Chennai: Doctors at the Noble Hospital, Chennai made it possible for a 32-year-old woman to start walking after both her hips and knees were replaced with artificial joints.
The software professional and working as an educator, teaching school children through internet from home, had been afflicted with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, a condition affecting hips, knees and ankles at the age of 15. Her elbows, wrists and fingers were also affected making it impossible for her to write. In spite of her disabilities she continued to study and qualified herself to become an educator.
Dr V Singaravadivelu, orthopedic surgeon at Noble Hospital, said it was possible to replace all her joints and make her mobile again. He performed these successful surgeries, but for her to stand the bones have to become strong and muscles have to be strengthened. He told her that she has to learn walking as if she was a newborn and may take years. It will require lot of effort, perseverance and confidence.
The patient said “I am very happy that I am able to walk after 18 years. We must have the ‘Never say die attitude’ and keep trying harder till we reach our goal. It is also for people who keep complaining about small things and not trying hard to achieve their goals.”
