Patients take baby steps to recovery; physio sessions crucial

Pune: Kirkatwadi resident Hemant Rane returned home from work last Sunday to find his 59-year-old father in excruciating pain in his limbs. "So debilitating was the pain that my father could not even stand or walk on his own," he recalled.
He rushed his father, Kishor, to a nearby doctor who immediately put him through several tests, including an MRI."I then took him to a hospital for better care. He was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS). Doctors told us that it was a rare and debilitating neurological disorder. The treatment was started immediately," Hemant said.
Long road to recovery after hospital stay
Kishor, back home after almost four-day stay at hospital, is now preparing for a rigorous 3-4 months of physiotherapy regimen, marking the beginning of his journey towards full recovery. "My father bravely fought the disease. He is still unable to move his legs and hands, forget about standing on his own. We have been advised to start the physiotherapy sessions without any delay," the son said.
Hemant said his father stayed positive throughout his stay at hospital. "Perhaps, the positive attitude helped him overcome the disease. He spent almost four days in hospital and was discharged couple of days back," he said.
Treatment cost a big burden
Hemant said his father was out of danger, but the family struggled to foot the hospital bill running over Rs 4 lakh. "We spent more than Rs 4 lakh in treatment, which is unaffordable for common people like us. It would be helpful if govt shoulders the treatment cost or come up with schemes to share the financial burden," he said.
The son, who doesn't earn too well to support his father's treatment, is now exploring alternatives to secure necessary physiotherapy for his ailing father.
K'taka resident finds hope in Pune
Junior college student Vineet Shetty (17), a resident of Udupi in Karnataka, developed viral infection on Dec 23, after which his family members sought medical care at a local hospital. When he developed tingling sensation and pain in the limbs, doctors recommended visiting a bigger medical facility. The family then rushed him to a govt hospital in Udupi, but in vain. They then turned to a private hospital in the vicinity, where doctors quoted a staggering Rs 10 lakh for treatment.
This is when the family sought the help of Vineet's uncle, Jagdish, whose father was treated for similar symptoms in 2023. "Symptoms, especially pain in the legs, should be taken seriously. It is an early sign of GBS. Those suffering from pain in the limbs should seek medical care immediately," his uncle said.
Timely medical intervention key
Vineet had viral infection, which graduated to tingling and then pain in the limbs. "The treatment at the early stage ensures that patients do not suffer from any complications. The precautions before and after the treatments are a must," Jagdish said.
The uncle said after treatment at a hospital in Pune for around a week, Vineet was sent home where he was recovering fast. "He is still finding it difficult to stand without support. His limbs have become too weak. We consulted a neurologist associated with a private hospital in Kothrud. He has been advised physiotherapy," he said.
PMC health department officials have advised citizens to approach doctors in case of symptoms like pain in the limbs. The administration has also urged people to consume only boiled water as a precautionary measure.