Hindustan Times
29 April 2011
Mumbai, India

Mulund resident Madhukar Nimdeo, 93, has undergone total knee replacements on both his knees and knows the importance of a support group at such times. "Patients face many anxieties while undergoing a major surgery, and I know the feeling. I want to help and support those who are undergoing the same experience," said the nonagenarian, who is one of the members of the newly formed Fortis Knee Support Group, initiated by Fortis Hospital, Mulund.

The hospital on Thursday announced the launch of support groups for patients undergoing knee and spinal surgeries. The groups will provide support and guidance to pre-operative and post-operative patients with knee and spine problems.

"Some of the major initiatives of these groups will include free physiotherapy session once a month, special consultation, investigations and health check-up packages and regular sessions on knee and spine and related physiotherapy by experts," said Vijayaratna V, regional general manager, Fortis Hospital.

The support groups will start working with 550 knee and spine surgery patients at the hospital as its members. Anyone with the similar health problems can join the group.

"These members will work as ambassadors to pass on the message about the diseases and how they can be prevented," said Dr Kaushal Malhan, orthopeadic surgeon.

Bhupinder Singh Oberoi, 51, who underwent a major spine surgery last year, still remembers how sharing his experience helped another patient psychologically.

"The patient next to me was to undergo the same surgery and was very anxious. After I shared my own experience with her about the procedure, she felt reassured," said the Andheri resident.