103-year-old on track after 2 surgeries

At the age of 103, Bharpayi Devi is still going strong despite a hip surgery and replacement, all of which was done in less than six months.

It was late last year when an otherwise active Bharpayi Devi, who is a great grandmother, slipped and injured her left hip.

“We thought she wouldn’t survive the surgery, but she beat all odds and was discharged within four days of the surgery,” said her family members.

However, in April, she fell again and broke her right hip.

“She was rushed to Max Super Speciality Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, and we had to schedule a hip replacement surgery,” said Dr. Rajiv Maheshwari, senior orthopaedic at the hospital. This would be her second surgery in a span of six months.

According to doctors, her hip ball was broken and needed to be replaced in order to make her stand and walk.

The surgery proved to be a challenge for Dr. Maheshwari and his team as Bharpayi Devi’s bones were extremely fragile and severely osteoporotic. Also, because of her age administering anaesthesia posed another challenge.

“The patient pulled through and was discharged within four days of surgery. She also took her first step within a week. After two weeks of physiotherapy, Bharpai Devi is back on her feet and has begun doing little chores around the house,” said the doctor who treated her. 

Explaining the importance of the case, the doctor said it highlighted the numerous problems senior citizens face today.

“Loss of vision, brittle bones, inability to heal fast and lot of other irreversible health issues prove fatal for many. Family support is important, especially after the age of 70-75 years,’’ said Dr. Maheshwari.

The Hindu News Link: http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-newdelhi/103yearold-on-track-after-2-surgeries/article7327639.ece