Has your life been saved by someone?

Children playing in the streets were very common and one of the best times when evenings were spent. When I was in the 7th class, I was playing with my friends on the street, keeping a small gooseberry pickle in my mouth - it was very tasty, as was the usual case with all my grandma's preparations. I tried to call someone and lo and behold, this object entered my oesophagus involultarily and got stuck there. Luckily it did not block the wind pipe. I was taken to the doctor at a clinic who expressed his inability to take the thing out. There was an old lady who was well-versed in traditional medicine living opposite our house. She tried to give some blows to my neck and event that failed. So, her son and also her grandson who were doctors were called for help. They were not at home at that point of time. They were summoned back home. The senior of the two, who was working in a hospital took me there. Unfortunately, it was a Sunday and no doctors at the operation theatre were available. He went in search of his colleagues and finally managed to get the keys of the OT and also bring a colleague on SOS. By that time, I had felt difficulty in swallowing and the water I drank slowly trickled into my tummy. My finger nails were becoming bluish, suggesting that even for the lungs, oxygen was getting slowed down. It was about 9pm when I was taken to the OT. They put a metal tube in my throat and tried to remove the object. But the pincers pushed it down, luckily into my stomach. I felt comfortable after that, much to the relief of all. The junior doctor, brought me back home on my uncle's bicycle after getting me a nice banana. A week passed and there was foul smell from my mouth. Little did they realize that there was an infection due to the metal pipe insertion. A course of antibiotics was given and I vomited large amounts of pus. Slowly I recovered. EXams were closing in and my studies had been affected. My classmates used to visit me and wish me health. I took the exams and fared pretty well, much to the relief of my parents and g-parents. I can never forget that incident and the friendly doctors opposite my house. The senior Dr. died two years ago, suddenly. That old lady's son-in-law (he died last month) had helped in saving my father's life twice during emergencies. But that is another story.

What a harrowing experience, Dinu! We are all the benefactors of your doctor friends' expertise, for you survived and thrived, and are a blessing to others.

Somebody wanted me to continue the stint and so was it. I have lived this far to see my DG-era and some wonderful friends across the world. I posted this thread last week and felt like doing it. Now when I read it, I felt my description went a bit too long???

Dinu, I'm sure there was a lot more you could have said about that frightening experience, and you cut it short instead! What an ordeal -- and what a happy ending, for all of us!

God brought you to the right people at the right time. I'm happy their efforts were successful, Dinu; my world has been made happier by knowing you. :)

Yes indeed, GW. "happier by knowing you" -- may I ask you how??

Well, for one thing, you ask thought-provoking questions. Someone who challenges others to think always enriches those in contact with him. I also enjoy seeing your photos and stories from a world I've never experienced. :)

Aha! Thought-provoking questions?! I sometimes wonder how wavelengths and sense of humour of people with a completely different background match. But I can say from such an experience that some of the basic human qualities show up in the end. And that is what makes one comfortable.

As far as photos are concerned, I must thank my generous friend, Mr.Thomas who has toured the world as a marine engineer possessing a digital camera and he is too kind to trust me to give that expensive gadget for use here. He knows and he is convinced that I handle it carefully. I borrow it for a day once in a few months and that is why you see me posting pictures in spurts. Silent at other times. If I had my own Digicam, I don't know what I would have done! Incidentally, MR.Thomas' wife is my colleague. I'm so grateful to them both.

And I'm too glad to know that there is someone who likes my posts and pictures and that is heartening to note that my time with the DG is put to good use.

Dinu, your posts and photographs and the thoughtful way you express yourself are welcome and refreshing. Your time here is valued and put to very good use, indeed!