Sakunthala, a young girl at House of Peace orphanage suffered from Mitral Stenosis. A fatherless girl whose mother earns just a dollar a day, could not afford the necessary treatments. Dr Neva took her to a cardiologist in a private hospital in Salem. ECG, Echo and other preliminary tests were done. The cardiologist said that there are two options: an open heart surgery where a large scar would be obvious and the post operative period of about 10 days would be painful. This surgery was cheaper – US$700 – but could be fatal. The other option was Balloon Mitral Valvuloplasty where they reach the heart through the Femoral Vein and inflate a balloon where there is stenosis. This surgery is scar free and the post operative period of 1-2 days would be painless. However this surgery was costlier – US$ 2000.
We prayed and said that God would provide money for this girl so told the cardiologist that we would opt for the Balloon Mitral Valvuloplasty. Supporters from the US came forward to support the surgery. Sakunthala is now fine and happy with no more distress. She is currently on Infective Endocarditic prophylaxis and anti-coagulant medication which she will continue all her life.
