Tiny fighter confounds docs, death

When Poonam Kulkarni was pregnant, she wasinformed that her placenta was calcified, implying that the baby was not receiving enough nutrition. Tushar was born two-and-a-half months premature on September 17, 1996, and immediately put on an incubator. This lasted for only 20 hours, after which he was a perfectly normal baby.

Like all premature babies, Tushar was checked by paediatricians in Pune and Mumbai after three months. They confirmed that he was doing just fine. But just as the Kulkarnis lulled themselves into a period of stability, trouble erupted.

The baby contracted a severe case of pneumonia in Mumbai and was immediately rushed to Hinduja Hospital. He recovered quickly, and the family returned to Delhi. But on April 1, 1997, as Tushar was playing at home, he suddenly started choking. He went into deep shock, and Poonam and Sanjay rushed him to a nursing home. He eventually had to be shifted to AIIMS.

His right diaphragm was found to be slightly high, and his lungs needed increased oxygen supply. The condition resulted in a reflux,meaning that whatever was in his foodpipe went into the trachea, hence the choking.

Tushar had to undergo complicated surgery and was due to come off the ventilator, but he next developed a chest infection. The prolonged ventilation has led to a dependency on the machine.

Tushar stayed in the ICU for six months. First birthdays, always special, was also filled with nagging doubts coupled with intense hope as Tushar was shifted to the isolation room. He has been there ever since. Happy Birthday8217; banners still dot the wall of his room. There are pictures of birds and fruit on the wall, which he recognises with a vigorous shake of his hands, since his voice box is blocked by a tracheotomy tube. And just above his bed lies a favourite toy : a mobile carousel.

Last November, Tushar developed a temperature of 107.2 degrees and went into cold shock. The doctors felt that his chances of survival were bleak. And even when Sanjay began equivocating about his baby8217;s chances, Poonam remained convinced thatTushar would survive. She said: 8220;Fate had decided that Tushar must prove himself beyond human expectations.8221; And that is exactly what he did. The high fever may have reduced his weight to 5 kg and caused brain damage, but Tushar is now a growing baby. He weighs almost 11 kg and the ventilator now applies just a mild pressure which aids his breathing. But Tushar still needs to be transferred to a centre which specialises in weaning dependent patients off ventilators and provides other rehabilitative facilities. He can get this treatment at the Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital affiliated to Massachusetts General Hospital and Partner Healthcare Systems Inc. The Kulkarnis have already contacted doctors there, who are extremely positive about being able to help Tushar. But the costs are prohibitive.

It has been a trying time for the Kulkarnis, both emotionally and financially. Yet they say it has been an intense bonding experience. The three have spent every single moment together in that tiny room. Tusharhas undergone more than 500 blood tests, his limbs bear deep jabs inflicted in search of a vein. He has been the biggest source of strength for his parents, for they couldn8217;t possibly give up when he would not.

Air India has gifted the family four free tickets to the USA. You too can help the Kulkarnis at their Mumbai contact: Anjali Malwade, Precious Building, Tokarshi Jivaraj Road, Cotton Green west-33. Phone: 4135125, 4126671.