The Rehab Letter April-June 2011

8/3/2019 The Rehab Letter April-June 2011

1/12

Birthday of Dr Mary Verghese

May 26 is the birthday of Dr Mary Verghese, the pioneer of Physical Medicine& Rehabilitation in India. In the early sixties, she was also the visionary who

was responsible for starting the Rehabilitation Institute (Maruvazhvu Payirchi

Maiyam) in the Bagayam campus of Christian Medical College in Vellore.

This initiative was attributable to her experience in a specialized facility for

spinal injury in Australia and the U.S.

What started as a two-bed unit is today a world-class centre for rehabilitation

and caters to more than 120 persons in need-based facilities in Bagayam

and the main CMC Hospital in Vellore. Dr Mary Verghese was herself a great

surgeon from the wheelchair and an inspiration to persons in her care in her

lifetime. She had a spinal cord injury when a picnic vain overturned while

overtaking a bus near Gudiyattam in Tamil Nadu in 1954.

Initiatives on May 26, 2011

On the birthday of Dr Mary Verghese, the Rehab Alumni

Network has launched a few initiatives aimed at the

community of persons with spinal/brain injury. Here we go with

the proposals:

Inauguration of the Rehab Alumni Network (RAN);

Release of the first issue of this publication, The Rehab

Newsletter

Launch of a Stamp Hour at Rehab to help economically-

challenged persons;

Signing of the trust deed for Spinal Care India, an aspiring

Pan-India forum for persons with spinal injury/disorders;

Adoption of June 25 as Spinal Injury Awareness Day by

Rehab Alumni (this is an initiative of the Nina Foundation

and adopted by Rehab Alumni);

Institution of the Dr Mary Verghese Award for Excellence in

Empowering Ability. The award will be presented during the

Rehab Mela.

May 26 to be celebrated by the Rehab Alumni as Ability

Day to give a positive orientation to the reality of people

with ability facing physical/psychological challenges

Rehab Alumni Network (RAN)

Rehab Alumni Network is an organization

that brings together persons who were,

are and will be under care at the Mary

Verghese Institute of Rehabilitation.

In l ine with the widening range of

rehabilitation work at the CMC Bagayam

campus in Vellore, RAN will have in itsfold persons with spinal injury, persons

with brain injury and children with special

needs.

RAN will also try to encompass those

who take care-doctors, nurses,

therapists, social workers and support

staff-to build a holistic network.

RAN seeks to improve links between

members, enhance involvement and alsoprovide them information that would be

useful even in life after Rehab. We expect

this initiative will become more robust in

the years ahead. Rehab is a place of

learning for everybody involved.

the rehab letter april-june 2011 a rehab alumni network publication

the rehab lettervolume 1 issue 1 price ` 3


2/12

Rukesh leads the singing of the National Anthem.

A painting by Subramaniachari

Sujatha crafts a superb bamboo basket using her legs. Suresh.Artist, Therapist, Financial Advisor...


ability


3/12


vision & realityVision in 1958 & Legacy

Dr Mary Verghese was far from satisfied. The patient still had no access to

adequate means of rehabilitation, no possible source of employment even if

he became rehabilitated. Furthermore, N Ward had other new cases ofparaplegia.

She tried to find time to visit them in her few hours off duty, but with each visit

she found the problem more and more frustrating. There was so little she

could do for them.

"If only we had one good department of rehabilitation here in India ! "

she (Dr Mary Verghese) said to Dr. Chandy.

"If only we had it here at Vellore!

Source: Take My Hands, The Remarkable Story of Dr Mary Verghese by

Dorothy Clarke Wilson

The Reality 2011


4/12


5/12

A member of the audience asks for Minnur Mahadevan to be given standingovation and leads it.

Unnikrishnan presents a memento to Minnur Mahadevan


Mattru Thiranaaligal, Ulagai Mattrum..

Minnur Mahadevan has penned

a superb song `Mattru

Thiranaaligal, Ulagai Mattrum

Thiranaaligal focusing on theability of physically-challenged

persons to act as positive

change agents in the world. The

lyrics were so good that

renowned Carnatic and film

singer Unnikrishnan performed

the song in a concert. Let us

enjoy the lyrics:


6/12

Four doctors from the PMR Department - Dr Abhishek Sanyal, Dr Ahana Chatterji, Dr Apurba Burman and Dr Rohit Bhide have

completed their specialized course in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. They have cleared the Diplomate of National Board exams.

