financial status, i would suggest you fly her to india.

iykbethany:
Dear Friends, I don't even know how to begin this but my mother has been diagnosed with spinal stenosis with radiculopathy, the MRI scan is attached herewith.

Please I am not here to solicit for money, I am here for your prayers, support and also for professional advice and directives bc this is something that has to do with the spinal cord.

I believe in the power of the social media bc I myself have used social media to help so many people especially with free importation guides. My Vietnam free importation guide has been viewed over 46,000 times on Nairaland alone and I've mentored over 100 people for free on that particular post alone. I have similar posts for other countries.

I seriously and urgently need the advise or guidance of someone in the medical field or someone who knows someone that has gone through this same process.

The Orthopaedic surgeon we met at Holy Rosary Hospital Emekuku yesterday said my mom needs surgery bc presently my mom cannot stand firm like before, she now bends b4 she could walk. I cried myself to sleep when i came back in December and found my mom in this condition. For over 1 year she's been going to FMC Owerri and Chapel group for check ups but they didn't see nothing serious apart from typhoid, malaria, ulcer and high cholesterol. Mom decided to try Holy Rosary Hospital Emekuku last month where she was refereed to the orthopaedic department. The surgeon told me that this surgery is something they do all the time, that they handled quite a number of cases recently. But I do not want to conclude yet. I want to seek the opinion of other doctors that is why i am trying different channel bc you never know where the help or solution might come from.

According to the orthopaedic surgeon at Holy Rosary, this surgery is compulsory and it needs to be done soon otherwise one part of moms body may paralyze. Already my mom does not feel anything with her left hand and feet. The doc said her nerve cells r not supplying blood to one side of her body.

My question and concern is this: Does Holy Roseray Hospital Emekuku have qualified instruments and personnel to carry out this kind of surgery?

WHAT is the best hospital in Nigeria for this kind of surgery?

My mom is the most important person in my life and I want to do everything within my power to stop her from the pains she's presently undergoing. We are so close that anything that affects her automatically affects me, this is why most times she doesn't let me know when she's ill. I've not had any sleep since we got this MRI scan.

I'm looking at going to the national orthopaedic hospital in enugu by next week but I will also welcome the advise and guidance of medical professionals on this forum.

To be honest I don't want my mom to go through any surgery bc she's 64 years old. I wish there's a solution. I am praying for a miracle because I know that there's nothing God cannot do. I pray for total healing for my mom.

God bless you as share and broadcast this message. A problem shared is a problem solved.

Gos bless you all.

Iykebethany, I feel your worries and I can relate to this cos 6years ago my mother suffered same. Well at the time she was in India Delhi so it was easier for the specialist to diagnose nd commence surgery. They had to correct the slipped vertebrae and discs, and then place braces and metallic plates to keep it in place while it healed after the discs and vertebrae were healed the braces were removed. The hospital that carried the procedure was Primus super specialty hospital Delhi but they have a branch in new Karu Abuja, you can try them.

Eyyya , R.I.P.

Ewo, Iyke onye nkem, onye oma, ndo.

Please ignore all the "take her to India especially that Fortis hospital"

I don't know much about Emekuku but Nutase is correct. Ask for the name of the doctors that will handle the surgery and check out their profiles, if they are competent and specialists in their field then go ahead.

O ga-adi nma, inugo.

2lateBiafra:
Eyyya , R.I.P.

you're very stupid.

2lateBiafra:
Eyyya , R.I.P.

you're very stupid.

kingreign:


you're very stupid.

BASTERD, inspired by WEED..........!

2lateBiafra:
Eyyya , R.I.P.

Was this a mistake or intentional? I wonder why any sane being will be joking with something like this? May God forgive you coz u dont know what you are doing.

ifyalways:
Ewo, Iyke onye nkem, onye oma, ndo.

Please ignore all the "take her to India especially that Fortis hospital"

I don't know much about Emekuku but Nutase is correct. Ask for the name of the doctors that will handle the surgery and check out their profiles, if they are competent and specialists in their field then go ahead.

O ga-adi nma, inugo.

Thanks Ify.
India is the last option bc up to 10 people i know that went to India for different types of surgeries, none lived up to 3 years.
Also, since the spinal cord is shifted i don't know if she can withstand take off and landing in an aeroplane.


