At SSH, the Neurosurgeon, Dr. Vineet Varghese, was immediately informed. After urgent evaluation, Mr. Masaraph was admitted to the ICU under the Neurosurgery Department for close monitoring. To their dismay, his CT scan revealed a large brain hemorrhage with midline shift. That night itself, they were counseled for major brain surgery at the earliest. Fear washed over his family—what if he didn’t survive? What would happen to their family, their future? But there was no choice; the operation was his only chance for survival as he was deteriorating.
So, as the cold December sun rose, Mr. Masraph was wheeled into the operating theatre. His family clutched each others' hands tightly, whispering prayers, their hearts pounding with both hope and dread.
Days turned into weeks. At first, there was little change—his eyes closed, his body unresponsive. But slowly, almost imperceptibly, hope began to return. A faint movement of his hand. A flicker of his eyes. A sound that was more than just the machine. Each small step felt like a miracle, and his family clung to it with everything they had.
After nearly a month, the doctors gave them the news they had been praying for—Mr. Masraph began to show signs of recovery. Gradually, he was weaned off from ventilation support. Stable enough to leave the ICU, he was shifted to the ward. But the journey was not without hurdles—his oxygen levels dipped, a respiratory consultation was sought, and stronger antibiotics were started.
Slowly, he improved, and at last, he was discharged home with stable vitals and
instructions for regular follow-up.
Life after discharge came with new struggles. At first, Mr. Masraph showed up for daily check-ups, then weekly, then once every two weeks, and later, monthly visits.
For many months, there was no word from him. Then, one day, he showed up in the OPD, greatly improved, bringing hope and joy to his treating team. Plans were soon made for his cranioplasty-to repair skull defect from his previous surgery and he was admitted once again on 24/06/2025. Two days later, he underwent the procedure under general anesthesia, which went uneventfully.
It was on a cold winter evening, three years ago, when life changed forever for Masraph, a 59-year-old shopkeeper.
That very evening, while sitting in his small shop—the lifeline of his family—he had been waiting for his son to take over for the day. Before leaving, he went to the bathroom, but never came out. The sound of running water grew suspiciously long, and when his son peeped through the gap beneath the door, he was horrified to see his father lying motionless, uttering incoherent words. In desperation, he broke the door open, and with his mother’s help, carried his father to the nearest hospital. Primary care was given there, but due to the severity of the condition, he was referred onward. Unfortunately, little help was provided at the next facility, so without delay, the family brought him to St. Stephen’s Hospital (SSH).
Hours later, the doors finally opened—the surgery was over. The surgeon had done everything they could and the surgery was successful.
For weeks after the surgery, Mr. Masraph laid in the ICU, his frail body connected to machines that kept him alive. To secure his airway, a tracheostomy was performed in the ICU and he was kept on ventilation support. His family rarely left his side. His son would sit quietly in the hallways waiting for the visiting hours, while his wife whispered silent prayers, her hands trembling with both fear and faith.
Looking back, his son vividly recalled every moment—the shock, the fear, the uncertainty, and finally the relief. With deep emotion, he shared how the hospital patient welfare society had stepped in with unexpected financial help, something the family had not dared to hope for during their most difficult time.
Above all, he spoke of his profound gratitude to Dr. Vineet Varghese, Head of Neurosurgery, and the dedicated ICU staff as well as the Patients Welfare Society whose care and compassion carried them through the darkest chapter of their lives. Now finally they have a new lease to life- vibrant and lively.