Faisal had been battling severe health related problems since a long time. In his early childhood, he started having trouble in breathing due to severe Kyphoscoliosis problem and chest wall restriction. He also suffered from post-polio residual paralysis. These conditions worsened as he grew up resulting in over 50-degree-curvature in his spine. The only way to cure this was through surgery. Therefore, at the very young age of 13 years, Faisal underwent Spinal Fusion Surgery at St. Stephens Hospital, Delhi.
However, the problems did not stop there; he was again admitted at the age of 17-years for a Polio shoulder surgery. He had to undergo a procedure called Arthrodesis where fusing of bones is done with the use of screws. Within a year he underwent a screw removal surgery, as some of the screws had loosened. The complications never seemed to end for Faisal. In the year 2011, he discovered that there was a failure of childhood spine fusion surgery. The only way to save his life was through another surgery, but it was too risky as his oxygen saturation was only 65%. If he hoped to survive another surgery, he had to somehow increase this level of oxygen saturation.
The recurring problems and complications could have broken the faith of any person. However, Faisal was determined not to let the disease win. Through the entirety of this extremely difficult journey Faisal decided to fight his battles with determination, hope and a positive outlook. Through various exercise regimens and self-determination, Faisal was able to increase his oxygen saturation to 85% which was an amazing achievement. After consulting with various spine surgeons, Faisal decided to undergo surgery at Manipal Hospitals, Old Airport Road, Bangalore.
Dr S Vidyadhara, HOD & Consultant Spine Surgeon, Manipal Spine Care Centre at Manipal Hospitals, Old Airport Road, Bangalore said, “A comprehensive analysis of his condition was done at Manipal Hospitals. The scoliosis curve measured was 105-degree while the kyphosis was nearly 165-degree and there was pseudarthrosis as revealed through CT & MRI scans. All the possible surgical and anaesthetic risks such as peri-operative death, paraplegia, ICU care, and ventilator were explained to Faisal”
Speaking on the procedure performed to treat Faisal, Dr Vidyadhara said, “Posterior Spinal Scoliosis Correction & Instrumented fusion T1-L4 with costoplasty T3-8 was successfully performed. Post-surgery Faisal was breathing well and within two days was able to walk independently. He was discharged five days post-surgery and the X-rays done revealed that the scoliosis curve was corrected to 50-degree and the kyphosis was corrected to 60-degree. A month and a half after his surgery, Faisal’s chest constriction has eased, and his quality of life has improved significantly”. It is now 8+ years since surgery and Faisal is happily married since Dec 2019. He has undertaken and completed four marathons (4-kms) as a champion with disability with support of oxygen cylinder to raise awareness for scoliosis. He has to his credit to be involved as disability rights activist for discussions on oxygen supply to people with respiratory insufficiency during air and train travel.
“The unique combination of the expertise of the surgeons and the determination of the patient were key factors in making this challenging surgery a success” said Dr Vidyadhara S. “The experience of the doctors, the state of the art technology and the dedicated medical staff at Manipal Hospitals ensured that Faisal made a nothing short of miraculous recovery”
Since his survival, Faisal has voluntarily dedicated his life to spreading awareness about Scoliosis. He founded ‘SCOLIOSIS INDIA’, a first of its kind interactive platform on Kyphoscoliosis. This platform comprises of members that impart counselling, motivation, guidance and mentoring to people who are suffering with the disease. It provides detailed insights about the various surgical and non-surgical options to manage Kyphoscoliosis, the case studies of people who fight and win this extremely debilitating condition to provide hope to many people who are battling this disease. ‘SCOLIOSIS INDIA’ provides advanced research and treatment available for spine disorders throughout the world.
The platform has also submitted a plea at the Delhi High Court to initiate early screening for scoliosis among school going children this will ensure early diagnosis of the condition. Even during the recent lockdown, he has taken the initiative to run “Unlock Curve” – India’s first virtual campaign successfully. He believes in the following about Kyphoscoliosis
My pain is mine,
My love is divine,
I can roam,
I can run,
Doesn’t matter,
If I have a bent spine.
Manipal Hospitals has decided to join and help Faisal in his noble cause of spreading awareness about Kyphoscoliosis. Speaking about this collaboration a spokesperson at the Manipal Hospitals said, “We wholeheartedly support Faisal in his vision of creating a Scoliosis free society. We wanted to do our part in helping him achieve his dream, so we have joined hands with Faisal and ‘SCOLIOSIS INDIA’ to spread awareness and help people suffering from this disease. The spine specialists at Manipal are advising patients to visit ‘SCOLIOSIS INDIA’ (www.scoliosis.letsendorse.org) for counseling and motivation. The Spine Surgeons at Manipal Hospitals also provide their valuable inputs to the platform regarding scoliosis, diagnosis and management of the condition.”
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