Pls where is Nutase located?

iykbethany:


Thanks Ify.
India is the last option bc up to 10 people i know that went to India for different types of surgeries, none lived up to 3 years.
Also, since the spinal cord is shifted i don't know if she can withstand take off and landing in an aeroplane.


Pls where is Nutase located?

Nutase's post that I co-signed below:

Nutase:
Holy Rosary may be able to handle it.
Lemme hint you on how hospitals work. They will invite a specialist to come and do the operation in there premises. Mind you she is old and sick and doesn't need the additional stress of travelling.
I won't be surprised that the same doctors you want to go and see in Enugu and Ibadan are the ones that will be invited to carry out the operation at Emekuku.
The best you can do is to inspect their facilities and be okay with what you have seen then make further enquiries about them. Ask for the doctors that will carry out the operation and you will discover they are coming from outside the state.

Zuluhead:
I dont know your financial status, i would suggest you fly her to india.

The problem is not money per say coz i can sell everything I have to save my mom.

The problem is the long distance and her condition may not withstand take off and landing.

We are praying for a miracle. I wish there's a solution that does not involve surgery. Someone just sent me an email and advised me to go for physiotherapy. That's Another area I have to look at

ifyalways:

Nutase's post that I co-signed below:

Oh okay Ify sorry I am not thinking straight again.

iykbethany:


Thanks very much for the prayers, we need them.
Please what is UCH and where is it located?

There are many hospitals in Nigeria but i want to narrow my search to those that handle these kind of cases only.

More advise is needed from others as i need to make a decision within 2 weeks time.

don't take her to uch
uch is university teaching hospital Ibadan where all the university of Ibadan medical student are sent to practice most of the time they use their patient to do experiment or practice although they are very good but when it comes to surgery I can never take any member of my family their
I stay around their

http://www.primushospitalnigeria.com/contact.html

PRIMUS INTERNATIONAL SUPER SPECIALITY HOSPITAL Karu New Extension Abuja, Nigeria. +234 81-277-777-51. +234 81-277-777-52. info@ primushospitalnigeria.com. Primus Super Specialities Hospital.


you can check their website n also contact them via the link above.

I suggest the hospital because most diplomats within the diplomatic enclave go there for medical issues.

I though maybe physiotheraphy, if you havent done that then you give it a trial and surgery such be the last options.

iykbethany:


The problem is not money per say coz i can sell everything I have to save my mom.

The problem is the long distance and her condition may not withstand take off and landing.

We are praying for a miracle. I wish there's a solution that does not involve surgery. Someone just sent me an email and advised me to go for physiotherapy. That's Another area I have to look at

hidhrhis:

don't take her to uch
uch is university teaching hospital Ibadan where all the university of Ibadan medical student are sent to practice most of the time they use their patient to do experiment or practice although they are very good but when it comes to surgery I can never take any member of my family their
I stay around their

Thanks for your inputs. I think you are correct because I had similar experience with UPTH in Port Harcourt.

Teaching hospitals is not advisable for this case.

Zuluhead:
I though maybe physiotheraphy, if you havent done that then you give it a trial and surgery such be the last options.

Thanks so much. We will consider this.

I thank everyone of you for all the wonderful comments and suggestions.

I decided to first of all commit my mom's case into the hands of the Almighty God because I don't want to make any mistake. I believe that if we put God first then He will make way for us where there seems to be no way and my mom will receive a miraculous healing.

We are presently seeking the face of God. After that He will lead while we fellow.

Even if we must go for a surgery, we still want God to direct us to the right place and the right surgeons though I Prefer a solution that does not involve surgery bc of my mom's age.

I believe our miracle is on the way. God bless you all.

Thanks guys for all your love and prayers.
Mom is doing fine to the glory of God.
The Physiotherapy worked and mom hasn't complained of any pains recently.
I plan to take her with me whenever I am travelling away for few weeks.
God bless you all.

Hello everyone I hope you all are doing great.
You will recall I came here several months ago about my moms spinal cord problem. I wanted to fly her to the UK but the UK visa was taking too long, I also wanted to try Israel, contacted many Israeli hospitals online, Lisa Kurztag, Medical Consultant of Herzliya Medical Center (www.hmcisrael.com) told me it will take 1 month because their embassy in Nigeria was going to close for long period bc of some holidays in Israel or something like that so I decided to fly my mom to India because she was in serious pains and the doctors in Nigeria said she need the surgery urgently to avoid paralysis, death or stroke.