Abhishek and Rohit have now earned the right to be called physiatrists (those who deal with physical rehabilitation) while Ahana

and Apurba have added one more reason to sport the `physiatrist tag. We congratulate them and offer our best wishes in their

careers. They have already been doing work that changes lives and are set to make a difference to many-a-life impacted by

spinal/brain injury in the years ahead.

Dr Abhishek Sanyal, Dr Ahana ChatterjiDr Apurba Burman Dr Rohit Bhide

Dr Mary Verghese In Action

For months, Dr. Jacob Chandy had been working

with a patient in N Ward, a man who had once

earned a good income. Now, as a paraplegic,

faced with his inability to support and educate his

seven children, he had sunk into hopeless

depression. When Mary heard of how poorly the

man was responding to therapy, she wondered if

Dr. Chandy was right in wanting to introduce her to

him. "Are you sure the sight of me will not hinder

you?" she asked.

The results exceeded Dr. Chandy's expectations.

Young Dr. Pulimood, Dr. Chandy's new house

officer, reported enthusiastically : "You wouldn't

believe what a difference her coming has made !

Our patient Is a new person. Just the sight of Mary

in her wheel chair, patient, courageous, showing

not telling him that l ife need not end for a

handicapped person is why one of her visits did

more than all the lectures and arm-strengthening

exercises !

(Source: Take My Hands, The Remarkable Story

of Dr Mary Verghese by Dorothy Clarke Wilson)

Peers Outside Rehab

Meet S Ramakrishan of Amar Seva Sangham. He is the embodiment of what

a person with spinal injury can achieve if the mind stays positive and

supplemented with courage and enthusiasm. An accident during military

selection turned Ramakrishnans world completely in 1975 as he became a

quadriplegic. This meant new challenges but that did stop him from pursuinga new dream.

What started as a small operation in 1981 is today a shining example for

everybody. Amar Seva Sangham, named after the doctor-Amar Singh-who

helped in his rehabilitation,

completes 30 years of

excellence in 2011.

Its services reach beyond

the world of the physically

challenged as it makes a

difference to many-a-

village in the vicinity andbeyond of Ayikudy which

serves as the base.

Ramakrishan is a living

inspiration. May we aspire

to have more such

examples.


four young physiatrists


7/12


rehab image

A Photo by Vignesh Rajagopalan

New Couple in Town

May was Wedding Bells time for Samuel Raja and Pearlin Grace. The two who are occupational therapists at Rehab married at a

church ceremony in Vellore on May 20, 2011 followed by an elegant reception. RAN wishes Sam and Pearlin, A Happy Married Life.


8/12


budding therapists

Overseeing PT in Rehab

Samuel Kirubakaran, Lecturer, has

joined the Physiotherapy team at

Rehab. Sam is a post-graduate in PT

and has worked in hospitals in

Mumbai and Vellore. He has been

transferred to Rehab from the CMC

Main Hospital and takes the place of

Lenny Vasanthan who has moved to

CMC Vellore. RAN welcomes &

wishes Sam the very best in his new

role at Rehab.

The Graduate Class of 2011: 10 Physiotherapists and 10 Occupational Therapists have recently completed their graduation at

Christian Medical College. RAN wishes them a great career and happy lives.

Neeraj Gampawar (New PT At Rehab)

Thanks Ben & Lenny

Lenny Vasanthan (right), a lecturer and

head of the Physiotherapy, has moved to

CMC after a four-month stint at Rehab.

Thajus Aasirvatham (New OT At Rehab)

Ben Shamir Bright (left), an occupational

therapist, who worked in Rehab for a few

years has moved to Qatar as a staff of

Hamad Medical Corporation.


9/12


meet a fellow alumni

DOs and DONTs by Dr Mary Verghese

Constant vigilance! watchword of the paraplegic.

Day after day, week after week, year after year, for as long as

one should live, the patient, exacting ritual:

examining the body thoroughly for reddened areas

using a hand mirror for back, hips, heels, and elbows

bathing daily with warm water and soap

then rubbing lightly over paralyzed parts

applying powder when the skin was dry

using foam rubber pads to keep pressure off any part

that showed signs of redness

making sure that no part was subjected to pressure for

more than an hour

keeping the skin dry

treating every slightest abrasion as if it were a mortal

wound.

Monotonous, time consuming routines, but for the

paraplegic, a matter of life or death!

(Source: Take My Hands)

Skin Care

Skin-care is an important aspect in the lives of persons with

spinal cord injury. Practices that could help with good skin

hygiene are:

Turn positions every two hours when lying down during day

or night.

