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Why are we raising funds?
Prakash Pai, age 39 years, was diagnosed with a rare form of Auto Immune Disorder known as Scleroderma 10 years ago. Auto Immune Disorder is a condition where the body’s immune system starts attacking and destroying healthy tissue, affecting different organs.
In Prakash’s case, the disease has progressively weakened his lungs since the last 4 years, causing difficulty in breathing. He was admitted to hospital on 13 March complaining of heaviness in chest and severe cough. Initially, doctors diagnosed pneumothorax (lung collapse) leading to very high Carbon Dioxide (CO2) levels in his blood.
Since then, Prakash has been on the ventilator (assisted breathing). Periodically the doctors tried to take him off the ventilator to see if his lung response has improved, but with limited success. Prakash obviously cannot stay on a ventilator indefinitely. He needs to start breathing on his own again.
The doctors then diagnosed a fistula (abnormal passage way or leak) in his left lung, because of which he could not breathe in enough oxygen for his body. Therefore on Friday 23, they performed a thoracoscopy (surgical procedure) along with 2 other procedures – bullectomy and and tracheostomy. Since then, doctors have been monitoring Prakash to see how soon he can be taken off the ventilator.
As Prakash needs constant monitoring of oxygen levels, he has been kept in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) throughout. He was first at Namaha Hospital and now he is admitted at Lilavati Hospital, Mumbai.
How much funding do we need?
We propose to raise Rs.18 Lakhs to support Prakash, as per the following break up.
This fundraiser is to support Prakash and his family to meet these expenses, which vastly exceed the medical insurance cover, and their savings. The condition has prevented Prakash from continuing his career in the merchant navy and relying on savings for treatment.
Prakash Pai, age 39 years, was diagnosed with a rare form of Auto Immune Disorder known as Scleroderma 10 years ago. Auto Immune Disorder is a condition where the body’s immune system starts attacking and destroying healthy tissue, affecting different organs.
In Prakash’s case, the disease has progressively weakened his lungs since the last 4 years, causing difficulty in breathing. He was admitted to hospital on 13 March complaining of heaviness in chest and severe cough. Initially, doctors diagnosed pneumothorax (lung collapse) leading to very high Carbon Dioxide (CO2) levels in his blood.
Since then, Prakash has been on the ventilator (assisted breathing). Periodically the doctors tried to take him off the ventilator to see if his lung response has improved, but with limited success. Prakash obviously cannot stay on a ventilator indefinitely. He needs to start breathing on his own again.
The doctors then diagnosed a fistula (abnormal passage way or leak) in his left lung, because of which he could not breathe in enough oxygen for his body. Therefore on Friday 23, they performed a thoracoscopy (surgical procedure) along with 2 other procedures – bullectomy and and tracheostomy. Since then, doctors have been monitoring Prakash to see how soon he can be taken off the ventilator.
As Prakash needs constant monitoring of oxygen levels, he has been kept in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) throughout. He was first at Namaha Hospital and now he is admitted at Lilavati Hospital, Mumbai.
How much funding do we need?
We propose to raise Rs.18 Lakhs to support Prakash, as per the following break up.
- Actual expenses of hospital stay in ICU, daily ventilator, medicines and surgical procedures has already reached Rs.12 lakhs in the past 14 days. The initial treatment at Namaha Hospital cost Rs. 2 lakhs, as per actual bills attached. The stay in ICU, medications and surgery at Lilavati are estimated to cost 10 Lakhs, as per his treating doctor’s letter attached.
- Follow Up tests, medications and procedures : Rs. 3 lakhs approximately. Given the nature of the condition, Prakash would need to be on additional medication and follow up visits/procedures and tests will be required – which we have estimated at Rs.3 lakhs.
- One year of medical support : Rs.3 lakhs. As Prakash’s condition is chronic, there are monthly expenses which are incurred for consultant visits, tests and medication. We propose to cover these expenses for around 1 year in order to help get Prakash back on his feet.
This fundraiser is to support Prakash and his family to meet these expenses, which vastly exceed the medical insurance cover, and their savings. The condition has prevented Prakash from continuing his career in the merchant navy and relying on savings for treatment.
About Prakash
Prakash joined the Merchant Navy at a young age, and sailed the oceans for 15-18 years. His first love has always been the sea. In 2008, the preliminary diagnosis of his situation led him to leave his career eventually and settle down at home.
People who know Prakash will vouch for his amazing sense of humor, made popular on Facebook through the hashtag #P3JComic. From life, to cricket, to football, Prakash has a perspective on everything, that is guaranteed to make you smile. Even as his condition caused him discomfort, Prakash has always been the guy who kept everyone smiling.
Prakash’s wife Gunjan, their 6 year old son Raahat and puppy Coffee Pai are waiting to bring Prakash back home.
What is Auto Immune Disorder?
The job of the immune system is to protect the body from disease and infection. But in people with auto immune disorder, the immune system turns against the body and starts attacking and destroying healthy tissue by mistake. This condition can affect and weaken many vital organs in the body.
What is the treatment?
The main treatment for autoimmune diseases is with medications that bring down inflammation and calm the overactive immune response. Treatments can also help relieve symptoms.
With autoimmune diseases, symptoms come and go. Periods of symptoms are called flare-ups. Periods when the symptoms go away are called remissions.
