Journey to Bangalore for Kshar Sutra treatment

Sooooo another delay in my procedure!  As per instruction 2 days ago via WhatsApp, I headed in to Dr Bhat's on an empty stomach this morning ready to have my procedure....but as I had covid, the anesthetist did not want to proceed without completing fresh bloodwork and lung x-ray. I appreciate the caution but I had geared myself up for it to happen today.   I'll be back the day after tomorrow instead. My advice for anyone coming to India for Kshar Sutra - be patient! No amount of planning/preparing will avoid all those little hiccups that occur on a daily basis, and that's ok. It's all part of it. There is no point in getting frustrated or resisting, just take it all in your stride. You will be tested that's a guarantee, but it's all about your outlook...at the end of it all, you will have a funny story to tell and many great memories. 

After a restless night due to a migraine and general feeling of yuk, I managed to get myself up and ready to head to Dr Shankar for the scans. The scans didn't take long at all and the doc was very gentle. I had to lie on my back and the bed was tilted on a slight angle (head was lower than legs) and had to keep my legs elevated and bent. Just a heads up that it can be a bit uncomfortable for that reason only. He gave little breaks in between, but as mine was not a long scan I didn't feel as strained as I could have had it gone on longer. I had heard that this was the position and thought perhaps taking a scarf to tie behind my knees would help provide support. I didn't need it, but perhaps for others with more complicated fistulas requiring more detailed scans would benefit from this. Just a thought. I didn't have to wait long for the images and report which I sent straight to Dr Bhat. Initially I was meant to have the procedure directly after the scans as Dr Bhat is d...

Headed in to Dr Bhat for a 10am appointment. We arrived early and got to witness a Lakshmi Pooja blessing that was going on at the clinic reception. There was chanting, prayers, offerings and an all over feeling of reverence. It's lovely to be here for Diwali. I love the symbolism of the celebration - the 'triumph of light over darkness' - how appropriate given why I'm here!  Everything happened very quickly and very chaotically. Well, chaotic by my standards but an organised chaos for India. I had my bloods taken as soon as the gentleman arrived (during the ceremony), he completed it very quickly and painlessly. The vial samples simply had my first name and age on it! That's it! This cost 3000 rupees and was paid directly at the time. The appointment with Dr Bhat involved filling out paperwork relating to health. Previous fistula procedures, other medical procedures, medications...general health questions but far more casual than our processes at home. Dr Bhat just...

Making an appointment with Dr Bhat is nothing like it is at home. Prior to coming, I was in contact with him via WhatsApp (something that would never happen in Australia!) and was told to send a heads up message 10 days before arrival. The morning of my arrival I sent another message confirming I was here and asking what time should I come to the clinic. The reply was a simple '5pm today' and the address of the clinic. Righto.  The clinic is adorned with gifts, pictures, notes of gratitude etc of previous patients who had undergone treatment and are now fistula free. It was touching to see and somewhat emotional for me. It's amazing to see the amount of lives he has affected. I know that soon, I will be one of them... I had a very quick examination and was to be sent to Dr Shankar for what's called a TRUS exam. This exam will track the exact route of the fistula.  As Dr Shankar is on leave until 24th/25th, I have a few days in between to familiarise myself with my surro...

I have just arrived in Bangalore and am due to receive Kshar Sutra treatment for a complex fistula with a highly regarded and experienced doctor - Dr Ramesh Bhat. I have spent months researching and the time has finally arrived to begin the journey of healing.  This fistula has taken so much from me, but the more I learn the more I realise just how lucky I am. I've only had mine since December 2021 (11 months) and have already met or read stories of people all over the world who have had years and years of suffering...and I've heard countless horror stories that have left me in tears. Endless stories of procedures gone wrong in their respective countries, and causing permanent damage.  It still astounds me that Western medicine has no effective solution to this...well, none with a satisfactory success rate. I've personally been advised my success rate sits around 60% and there is a high chance of recurrence. The success rate of Kshar Sutra sits around 95% and with a 3% recu...