Push up every ten minutes when sitting- on the bed or the

wheelchair or any other place.

Avoid sitting directly on hard surfaces and use a pressure

distributing cushion seat.

Lying prone at night is good for skin care; by stretching out,

also for spasticity control.

Check your skin directly or using a mirror every day in the

morning, and if possible, before going to sleep.

Apply a little coconut oil, especially on the buttocks, and

over any other area of skin that is prone to get dry and is

vulnerable to pressure.

Do not stay in any one position for than two hours.

If you notice redness of the skin (grade 1 pressure sore), give

complete pressure relief to that area until the redness

subsides.

Do consult a doctor to get suggestions/advice specific to

you.

Bharathrajan is a senior rehab alumni and a shining example of what can be achieved if the attitude

turns positive after initial disappointment. A fine sportsman, Bharathrajans life had a twist in 1989

when a portion of a wall fell on him and left him a paraplegic. He underwent a long period of

rehabilitation at Rehab and an even longer period of being in a depressed state.

A couple of years after his injury, Bharath realized the futility of sulking and decided to meet the

challenges in life head on. A gentle nudge here and a push there from the likes of Artist Suresh and

social worker Guru helped open doors, opportunity and a job in the Tamil Nadu government. Bharath

has not looked back since. He is today a happy family man with two children and a caring wife.

He has involved himself actively in work to help others with spinal injury. He is a major contributor to

events such as the Rehab Mela. Bharath has also emerged as a person with organizational and

leadership skills as is evident from mini-mela initiatives championed by him. He maintains fitness

reminiscent of his sportsman-days.

Computer Centre in Rehab

As alumni will be aware, each of us spends at least three months in the first rehabilitation program. The process offers time and

space to learn a new skill. There are many-a-person in Rehab care that may not have access to computer-learning skills.

Learning basic computer skills can help a person in communication, reading news & views, entertainment and learning about

government programs. It may be a good first step to basic computer jobs.

To help train persons under care in Rehab, a computer centre has been set up. We also expect to have Internet connectivity

shortly. OT Dilesh is presently in charge. We are looking for volunteers who could come and teach computer skills for two hours

in a week. If you or any of your friends is willing, please get in touch by calling 97909 36844.


10/12


friend of rehabDaniel Balaji (Film Actor )

He came to care for a friend and also

became a friend of Rehab. Such was

his dedication that one of the Rehab

doctors commented that there has

never been a case of support by a

friend that matches what Balaji did for

Manigandan (right).

Balaji was acquainted with

Manigandan for just 36 hours before

the latters accident; yet he played a

pivotal role in leading the way out for

Manigandan. He was also a participant

for two days in the 2011 Rehab Mela.

Working Group on India Spinal AssociationThere has been good progress in the plan to set up a Pan-India Spinal Association. This idea had been discussed at the Rehab

Mela in recent years and in the 2011 Rehab Mela, a group was established to take it forward. As the core group members are

dispersed and would find it tough to get together at regular intervals, a small five-member group has been set up to draw up plans.

This group has had four meetings since the Rehab Mela and a concept paper has been circulated on the way forward.

This is only the beginning of the beginning. The five members who have been part of this small group are Bharathrajan, S.Vaidya

Nathan, Minnur Mahadevan, B Jayakumar and Palni. Artist Suresh and social workers Dr Guru Nagarajan, Elango, Kannadasan and

Rachel Raj have also participated in the meetings in a meaningful manner. We expect to have more to report in our next quarters

newsletter.

Emerging Tailors at MVT

Six alumni Satish, Sentil, Vadivelan, Manigandan, Kumaresan

and Prakash are in the last month of their six-month tailoring

course at the Mary Verghese Trust, Bagayam, Vellore. They

complete their course in June and will get back home hoping to

use their newly-learnt skills to make a living. Their willingness to

change tack in their lives and learn a new vocation deserves

praise. RAN wishes them the best in their new endeavours and

will closely track their progress.

Enterprise in his village

Newton, a member of the staff at Rehab, has played a major

role in organizing a community activity in his village - Ponot Pullurin Chittoor District of Andhra Pradesh. (The place is about 10

kilometers from Vellore). 200 children from Pullur and

neighbouring villages gathered for a three- day program involving

teaching, preaching, fun, dance, food and stay at the CSI in

Pullur. This is the first such program involving neighbouring

villages in Pullur. We appreciate Newton for his initiatives in

organizing such a program.

