Some people say I’m lucky to be here, but I think more than luck helped keep me alive when I suddenly fell critically ill.
In January last year, I was living a full and happy life with my wife Kanchan and my young daughter in Melbourne.
I was busy with work, family, friends and regularly playing badminton. I was what you would call fit and healthy when, suddenly, I experienced abdominal pain.
After a trip to my local GP, I was sent home with medication and talk of gastro. Two days went on and the pain began radiating down my back, so I took myself to the chiropractor for relief.
The pain didn’t subside and, after going back and forth with my GP a couple of more times, I headed to the Werribee Mercy Emergency Department.
After being triaged and awaiting to be seen I began suffering shortness of breath, and blood tests taken showed that I was suffering from pneumonia, a bacterial infection of the blood and numerous blood clots.
I was immediately admitted to ICU and here the decision was made to transfer me to Sunshine Hospital for critical care.
I was intubated and for 10 days I was treated at Sunshine Hospital. After showing no signs of improvement it was recommended I be given life-saving ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) treatment to give my body the rest it so needed.
It was fighting desperately for so long.
I was then transferred to University Hospital Geelong where ECMO treatment was available. My wife and daughter were overseas while all of this was happening.
I then went on to spend 90 days on ECMO. This vital machine took over the job of my lungs and saved me from respiratory failure.
Considered to be the last resort life support for patients like me with severe heart and lung failure, ECMO pumped and oxygenated my blood outside my body, allowing my heart and lungs to rest.
ECMO proved to be the game-changing modern equipment that ultimately saved my life.
I’m so super grateful for the care and expertise that was shown to me by Barwon Health. After 90 days in hospital, and the majority of the time in ICU, I am feeling much better and am slowly on the pathway back to 100%.
I urge you to consider giving to the Barwon Health Foundation’s Critical Care Appeal. With every donation, no matter how big or small, critically ill patients like me will continue to receive the best care at their greatest time of need.
Life can change in the blink of an eye and, when it does, you want to know that the very best care and equipment is there waiting for you.
Warm Regards,
Ajay Manchandani
