Could not get up from bed for 23 years, now Maldives' Mohammed Rashan found a new life in India

A 23-year-old youth from Maldives underwent a rare surgery in the Indian state of Kerala, after which he was able to sit without any support, he has thanked the doctor wholeheartedly.

23 Year old Maldivian Cured In India: Mohamad Raishan Ahmed, a young man who came from Maldives to India's Kerala state for Posterior Scoliosis Correction Surgery, got a new life. Earlier, he was bedridden since birth, but now he can sit without any support. After successful treatment, he now wants to study further.

What is the story of Mohammad Rashan Ahmed?

The 23-year-old patient from Maldives is Mohamad Raishan Ahmed, the son of Ahmed Muhamad and Aminath Ibrahim. He was born with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 2, a hereditary genetic condition in which muscles throughout the body weaken because nerve cells in the spinal cord and brainstem do not function properly. One in every 6,000 children is born with SMA and it is also a major cause of death at birth.

Patient Mohammad Rashan Ahmad also had several other health issues that limited him from reaching his full potential. One of these was scoliosis which had been getting worse by the time he was 8 years old. He was bedridden his whole life with only two arms working and his only goal in life was to sit without falling. The boy's mental development was very good and he was actively pursuing his studies and now he has also decided to do PhD.

A step full of hope for India

The goal of sitting without falling brought him to KimHealth Hospital in Thiruvananthapuram, India, where he met orthopedic spine surgeon Dr. Ranjith Unnikrishnan. A posterior sciliosis correction surgery was performed by inserting screws and rods from the patient's skull to the hips. The surgery, which lasted about 14 hours, was extremely challenging and risky, as the patient's many health problems were taken into account. After the surgery, the patient had to undergo physiotherapy and his lifelong desire to sit straight without falling was fulfilled. Now his spine is 'strong and straight'. This is one of the first successful surgeries of its kind in the country.

What did the doctor say?

Dr. Ranjith Unnikrishnan said, "For many years, he was unable to move his limbs. This large sciliosis had been progressing over the years, it did not allow him to sit straight without support. So he tried the usual non-surgical measures like belts, bridges. He could not hold his neck due to his weak muscle control. Finally, surgery was the option we discussed. But this treatment had many challenges right from his fitness. We had to treat him from his head to his hips as he could not even stand straight. After many discussions, he decided to undergo surgery. So in the month of August, we performed the posterior sciliosis correction surgery."

Dr. Unnikrishnan also said that the surgery lasted for about 14 to 15 hours which the patient bravely faced, he said, “We were able to do it very successfully and we made a rigorous plan to do the whole surgery in one stage because he could not handle much anesthesia. After the operation, he was on ventilator for a few days. He has achieved what he wanted. He is able to sit straight without support. He is already a graduate. He is planning to do his masters.”

The patient's confidence increased

Patient Mohammad Rashan Ahmed from Maldives said that his confidence has increased, he said, “About a month after the surgery, there was a little pain in both shoulders. However, due to physiotherapists and acute therapists, the pain has reduced a lot. I can sit without any support. I am sitting freely on my own. I am able to maintain my balance. I am able to move my limbs freely. Thanks to Dr. Ranjith's team. After the surgery, I am able to move my neck up and down freely.”

Mohamed Rashan is currently involved in a UNICEF project in his home country Maldives. He said, “After completing this project, I will try my best to pursue further education, master's education. I am trying for Performance Psychology which is available in the UK. After this recovery process, I will go ahead with the UNICEF project and then do a master's degree,”