A New Lease of Life for Jelvin Joy at Rajagiri Hospital

KOCHI:
Some people are like the phoenix bird who rise from ashes back into life. 13 year old Jelvin’s story reminds us the bird from greek mythology. On a usual Sunday in April 2016 when Jelvin was returning from church after when he was knocked down and ran over by a tipper lorry. The accident caused serious injuries to most of his vital organs in the abdominal area. After being referred out of two major hospitals in Thrissur because of his critical condition, they reached Rajagiri hospital.
A quick assessment of the extent of his injuries were made which ranged from a tear in his major respiratory muscles (Diaphragm), transected intestine, crushed pelvic and thigh bone with devitalized muscle and soft tissue of right leg. His injuries were bleeding profusely and Jelvin had barely palpable pulses. Doctors at Rajagiri hospital quickly realised he had only moments to live unless for a heroic rescue effort. Pediatric critical care unit coordinated the care and he was immediately shifted to the theatre.
The highly complex surgery required inputs from six major surgical departments (General surgery, Gastrointestinal surgery, orthopedic, plastic surgery, cardio vascular and thoracic surgery and urology) and two anesthetist. It took eight hours of surgery and ten blood transfusions before doctors could stabilize Jelvin.
The misery still continued as Jelvin had to be taken up for an amputation of right leg on third day because of imminent infection spreading from the devitalized tissue. By day five his condition started improving an was removed from the ventilator. Experienced and dedicated surgeo
ns continued the wound care and made sure that Jelvin did not develop any secondary infections during the hospital stay. Pediatric intensive and nursing care was crucial for his survival to manage him without any bed sores. Jelvin’s sweet smile even during extreme pain gave doctors and nurses more hopes and confidence during his post operative care. His amputated leg was fitted with a lightweight prosthetic limb imported from Germany. He was then given training to walk with the artificial limb.
To salute this little brave heart a program was organised at Rajagiri Hospital by his treating doctors and nurses in connection with his 13 th birthday. He still wore that sweet smile throughout the function Jelvin was accompanied by his parents. He knew this was a new lease of life where he defied all odds.
Jelvin’s treatment at Rajagiri Hospital was headed by Dr Bipin Jose ( Paediatric Intensive Care), Dr Joseph George (Surgical Gastroenterology), Dr Gigy Raj Kulangara, Dr Madhu K S (Plastic surgery), Dr Murukan Babu, Dr Tom Jose (Orthopedics), Dr Sanjay Bhat, Dr Sandeep R Nath (Urology), Dr Joy George, Dr Binil Babu (General Surgery), Dr Shiv K Nair, Dr George Valooran, Dr Rinett Sebastian (Cardio Vascular & Thoracic Surgery), Dr Annie Thomas, Dr Sachin George (Anaesthesiology), Dr Nithin Ajithkumar Menon (Rehabilitation), Mr Vijayan Gopalakrishna Kurup (Physiotherapy), Divya Thomas (Clinical Psychologist) were also present during the celebration.