The human touch behind treatment for heart patients

Sharanya’s* story is a good example of the vital role human connections play in the journey to good health. She lives with her husband in a small yet tastefully done up apartment in Mumbai. Sharanya has always had an ear for music and the piano is her instrument of choice. She used to practice diligently and her dream was to play professionally. But one unfortunate moment shattered her dreams. She suffered a stroke and was confined to her bed. To add to her misery, she started putting on weight and was at risk of developing heart disease because of hypothyroidism.

It was during this dark phase that she heard about our counselling and nursing support programme for cardiovascular patients, which is organised by Dr. Reddy’s and managed by Healthcare at Home. It helps patients who are at risk of heart attacks, strokes and other coronary problems.

Once Sharanya signed up for the programme, she was assigned a qualified and trained nurse who would visit her regularly to administer her medicines. She also helped Sharanya understand that there were many others like her, and encouraged her with stories of other patients who had recovered successfully. The programme also made sure Sharanya had access to in-person counselling, a counsellor on the phone, a diet tailored to her needs, and free lipid profile testing.

Over two years, Sharanya was able to reduce her weight and cholesterol levels. Now, she is back to leading a normal, healthy life. In fact, a few months after recovery, she was able to impress a music academy with her talent, and was offered the position of an instructor.

When we asked her about her bond with her nurse, she said, “When I was diagnosed with pneumonia and admitted to the hospital, I insisted that the hospital authority allow my personal nurse to administer my regular medicines.” A ringing endorsement of the trust she has in the programme, and an inspiration for us to continue developing ideas that help patients manage their diseases better.

*Name changed

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