Eman Ahmed’s transformation a medical marvel, says Dr Lakdawala

MUMBAI: Eman Ahmed’s transformation from heaviest woman in the world to a 176 kg patient who fits into a regular hospital bed in less than three months is nothing short of a medical marvel, said her doctor, Muffazal Lakdawala, as she readies for her transfer from Saifee Hospital in Charni Road to an Abu Dhabi hospital on Sunday.
“Her Friday morning’s blood report is as normal as any healthy person’s report.It is difficult to imagine that until three months back her oxygen concentration was poor and her creatinine and potassium counts were dangerously off the mark,’’ said bariatric surgeon, Dr Lakdawala, who considers Eman as his “most challenging patient’’.
A bitter battle of words has marred Eman’s stay in India, with Eman’s sister, Shaimaa Semil, alleging that her health has worsened in the last three months. A 13-member medical team, led by Dr Lakdawala, has treated Eman on a pro bono basis; Saifee Hospital authorities have said her treatment, including the Rs 83 lakh flight from Alexandria to Mumbai, cost around Rs 2 crore.
“It is unfortunate that the allegations by a non-medical person are being listened to instead of a 13-member medical team’s assessment. Eman is in better health than she has ever been,’’ said the doctor.
He said Eman’s medical papers are available for anybody to check. “We have done a clean job and have nothing to hide,’’ he said. The Saifee team believes Eman needs neurological rehabilitation now. If the rehab is carried out closer to her home, it will help her psychologically. “Depending on weight loss, she may need another bariatric procedure after a year,’’ said the doctor.
Shaimaa made Eman drink water on Thursday, triggering a coughing fit that needed her to be fitted to a CPAP machine (to help patients breathe easily) immediately. The hospital filed a written complaint with the V P Road police station against Shaimaa for interfering with Eman’s treatment. “During our initial trips to Alexandria, doctors had noticed that Eman coughed violently after eating. It was clear that she could not swallow food due to the stroke she suffered three years back. So we decided to fit a feeding tube right on her second day of arrival,’’ said the doctor.