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Chapter 3: Healing a Healer: 'Possibly this was not simply a chance occurence.'
March 19
|
 The coronary care unit at NRI Hospital |
Today I had a most unexpected patient. An elderly Catholic nun was suffering from an arrhythmia and requested my help.
The Catholic Church supports St. Ann’s Hospital in Vijayawada. Known best for fine obstetric and pediatric care, St. Ann’s is a 300-bed facility with a very unique story. It was founded in 1945 by twelve Catholic nuns living and working at a hospital in Luzern, Switzerland. As World War II swept across Europe the Sisters decided to find a new community to serve with their mission of healthcare. Of all places, they chose Vijayawada, India.
Only one of St. Ann’s founding Sisters still lives. At 82 years old, she is still actively involved in the daily management of the hospital. She has also been suffering from chest palpitations for a decade. A diagnostic EKG was recently performed which recorded a fast and irregular heart rhythm. An accurate diagnosis of the arrhythmia was critical as the pharmacologic and invasive treatment options vary significantly based upon the origin of the disorder.
If the rhythm strip documented ventricular tachycardia, an ICD would be a viable treatment option. However, if the EKG revealed atrial fibrillation, a non-lethal heart rhythm disorder originating in the heart’s upper chamber, pharmacologic therapy would be appropriate. An internist assisting with the nun’s care saw a newspaper article resulting from my press conference at NRI Hospital several days ago. He called to ask if I might come to St. Ann’s to provide my professional opinion.
It was my great pleasure to meet this kind lady. She was dressed in the white habit and veil of her order and smiled broadly at me when I entered the room. After reviewing her medical history and rhythm strips with the internist, I diagnosed atrial fibrillation and prescribed a regimen of pharmacologic therapy for her. I also took a few moments to speak personally with her. After hearing about her life and her work I came to a realization that was both heartening and humbling.
One could argue that I was somewhat selfish in my choice of location to perform these humanitarian device implants. Certainly needy patients exist all over the world, yet I chose to return to my hometown, where my parents and extended family still live, for this project. And while I did not seek publicity, this project has been highlighted by press coverage in India. By contrast, this nun has been quietly serving the healthcare needs of expectant mothers and children in my community for 50 years. She has no ties to Vijayawada other than the support of her religious community and a deep commitment to the patients they serve. What an honor it was to meet her and assist in the diagnosis of her heart rhythm disorder.
I am struck by the circumstances which precipitated my visit to St. Ann’s. What are the odds that I would be in Vijayawada on the very day she required the expertise of a cardiac electrophysiologist? Possibly this was not simply a chance occurrence. This nun and I adhere to different religious traditions; however, both faiths celebrate the notion of Divine intervention. Perhaps she and I witnessed this today.
Tomorrow brings the final device implants of this trip and I will prepare to return to Hartford.
Ravi Yarlagadda
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