While in Abuja for moms UK visa processing we went to Primus just incase, to be honest I didnt like the place, its just like your normal Nigerian hospitals. Yes there were many Indian doctors and nurses at Primus facility in Abuja, but I said to myself if it must be handled by Indians then I have to take her to the best hospital in India.
Another thing that convinced me to go to India was the fact that most of the top doctors in Europe, Australia and America are Indian doctors. Infact out of the 5 UK hospitals that replied, 3 of them had Indian doctors heading their Neurosurgery department including (KING'S COLLEGE HOSPITAL NHS FOUNDATION TRUST).

Choosing a hospital in India wasn’t easy for me because I don’t want any mistakes. I know that God is the giver and taker of life but I also know that in good hospitals the chances of mistake is minimal. So I choose[b] Indraprastha Apollo Hospital New Delhi [/b]over Fortis and other Indian hospitals because Appollo Hospital seems to be the best hospital group in India for spinal cord surgery, its also the most expensive, every Indian I met complained about the high costs.

Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals (JCI USA accredited) is one of the oldest and most prestigious multi-speciality tertiary acute care hospital in India. With 52 specialties under one roof, Apollo Hospital is one of the most sought after destinations in Asia for healthcare).

Another reason I choose Apollo Hospital Delhi is because the Orthopaedic Surgeon that will handle my mom’s case, Dr. Yash Gulati seems to be among the best in India. Online research shows that DR. YASH GULATI was personal doctor to the president of India and he also has the following national Awards in India.

Padma Shri National Award by president of India
Dr. B.C Roy National Award.
Hon. Surgeon to President of India (2016)


PROFILE OF THE TREATING DOCTOR (DR YASH GULATI):

DR. YASH GULATI
Specialization: Orthopaedics and Spine
Department: Institutes of Spine
Location: Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi
Qualification: MBBS, MS (Ortho), Mch(Ortho) England, Dip Sports Medicine Dublin

APPOINTMENT
Fellowships / Memberships
 Indian Orthopaedic Association (IOA)
 Association of Spine Surgeon of India
 Indian Arthroplasty Association (IAA)
 Indian Society for Hip & Knee Surgeons (ISHKS)
 Delhi Orthopaedic Association (DOA)
 South Delhi Orthopaedic Society (SDOS)
 Indian Medical Association (IMA)
 Delhi Medical Association (DMA)
 Indian Federation Of Sports Medicine (IFSM)
 Delhi Medical Council (DMC)
Awards and Achievements
 Awarded Padma Shri by President of India.
 Commendation from President, Indian Orthopaedic Association.
 Commendation by Delhi Orthopaedic Association.
 ‘Romesh Chander’ Best Doctor Award for his Service to the Elderly.
 Commendation Award by International President of Lions Club.
 ‘Chiktask Ratna Award’ given by Akhil Bhartiya

 Swantrata Lekhak Manch.
 Awarded ‘Distinguished Service Award’ by President New Delhi IMA, New Delhi on Doctor’s Day June.
 Commendation Certificate from Aligarh Muslim
 University for teaching Spinal Surgery to Teaching
 Faculty in Orthopaedic & established Spine Surgery.
 Commendation certificate from Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh, for Teaching.
 Best Paper Award, Annual Orthopaedic Conference, Delhi.

The above CV/awards is what gave me the confidence to treat my mom at Apollo Hospital.

Once I chose Apollo over other hospitals, I contacted Apollo team via whatsapp/email and requested for Support Letter to enable me to apply for a Medical visa from the Indian embassy in Nigeria. Within 24 hours the support letter was sent to me, so I booked our tickets and departed to Abuja.

We got the Indian visa the next day bc I made sure i met the Indian ambassador to Nigeria and explained my moms situation to him. He was a nice man.

Travel from Abuja to India was smooth, it was Emirates flight. Same as coming back. Good weather, good pilot and very friendly cabin crew.

It was my first time in India so I really didn't know what to expect. I have read many negative things online so it will be good to see things as it is. Anyways I will concentrate on the medical journey.

Once we landed at Indian airport Apollo Hospital staffs were already on ground to receive us, they gave us free ride from Airport straight to the hospital. We were directed to the international department to register and book appointment to see our consultant which is Dr. Gulati.

