Arifa Jan, 45 yr old Kashmiri woman complains that every day her work is cut out. From sunrise to sunset she has to work continuously to take care of her 2 daughters and 1 son. She smiles and says, “The most difficult to handle is the fourth one – My Husband.” A wife of a government official, Arifa Jan strongly believes that housewives should not be undermined.
However a few years back, just after she gave birth to her son, she started experiencing headaches. “I used to feel as if the whole room is moving and my head would burst. My daughters were my support system. But for how long can you be on the bed?”
Forcing herself and her body, Arifa ignored the headaches and resorted to easily available over the counter medicines for headache. She even consulted local doctors, who all suggested that it might be exhaustion. “I thought it is just the children and a bit of responsibilities taking a toll on my health, so I ignored them all.”
However Arifa and her husband became worried when her left hand started to become numb. “Both of us panicked and we were sure that is just more than stress. So we started to consult doctors.” Majority of the local doctors suggested that it is migraine which can get triggered due to various reasons. But, Arifa and her husband were not convinced and they consulted some more specialists. One of them recommended an MRI Scan. The scan highlighted that there was a mass – diagnosed as a brain tumor in the left side of the brain.
“It was the scariest moment of my life. I was explained that there is a time bomb ticking in my head. The throbbing headache and the fear of responsibilities was killing me. I would invariably break down in front of my family and friends. I kept on blaming myself, for ignoring my signs. Would my situation be better had I paid head to my health?” The doctors also suggested that neurosurgery for the brain tumor shall be complicated and she might have to suffer some disabling side effects – paralysis, pain , hearing loss or each life threatening pneumonia.
While Arifa was pouring her heart out to a family friend, she met her guiding angel. Her family member had gone through a similar situation and had her brain tumor surgery done at Paras Gurgaon. She recommended Dr. VS Mehta, Ex HOD Neuro Surgery – AIIMS New Delhi, a Padma Shri awardee and now Director of Neurosciences at Paras Hospitals, Gurgaon.
Without any delay, Arifa and her family consulted Dr. VS Mehta. According to Dr. Mehta, “Arifa’s MRI highlighted that she had a tumor in the left side of the brain. The tumor was causing intracranial pressure leading to throbbing pain, insidious onset which would gradually increase. It was also observed that the pain intensity was more in the morning. With no history of vomiting, loss of consciousness and seizure, it was deduced that the tumor was deep-seated.It is due to surgical brilliance that Arifa is free of any complications- No paralysis, numbness in her hand, hearing loss , facial palsy, seizure or loss of vision or any other aspect.
Today it has been 10 days post surgery and she is ready to go back home. She can’t stop thanking Dr. Mehta for giving her life back. “I had thought that I would lose my family, but thanks to Allah, I have been blessed with another life!” She says she would specially like to thank her family friend who guided her to a ‘Farishta’ who saved her life!
