 Early Times Report
JAMMU, Dec 6: For a 75-year-old woman from Anantnag, simple daily tasks had become a struggle. Constant neck pain and steadily worsening weakness in her arms had taken away her independence. When the family sought medical help, they were told at several centres that surgery on her neck could leave her paralysed or worse. With hope running thin, they brought her to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, Katra, for one last opinion.
After detailed evaluation, doctors found severe compression of her cervical spinal cord, explaining her worsening condition. The case was handled by Dr Khushwant Singh, Consultant - Spine Surgery, along with the neurosurgery team. Despite the high risk involved due to her age and the severity of the problem, the team decided surgery was necessary to give her a chance at recovery.
A carefully planned cervical spinal decompression and stabilization surgery was performed. The procedure went smoothly, and the patient showed steady improvement in the days that followed.
The result surprised even her family. At her first follow-up visit, the woman walked into the OPD on her own, free from pain and visibly more confident. A patient once warned she might never walk again had regained control over her life.
Sharing his thoughts, Dr Khushwant Singh said that age should not automatically limit treatment options. With the right expertise and technology, even complex and high-risk spine conditions can be managed safely and successfully.
Dr M.M. Mathavan, Facility Director, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, Katra, said that stories like this reflect the trust people place in the hospital. He added that many patients who earlier travelled outside Jammu and Kashmir for advanced spine care now find the same level of treatment closer to home.
The case also highlights the role of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board in building world-class healthcare infrastructure in Katra. With modern facilities and specialist services, the hospital continues to bring advanced medical care within the reach of patients across the region.
Today, the woman is back on her feet, walking with confidence and hope. For her and her family, the recovery means more than medical success - it means getting life back. |
