Rare Disease Day
As today is Rare Disease Day we would like to share with you the story of Surzo (meaning sun in English), a boy whose left leg was infected by a rare bone infection called Osteomyelitis.
Surzo, whose real name is in fact Nahid, was only 12 years old when he fell from a high brick stake whilst playing with friends. After 3-4 days he got a very high fever and became unconscious. Immediately, Surzo was taken to The Sreepur Village Health Clinic but due to his high fever and unconsciousness and the concerns of The Sreepur Clinic, he was taken to a nearby NGO clinic named Public Health Centre (well known as Gonosyastho Kendra (GK). The GK clinic also failed to identify the reasons for Surzo's condition. After thorough consultation between The Sreepur Village and the GK Clinic staff, Surzo was immediately sent to a government hospital in Dhaka accompanied by one of The Sreepur Clinic’s trained nurses.
The doctor of the government hospital comprehensively checked Surzo and a culture sample from his infected wound was taken to ascertain the diagnosis. The report confirmed that Surzo had got Osteomyelitis, an infection of the bone, a rare but serious condition. The doctor of the government hospital referred him to a specialised orthopedic hospital in Dhaka where the emergency department of the orthopedics hospital also analysed the culture report.
Surzo’s wound was dressed and he was given antibiotics and the doctor advised that he came back 7 days later so that he could monitor the condition of his leg. The doctor told The Sreepur Village that Surzo’s leg bone was infected and that would need to have his dressings changed on a regular basis as well as take many medicines. After a few months, the orthopedics hospital placed “metallic rings” in Surzo’s infected leg to protect his legs from coming out of place and to prevent any further damage.
Surzo returned to The Sreepur Village Clinic where he stayed in an isolated room under the care of a full-time nurse. Three times a day, the clinic staff dressed his infected wound and gave the required medicines. The clinic staff during the changing of the dressings noticed that small pieces of bone had stopped coming out from the leg.
Surzo was hospitalized for almost 3 years and every month, the clinic staff took him to the orthopedics hospital for a check-up. The doctor was satisfied with The Sreepur Village’s care and observed that gradually the damaged/infected bone was getting better.
Surzo started to walk again with the support of a wheel chair and crutches, and his hopes for starting a new life and going to school with his friends now became more possible. In December 2017, Surzo, his sister, and his mother were released from The Sreepur Village. Surzo is now at school, grade 6, and his mother works in day care.
It is with the ongoing support of our donors that The Sreepur Village Clinic can provide primary and emergency medical support to the mothers and children, like Surzo. The clinic also provides vaccines to the mothers and children for preventing diseases. For any complicated health conditions, the clinic will refer the case to bigger clinics or hospitals.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our supporters who help us to build brighter futures for over 400 children and 150 mothers.
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