The Gift Of Life

©Dr. Aparna Govil Bhasker

Samarth (name changed) had called my team at least a dozen times over two days, seeking an urgent appointment for a consultation for weight loss. He wanted to lose weight in a very short span of time. As is common understanding, usually there is nothing “urgent” about weight loss. People gain weight over many years and are usually in sync with the idea that weight loss will be a time-consuming process with any modality, be it diet and exercise, medications, or even bariatric surgery.

As a team, we are a bit wary of people who are looking for instant solutions. When it comes to treating obesity, we believe in setting realistic goals. If the expectation is not set right, the journey invariably ends in disappointment. Hence, when I was informed about this patient, I was sceptical.

Samarth was the eldest of three siblings. Two years back, his mother was diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver, which had now progressed to liver failure. She needed a liver transplant urgently in order to survive.

For the last couple of years, the recurring monthly expenditure on her care and medications was over a lakh of rupees. Health insurance covered the expenses only partially. For any middle-class family, this is a huge amount. It is enough to set anyone back financially for a few years, to say the least. Samarth was working two jobs to cope up with the monthly expense and to save money for the liver transplant. Not only was he saving money, but he was also the potential live liver donor for his mother. He was supporting his mother emotionally, medically, financially and was willing to go to any length to save her life.

Unfortunately, he was overweight and could not qualify as a donor until he lost weight. Working two jobs had taken its toll on his health over the years. He had no time for himself. He was stuck in a vicious cycle where he couldn’t take time off due to his financial responsibilities, and until he took some time out, he wouldn’t be able to sort his own weight related issues. But now, it was a race against time, and he had to get into shape really fast. On asking about the other two siblings, he simply said that they were not interested in the mother’s care. The attitude of the rest of the family didn’t matter to him. He was willing to move the earth for his mother and wanted to do everything within his power. He was ready to part with a piece of himself to give his mother the gift of life.

I had started this consultation with a bit of scepticism. However, over the years, I have realized that everyone deserves a benefit of doubt. As a doctor, I feel that the greatest gift that we can give to a patient is not just a solution to the problem but a “patient hearing”. More often than not, we discover a hidden story that was waiting to be heard. His desperation was justified, and there couldn’t have been a better reason for seeking help.

Samarth has started his weight loss journey, and only time will tell if he will win this race against time to be able to become a live donor for his mother.

But yet again, in my journey as a doctor, I have met a human being who has reinforced my belief in humanity. We hear negative stories every day, but these stories of my patients make me feel that all is well with the world. Such profound acts of love, kindness and sacrifice are rare but enough to outweigh many ills that scourge the society of today. We don’t get to hear them or read about them often. However, these are extraordinary stories of ordinary people, and I feel privileged to narrate them. I do believe that someone somewhere may be in the same boat as Samarth and may derive inspiration from his incredible journey.

May such souls be blessed with more power.