When I first took up the responsibility of treating her, I was fully aware it would be challenging but I thought I would give it my best. After she was admitted in Saifee Hospital, we started observing the phenomenal progress she was making and were exuberant at how well she was doing.
Her sudden death came as a complete shock to me and I don’t know what could have caused it. After she left India, I had no idea about how she was being treated in Burjeel Hospital, but I’m sure the doctors tried their best.
What I miss the most about Eman is her smile. I remember, even when she was upset and wouldn’t smile at Shaimaa [her sister], she would immediately perk up on seeing me and smile.
My only regret is that I couldn’t complete her treatment. Over the three months when she was under our care, she had transcended from being a patient to a lot more. I would start my day by monitoring her condition and end it by checking on her again. I remember how she was positive and chirpy even though she was bedridden for 25 years and was living with other comorbidities. While there were several ups and downs during her treatment at Saifee Hospital, we, somehow, always managed.
Unfortunately, after being targeted by Shaimaa, I was no longer in touch with them but I wished nothing but the best for Eman. While I was saying goodbye to Eman before she left for Abu Dhabi, I was telling her that I wasn’t sure if I would see her again. She was holding my hand with a firm grip and she refused to let go. When she left Mumbai, medically she was doing well and she was transferred mainly for rehabilitation. As for the urinary tract infection, she was suffering from when she arrived in Burjeel Hospital, any person who has been bedridden for so long will have a UTI and also, she had a catheter and was diabetic. The infection was a small risk compared to the other health problems she had. Also, as far as I know, she wasn’t suffering from an ulcer in her knee while she was in India. According to some reports, she died of septic shock but I don’t think a bacterial infection was the cause. The last images were of her celebrating her birthday in the hospital and she did not look like someone suffering from a chronic infection. A patient who was responding so well to treatment can’t suddenly go into septic shock. Only the hospital can give an explanation as to what caused her sudden death. I’m sure they tried their best and it wasn’t their fault in any way. I am very hurt and saddened. I hope wherever she is now, she is at peace.
Lakdawala is a leading bariatric surgeon. He treated Eman Ahmed in India.
As told to Anuradha Varanasi.