At IAPMRCON 2011 (39th Annual Conference of. Indian

Association of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation), Dr Rohit

Bhide was awarded the gold medal for his work and presentation.

Accolade


11/12

Say `No to Stem Cell Treatment for Now

Is stem cell treatment an option worth pursuing today? An objective and fact-based evaluation of whats happening the world over

suggests `No as the answer. In October 2010, for the first time, a person with spinal injury was treated with stem cells from human

embryos and a second instance has been reported in May 2011. Definitive results from this experience are not yet in. And one or

two cases cannot make even a sample on such a sensitive and major issue.

We understand every person with spinal injury would wish to explore this option. At present, what drives a few to this course are

hope and emotion and not science and fact. There is a simple way to track and understand developments on this score. If there is

a dramatic breakthrough, it will definitely be major news on credible sources such as The Hindu, BBC, New Scientist, Discovery

and The Guardian. You could always also check on the latest status from doctors in centers such as Pune, Vellore and Delhi where

there are credible organizations that are engaged in spinal injury care for many years.

We urge our alumni to be patient. Stem cells may provide a path-breaking option but that is still an event that is in the future and

not in the present. Even if and when there is concrete progress, affordable treatment will be even further in the future. In this context,

it may be prudent to not waste resources in pursuing this treatment now. Save for a day when it may make an impact.


the RAN view

know the rehab team

Dr George Tharion, Head of PMR Dr Guru Nagarajan, Social Worker Samuel Kamalesh Kumar, Lecturer (OT) Far right

Sister Josephine, Department Sister Ramu, OT Support Staff Magendran, PT Support Staff


12/12

News of use

N The second patient in the U.S to receive experimental embryonic stem cell therapy for a spinal cord injury is being treated in

Chicago. The injection took place over the first weekend of May at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Next, the patient will receive

intensive physical treatment at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago.

N Follow up on the first: The first stem cell treatment in the U.S took place last year (October 2010) in Atlanta. Northwestern's Dr.

Richard Fessler says that patient hasn't experienced any serious side effects but it's too soon to tell if there's been any

improvement in muscle control or feeling.

N A physically challenged woman from an underprivileged background, who sought to pursue a Master's course in law under the

government quota for the physically challenged, has been allowed to do so by the Madras high court.

N Rachana's (name changed) story is one of determination and optimism in the face of great pain and suffering. Three years

back, her spinal cord was infected during treatment for blood cancer, leaving her paralysed below the waist. She can now

move around only in a wheelchair and her uterus is not sufficiently healthy to conceive a baby. Yet this 33-year-old woman is

today the proud mother of a baby girl, thanks to in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) and generosity of a woman in Anand who agreed to

become the surrogate mother of her baby

N Members of Parliament will be allowed to spend up to Rs 10 lakh a year from the Member of Parliament Local Area Development

Scheme to provide assistance to the physically challenged.

N Individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCIs) have a significant risk of developing osteoporosis in paralyzed body regions, so much

so that researchers recently released a study asserting the need for more education on the topic among both patients and

physicians. The report, which appears in the journal Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, uses as clinical evidence

the incidence of osteoporosis-related fractures among 32 patients with SCIs. The average age of these participants was 53.

All of them had previously suffered a paralyzing injury to the spine, and all were wheelchair-dependent. Researchers found that

all 32 individuals had suffered at least one post-SCI fracture, usually in the lower limbs.

Source: plegia.org, a Google Group on Spinal Injury Peers (especially Suresh Krishna)

Suggestion

Rehab Alumni are requested to make

sure that they register and get the Unique

Identification Number called Aadhar.

Watch out for announcement by the

government for registration activity in your

area. In the years ahead, this number is

likely be the most important in accessing

information & public distribution system

and also in securing entitlements from the

government programs.


eye catching

Travel Image By Dr. Rohit Bhide

Get in touchYou can reach us at + 91 97909 36844 orby an email to [email protected]

Disclaimer: Information in this document has been obtained from sources that are reliable in the opinion of Editor and Publisherof The Rehab Letter. Nothing in this document must be construed as medical/therapy opinions and you must consult professionals.Published by: Minnur Mahadevan on behalf of the Rehab Alumni Network; Printer: R.Velayudhan at Paper Craft, No.25, C.P.MudaliStreet, Pudupet, Chennai 600 002. Editor: S.Vaidyanathan

The Rehab Letter April-June 2011

Documents

Transcript of The Rehab Letter April-June 2011