Now, it is alive and kicking
Thirty-six years ago, the Shahs had faced the dilemma the Mehtas are facing now.
Harina Shah, in her seventh month of pregnancy in October 1972, found out that her baby had complete congenital heart block - the same disorder that the Mehtas’ unborn baby has been diagnosed with.
Niketa and Haresh Mehta, who found out about their baby’s heart condition in the 24th week of pregnancy, have petitioned Bombay High Court, asking for permission to abort. But the Shahs decided to bring their baby into the world.
“There was a huge risk involved in delivering the baby. We were told to keep blood ready for transfusion. We did not know if the baby would be handicapped, or be able to lead a normal life,” recalled Jayaraj Shah, 67, an engineer from Juhu.
Like the Mehtas, the Shahs did not have the funds needed for the repeated surgeries required to keep the baby alive. Every operation costs Rs1-2 lakh (it had cost the same in 1972), depending on the type of pacemaker to be implanted. Add to this, Rs50,000 for hospital stay and the surgeon’s fees. “My parents supported our decision and lent us financial support. I also sought help from several charitable organisations,” said Shah.
His son, Jayesh (name changed), now 36, has undergone three pacemaker implants so far, and works as a stock analyst with a foreign bank. “He leads a normal and active life,” said Shah.
“I have gone trekking and I work out in the gym. I take no medications whatsoever,” said Jayesh.
Jayesh had his first pacemaker implant in 1982, at the age of 10. The second and third surgeries were performed in ’92 and ’99, when the batteries in the pacemaker had to be replaced. “The pacemaker has a battery life of 10 years. It has to be replaced every decade. My fourth surgery is scheduled next year,” said Jayesh.
According to Shah, a lot depends on the attitude of the parents. “When the doctor explained to us that our baby’s heartbeat was almost 50% less than normal, we decided we would give the baby a chance to fight for survival,” he said.
Jayesh, however, had his weaknesses. “I used to tire far more quickly than other children of my age. And till the age of 10, when I got a pacemaker, I suffered from lots of cough, cold and fever,” said Jayesh.
“The doctors had warned us that we could not afford to neglect any aspect of Jayesh’s health - not even a cough or a sneeze. We spent many sleepless nights worrying about him,” said Shah.
Jayesh requires repeated bi-annual check-ups, to test the life of the pacemaker’s battery. “In those days, it took 10 days to recover from surgery. But now it takes just two,” said Shah, adding that advancement in medical technology had made life
easier for such patients.
Jayaraj wants to meet the Mehtas and share his son’s story with them. “I cannot influence the Mehtas’ decision. But, I want to tell them that complete congenital heart block need not necessarily mean the end of life for their child,” said Shah.