I wouldn't want this to be too long so in summery we met our consultant, he examined mom, asked her some questions and then recommended several scans, xrays, tests etc which we did.

In conclusion I want to say that Dr. Gulati may be good but he is very arrogant or will I say proud. In India they told me that he is a celebrity doctor, and very rich man, maybe thats why he talks to patients anyhow. For example, they gave me bill saying they will use screws / implants, but on our second consultation with him he said he think he may not use screws and I said sir I hope if you dont use screws it will not make us to come back for another surgery. Instead of explaining things to me he bluntly said "IF YOU LIKE I OPEN UP THE WHOLE PLACE AND PUT SCREWS". Fear catch me sef. I am your patient and this is your profession, why not calm the Bleep down and explain it to me better. I did some google search and saw that many Indians are complaining about his attitude too.

He never gave us enough time to talk to him, during each consultation he is always busy with his pen, once he is done writing he asks one question and he is done, you have to leave. Maybe bc there are tons of people waiting to see him, I dont know. But other Indians spend 10 minutes in his office, I take note of everything that happened in the hospital, my secret camera is always busy....

I thank God that my mom is fine now though he still complains of pains but Dr. Gulati said its ok since the pains is not like before and mom can stand well now better than before but not perfectly standing.

ifyalways nwannem I am inviting you to our thanksgiving service this December 27.
Thanks to everyone that contributed to this thread, Nutase, Zuluhead, kingreign, ifyalways
Im on overseas business trip, when I am back and relaxed i will write more. God bless you all

I am a part time blogger so on my blog I made a very long, detailed blog post about our journey to India with lots of pics, videos etc, please check it out: https://iykbethanygistville.com/2018/04/05/medical-treatment-at-apollo-hospital-india/


In attachment are some photos we took in Abuja before departing to India via Emirates.

Below youtube video shows when mom was boarding Air Peace flight from Owerri to Abuja


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hbqddNbq8dc

1. First pic was taken during our first consultation with Dr. Yash Gulati

2. Second pic was taken 2 days before our return to Nigeria when we came to see Dr. Gulati for final check up

3. Third pic was mom eating at one of the hospital restaurant, you can see that shes now very happy after the surgery

According to airline procedure, these documents must be given to us by the surgeon to certify that mom is fit to fly, otherwise Emirates will not let her board.

This journey hasn't been easy. By this time last year mom was ok even-though she complains of pains in the waist, back, leg etc. We have been taking her to many government and private hospitals in Nigeria and as always most of them are job doing experiment and gambling with peoples life.

For months I lock myself in a room and cry myself to sleep, praying for direction from God bc I don't want to make any mistake. My mom is the most important person in my life, my heart bled each time i see her in pains.

I am not a very strong person, I fear alot so when the docs in Nigeria mentioned surgery i became very very scared bc I dont wnat to loose my mom. I became more scared when we got to India, especially on the D day. Immediately they took mom to the OT I left the hospital, rushed to my hotel room and started praying. My prayer was for a successful operation without any complications. While I was praying a strange number called me saying he was calling from the surgery room and that i must identify myself first bc he has some information for me. My heart skipped, I thought it was bad news. I was shaking like a baby. I told him my name etc then he said they are about to start the surgery and that it will last 5 hours. Jesus I removed my boxer, this time i was behaving like I was mad. Rolling all over my room, woke up few hours later and went back to the hospital.

They told me 5 hours but it was already 6 hours and no news. 7 hours later I gathered courage and called the surgeons office, Vikash the surgeons assistant told me Mr. Tony I have good news for you. Your mom's surgery was successful and she's now in the waiting room according to International best practice. After surgery we monitor the patient for few hours, if everything is okay they will go back to their room otherwise they will spend few days in INTENSIVE CARE UNIT (ICU) if there is complications. Menhh I started praying again.

I came back to the hospital, started walking round the premises like a mad man. Before long mom was brought back to our room. I didn't know she was that strong. Some young people don't even wake up after spinal cord surgery, some spend days in ICU.

The below YouTube video summerizes the journey.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QxT5nCcg3ug

@Iykbethany, congrats on moms full recovery. May her healings be permanent and May God grant her long life.
I still recall my mom's own road to recovery from such ailment back in Delhi. Your story brought back memories and tears. I recall signing the surgery permit forms and other forms with great fears in my heart. I'm grateful to God it all ended in Praises and I know yours has ended in praise to God.

To God be the glory