Presentation from the heart. Dr MP Ravindra Nathan 1958 Trivandrum Medical College Alumnus narrating his life story which started at his native school, followed by Maharaja's College and Trivandrum Medical College. Later he moved to UK and onward to US. He had at the peak of his practice "A cloak of invincibility " in his own words. The onset of renal dysfunction blew that away and through his journey he narrates that when you learn to live with your level of debility you live longer. He narrrates how he went to Minneapolis to be operated by Dr Desjardin the second most popular renal transplant surgeon after Nobel prize winning Dr Joseph Murray. He had the advantage of being able to choose the best renal transplantation centre since he was well informed. 6 years after his onset of renal dysfunction he underwent transplantation. The post operative period had its share of problems which was overcome with fortitude. He thanks his family for the support especially his sister who travelled all the way from Changanassery to Minneapolis to undertake the tests and eventually donate her kidney. This sister elder by two years is healthy by all counts. It is to be remembered that she undertook this journey at a time when renal transplantation was not yet popular in India. In fact an interesting anecdote mentioned was when the reason of travel was asked she replied that I am ready to even give my heart to my boy. The happiest part is that she returned post donation with no morbidity.
The meeting was chaired by Prof. Venugopal and attended by retired HODs Prof. K Sasidharan and Prof. KR Vikraman and our residents. I presented our guest to the gathering.
Dr Ravindra Nathan is an alumnus of Trivandrum Medical College and was part of the eighth batch beginning 1958. He is a successful Cardiologist working in Tampa Bay Florida USA. He developed renal failure due to IgA Nephropathy and needed renal transplantation. His sister provided the second chance with a live kidney donation. He underwent the renal transplantation in 1994 and has had an excellent clinical course till date.
Now at 78 years he reflects on his life till date. He is in India and shares his thoughts with us in an interaction at Medical College Thiruvananthapuram. He is also the author of the book A Second Chance: A Sister's Act of Love. The book details his struggle with the disease and his stormy battles and his long period of survival post transplantation - presently 24 years of second chance. All due to the act of love by his sister. The book is available online for booklovers. He wishes to campaign actively for organ donation
