. Milner

By SAM PHIRI –
JACQUELINE Milner is now healthy and happy, but she would not forget the health challenges that could have taken her life had it not been for the experts’ hands.
First, just a thought of passing a knife under someone’s skull is startling, not to talk of removing a tumour out of it!
Talk of how delicate this particular kind of surgery and risks associated with it would be, surely it is a story Jacqueline will live to remember and testify upon with those pairs of hands from Apollo Hospital.
It was at the age 13 when Jacqueline started experiencing a chronic headache which was later diagnosed as Migraine.
With the pain steadily worsening over the years, she was again diagnosed of depression and peri-menopausal migraines along with other symptoms.
She continues telling her story as she says; “In 2012 there were a lot more physical changes, bodily pains, inability to make correct decisions, simple addition and personality all of which began to impact on my job and responsibilities in my position.”
This condition became severe that she had to take herself to a Psychiatrist believing she was losing her mind.
“I was prescribed anti-depressant medication taking one course as I never went back for another consultation mainly because I didn’t want more medication due to affects they had on me,” she says.
Her condition was worsening and it was then that she was forcibly taken back to the psychiatrist who ordered a CT scan and only then did she discover that she had a brain tumour measuring 7.13cm in diameter.
“I then had my first surgery in July 2012 in Zimbabwe, which offered some relief. But soon after, it was established that I would need a second operation. Working with the Ministry of Health in Zambia, it was recommended that I go for this second operation to Apollo Hospitals in India.
Arrangements were done by the Ministry of Health in Zambia to this effect. Thanks to the wonderful people at the Ministry of Health who assisted with the arrangements for my trip to India and Apollo Hospital.
Apollo Hospital was an unbelievable experience, from the hospital with beautiful manicured lawns and shrubs, professionalism of the doctors, nurses, general staff and all others I came across during my pre and post-surgery, was a wonderful experience.” she says.
Jacqueline had already been operated once but because of some technical difficulties the tumour could not be resected.
Senior Consultant Neurosurgery Sudhir Tyagi’s, reviewed the case and started the course of treatment.
On investigations, she was diagnosed with Recurrent Falx Meningioma, arising from lower part of the falx, pressing over the surrounding brain on both sides, right more than left side.
This case presented certain complications as it was a highly vascular tumour and closely adhered to important blood vessels supplying the vital areas of the brain.
Apart from complex neurosurgery, Dr Tyagi said the patient had to undergo radiation therapy to eliminate chance of recurrence.
“Though it was a very challenging case, we were confident of managing it and we were able to due to clinical excellence at Apollo Hospitals,” Dr Tyagi said
Jacqueline’s life was saved by the high level of expertise of the surgeons supported by advanced technology at the hospital which made the surgery a great success.
At Apollo hospital Novalis Radiosurgery was used which shapes the radiation beam to contour to the exact shape of tumour or lesion, ensuring the optimal treatment dose is delivered and protecting healthy tissue.
The targeted beam adapts to the breathing and other body movements to continuously maintain safe, complete and accurate dosage.
Apollo hospital group’s futuristic vision has ensured that it has been in a position of strength at every touch point of the healthcare delivery chain.
Its presence encompasses over 10,000 beds across 56 hospitals, more than 1500 pharmacies, over 100 primary care & diagnostic clinics, 115 telemedicine units across 9 countries, health insurance services, global projects consultancy, 15 academic institutions and a Research Foundation with a focus on global clinical trials, epidemiological studies, stem-cell and genetic research.
Over the past three decades Apollo Hospitals’ transformative journey has forged a legacy of excellence in Indian healthcare.
The group has continuously set the agenda and led by example in the blossoming private healthcare space.
One of Apollo’s significant contributions has been the adoption of clinical excellence as an industry standard. Apollo pioneered the concept – the group was the first to invest in the pre-requisites that led to international quality accreditation like the JCI and also developed centres of excellence in Cardiac Sciences, Orthopaedics, Neurosciences, Emergency Care, Cancer and Organ Transplantation.
Along with excellence the Apollo philosophy rests on the pillars of technological superiority, a warm patent- centric approach, a clear and distinct cost advantage and an edge in forward-looking research.
Apollo’s spectacular success rests on sustained commitment and investments in each of these pillars.
The Group continues to break new ground in adopting new technology. From leveraging new age mobility, to getting futuristic equipment Apollo has always been ahead of the curve.
Currently, the group believes in the tremendous potential of robotics and is investing heavily in making it a real and robust option for all. Apollo pioneered Tender Loving Care (TLC) and it continues to be the magic that inspires hope, warmth and a sense of ease in the patients.