What are you made up of? Steel or plastic!

Pat came his answer, “I’m made up of my Family’s Love – stronger than steel or even diamond”. I was visibly shaken by those strong words. I was embarrassed that he read my mind and answered. 

A very high profile Executive in Voltas Chemicals, Mr Ramu Krishnamachari lived an enviable life. Handsome, well educated and married at the right age to Ms. Sundaravalli, he was contributing immensely to his organization while his beautiful and loving wife was raising a wonderful family of three kids. He was living a dream. 

That was when the first thunderbolt hit his life. The doctor, whom he calls his angel, told him very gently, “If you do not undergo an Open heart surgery now, you will get a massive heart attack in 6 to 12 months”. Bitter pills though but coated very well in Sugar. His wife and 3 small kids did not even understand what an open heart surgery was. But they went through with it.

All went on well for 19 years after this surgery. Then the second hit, a second surgery became a necessity. The family took it lightly thinking it would be similar to the first operation. But Lo! This time, the surgery did not give the required results. 

Yet another surgery was urgently required. His three children understood the situation and rushed to Dr Cherian’s office. They almost gate crashed. Dr Cherian understood the grave situation from their very expression and made arrangements for Mr Ramu’s admission immediately. Yes. It was that critical. Even a few hours delay could have been fatal. 

In 2006, Stem Cells treatment for a General Cardiac surgery was not common. But Dr Cherian felt that Stem Cell treatment would also be needed for long term health, apart from Open Heart Surgery. Accordingly he harvested Stem Cells from Mr Ramu’s blood and applied the same at the time of By-pass.

“Though all my main arteries are almost blocked, Stem Cell therapy has developed many ancillary blood capillaries which support blood flow throughout my body. It is just like the roots of a tree. Though there is a main root, there are also smaller roots branching out in all directions. If the main root is damaged, the smaller roots will support the tree. Similarly my ancillary blood vessels take care of circulation, thanks to Stem Cell therapy . It was the 1st time in South India Dr Cherian performed this procedure. I would call him “The son of God” Says Mr Ramu. 

But just how did Mr Ramu find the courage and determination to go through all these procedures? Who stood by him as a rock through all this to help him through the most trying times? Read this column next week.