Mummy Returns!

 20 July 2025   Day 23227

Shyamala Gopal’s health condition improved last week. I had to travel away from Coimbatore between 14^th – 18^th of July and we were all concerned about her health condition at GKNM. Luckily. she progressed well and the Doctors were keen to discharge her last week. We deferred it till 19^th July.

Had to make arrangements for some critical medical apparatus at home before she could be brought back home. An air bed, O₂ Concentrator, Nebulizer, BiPAP Machine, Backrest, Patient gowns and consumables like under-pads, adult diapers, gloves etc too were organised. A dependable lady care-attendant too had to be arranged on a full-time stay basis.

The discharge from the hospital happened at 1500 on Saturday 19^th July. The night drifted off reasonably well with a few alarms from the BiPAP machine alerting us and needing some minor adjustments.

The essential issue was one of depleted O₂ levels that had plummeted to 55 and an accompanied elevation in CO₂. This needed a Nebulizer, Oxygen concentrator, NIV, BiPAP etc. An UTI plus lung infection needed strong antibiotics via IV. And a urinary catheter too. Infection came under control and now her O₂ levels are stabilising because of the Concentrator and BiPAP.

Her mental alertness has not diminished. Her physical strength in the lower limbs is very poor. The learning is that as we age, we need to ensure that our body flexibility, especially the hips and lower limbs, have to be taken care of.

Deep gratitude to GKNM team (Emergency, ICU Ward 43 Block C and also at Room B407 Ward 50 Block B) for all their care and attention. Gratitude to Lakshmi Canteen at GKNM for their food and beverages. Thanks to the various Red Taxi drivers for ferrying us to and fro. Thanks to the team at the carousel parking at GKNM, Thanks to the Hitwin team and Sun Surgicals for providing all the Medical Equipment (Rentals and Purchases). Thanks to InHouse Medicare for providing Attendants.

So, Mummy Returns home. While Shyamala Gopal is easing her way back out of the emergency, last night my mother Lakshmi Parameswaran (age 90 Yrs) had breathing difficulty and elevated heartbeats at InHouse Medicare. ECG is ok. Visited her today and awaiting test reports. Blood test and Urine test done. Doc may want to do an Echo tomorrow.

This week also had a three -ay workshop by IIT GDC at IITM Research Park for a Cohort of 8 teams being incubated at IITM Pravartak. Enjoyed the role of an Instructor. Had to travel to Chennai 14^th – 18^th for this.

Vishal and Nirmala rallied around very well and managed the situation at GKNM, the home-front and coordinating with external service providers.

Together we have tided over this small emergency. Deepest gratitude for that.

Live Life To The Maximum!