CHAPTER 2: D-Day – The Day That Altered My Life Permanently (25th April)
The Procedure Day. The evening before, I encountered another patient in the designated guest house where I was staying before my limb lengthening surgery. We connected over our mutual desire to increase our height and discussed what could unfold in the coming days. It’s reassuring to have someone going through the exact same experience as you, and I felt confident in my decision to be here as the villa was filled with like-minded patients, creating a sense of camaraderie!
The following day, Dr. Hirdesh or Harry, as we fondly called him, arrived to escort me to the hospital where my operation was scheduled. He briefed me on the upcoming events during the journey. Upon arrival at the hospital, I was directed to a ward where they conducted all the necessary pre-surgery assessments, including blood tests, leg grooming, and other essential procedures. The medical staff was very supportive, understanding my anxiety and nervousness, continually reassuring me that everything would be fine. Later, Dr. Saini came to see me, inquired about my well-being, and I was soon prepared for the surgery.
Around 6 pm, I was wheeled into the operating room. An anesthesia administered in my spine rendered my lower body completely numb. The surgical team was highly skilled. Some doctors engaged me in conversation about the procedure, diverting my attention from the injections. Despite being conscious throughout the surgery, I could sense the actions taking place. The sensation was beyond words! Though I couldn’t feel my legs, I was aware of the bone cutting and drilling, which, though daunting to hear, wasn’t as frightening in reality. I could even hear them praising the strength of my bones. It was an otherworldly experience, far from negative. Subsequently, I drifted off to sleep. Upon awakening after several hours, the surgery was still ongoing. Periodically, they would interact with me, addressing my inquiries. About 3-4 hours passed, and my surgery concluded around 9 p.m. Dr. Harry remained present throughout the entire procedure. Post-surgery, I was transferred to the ICU for an overnight stay.
Due to the numbness in my legs, there was no discomfort. An attendant remained by my side, offering tea and biscuits. The next morning, upon regaining sensation, I noticed a foreign presence on my legs, a weight and sensation that felt peculiar. It wasn’t uncomfortable yet definitely unusual. With IV pain relief, the ensuing five days in the hospital were relatively painless. I commenced physiotherapy from day one. Doctors Saini and Harry checked on me, provided updates on the upcoming days, and the hospital staff continued their attentive and amicable care, aiding with medications, injections, and more. Two days later, the friend I had befriended before the surgery also moved into the neighboring ward. The hospital stay breezed by in five days, and it was time to relocate to the villa, my new abode.
