14 February,2014 07:35 AM IST | | Swapnal Tilekar
Anita Apte, who had been living with the pain she contracted after a bicycle accident 35 years ago, says post-surgery she feels younger and is excited to celebrate the day with her husband
New lease of life: Anita and Abhay Apte
"After living in pain for the last 35 years, today I feel younger and thrilled to celebrate this Valentine's Day," said Anita Apte, who recently underwent an intricate hip replacement surgery.
New lease of life: Anita and Abhay Apte
"It all started after I fell off a bicycle at the age of 14. I neglected the pain like any other teenager, but never imagined that such a small incident would haunt me for almost the rest of my life. Initially the pain was bearable, but it went from bad to worse since March 2013. I couldn't even walk within the house," she said.
The pain forced Anita to quit her job as an insurance consultant, which required her to be on the field. She was diagnosed with osteoarthritis. The condition rendered joints of her hips non-functional, almost making her bedridden. For the last four years, Anita was dependent on a walking stick. But says the time she was not able to spend with her husband, Abhay, in these four years is what pains her the most.
"I love travelling, but my condition confined me to the bed. I had to give up trekking, which I used to do with my husband. I always considered myself fortunate to get such a loving husband, who married me despite knowing my condition," Anita said.
She said they meet 27 years ago at the German language classes her father used to conduct. Abhay was one of his students.
"I told him about my accident before getting married, and he didn't hesitate at all. But as my pain worsened, my brother Raghunath Godbole, who is also a surgeon, told me about the Verilast technology for hip replacement. So I decided to go for it. It's been six months post-surgery, and I'm all exited to enjoy the Valentine's Day with my husband."
Hubby speaks
Just like Anita, Abhay too is excited and has plans to make the day special for her. Commenting on Anita's surgery, he said, "We consulted two to three doctors before surgery, as we didn't want to take any risk. Only after we were assured about this surgery that we approached Dr Mahesh Kulkarni from Indian Medical Association (IMA), Pune, to perform it. Thankfully, everything went well and Anita has fully recovered. I'm planning for a dinner with our daughter and son-in-law on Valentine's Day."
âJoint' action
Dr Mahesh Kulkarni, joint-replacement surgeon at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital and Jehangir Hospital, said, "After all these years of pain and disappointment, Anita deserves a better life. Initially she kept on deferring the surgery, but dealt with it bravely once she made up her mind. It took three months for her to recover fully. She can now led an active life. I wish her all the very best."
