Knee Surgey in Dubai (Menisectomy)

Since Sep 2013, I have been learning kathak as a way to channel my inner creativity in Dubai. Life is just work and home if not for a tiny spark of a creative hobby. In this life at least, my husband and I wish we could pursue and dedicate ourselves to an art but alas we are too mainstream for that :)

Coming back to the point though, I was preparing for a performance for the 21st of Jan. During the rehersal on 18th Jan, I took a characteristic kathak chakkar (reference video of the mesmerising Vidha Lal here) and heard a loud, dreaded click in my knee.

It was different to any usual clicks that we all experience in our joints all the time. I couldn't support my weight for a few minutes after and had to sit down immediately. I knew that something was wrong but didn't expect it to escalate to the levels it did.

I went to see an Orthopedic suregon at Mediclinic Knowledge Village (Dr Dapindar Pal Singh). He examined my knee and diagnosed it to be a minor injury. He told me to rest and see how I felt, gave me painkillers and hope to be able to perform still the following Friday.

There was no MRI mentioned at this stage, which should have been done in retrospect. I rested for two days and the day before the performance, I attended a practice class though being cautious. In the morning, I prepared to rehearse and twisted the knee in the same fashion, once again. Now I think the damage was done.

I knew I could definitely not perform, it was before my workday on a weekday and it was Mr. Singh's weekly off so we went to a GP at Mediclinic Ibn Batuta. He mentioned it could be a Meniscus related injury and gave me a sick note for 5 days plus more painkillers.

This was uptil the 26th of Jan after which, with rest I began to feel better. On 10th Feb, I travelled to Delhi for a wedding. The combination of the travel plus Indian wedding (including all the dancing) was lethal for my knee I think and I had to rush to a local hospital in Delhi as well. The flight back was hell and we went straight from the airport to Saudi German Hospital Emergency ward. They did some basic examinations but called me back to see a surgeon and schedule an MRI.

The MRI was scheduled for 4 days later which brought us upto 17th Feb. All this time spent before even fully diagnosing the problem fully.

I saw a Finnish surgeon with the reports at SGH and he was the first doctor to mention that surgery is the only solution. I was really scared by the mention of surgery/blood/hospital so this was a big set back. The doctor did not provide any emotional support, which a mortified patient like me needs to feel reassured.

I spoke to a few more people and went for 2nd opinion to Dr Gus at Up and Running Dubai - great clinic but no insurance direct billing (be ready to burn a hole in your pocket) and then 3rd opinion with Dr Abhay Dandawate at JTS Medical Clinic.

Dr Dandawate was the most reassuring and convincing of the lot as he had more than 25 years of experience. He was also on  the approval board for ortho surgeries for insurance companies meaning if he prescribed surgery, it was really necessary.

The date was given as 3rd March at Medcare Ortho Hospital (SZR). Luckily my mom booked tickets to help out here. The only missing link was my mental state, I was still mortified by the thought of two large metal pipes in my knee and so much could go wrong. This was thanks to my 'research' on the internet. I really worked hard on getting over the fear by meditating 3 times a day and focussed on feeling really stable and grounded.

The day came and I just concentrated on my breathing, I entered the OT with my eyes closed much to the amusement of the nursing staff. I was out on the general anaesthetic (best thing ever) in a matter of seconds). I woke up to a bandaged leg and numbed pain with the nursing staff around me. The surgery was a success and they gave me leave to go home the same day.

After this, it was all about rest and recovery. I was off work for 3-4 days after which I could even get back to driving since the surgery was on my left knee. The follow up appointments with the doctor went smoothly. I was doing simple leg raising exercises in and out of water. I was able to go back to yoga and light physical exercise early April. The pain still persisted though so the doctor prescribed physiotherapy at Medcare Physiotherapy Centre (near the Ortho hospital on SZR). Though this was helpful, the effects were very temporary. What helped me more was my own exercises and focus with the personal trainer/yoga teacher.

If you ever have to go through such an experience in Dubai, please rest assured that with some search and recommendations you can definitely find a doctor you trust. As for the mind, it is only upto you how you train it :)

Dubai Gynaecologists: The Best and The Worst

Before I start writing anything here, I would like to clearly state that these are my personal views from my personal experiences and not meant to affect anyone or their medical practice in any way.

In the last two years, I have had many experiences with the local gynecologists. I know many friends who still prefer to go back to India but I am always one for finding the best local talent. It is not only more accessible and affordable but also more reassuring. I know that I can hop in the car for 30 mins and get advise instead of booking an expensive flight ticket.

My quest started at Ibn Batuta Mediclinic, simple the closest option from home and on the way to work. The India gynecologist was the first one to tell me I had PCOD and that it is hereditary. She gave me medicines and asked some rude questions about my personal life before ending with -"don't go to anyone else! Keep coming to see me". This was a sure shot red flag for me and I booked a second opinion the next day.

Next, I went to Union Medical Centre in Burjuman to an old, experienced Indian gynecologist from a friend's recommendation. It was a bit far but I thought everything is worthwhile for good advise. The lady confirmed my PCOD and started with the weight theory. On not finding any other reasons to pin it down on, the reason was made to be my weight gain. I was over-weight and had to lose it asap. Diet and exercise was the only way ahead but she had nothing to say for advise on how. Again, I came with more medicines.

I took the medicines for 2 months and growing tired of being dependent on it, I scoured the pages of expatwoman.com and booked with seemingly the most popular name at Medcare Hospirtal, Al Safa. Same drill again about the weight and diet/exercise. By this time I had a very good diet and exercise routine. I tried to communicate the same but was shush-ed - "no excuses please, beta". Ugh, time to leave.

I left the medicines after this appointment and started observing changes only on the basis of lifestyle modifications. I became very regular with my fitness and regulated my diet even more. Again from expatwoman, I found a German doctor in Al Wasl - Dr Andrea Farhat. When I saw her, she banished the idea of PCOD and me being a problem case. She said to continue exercising and that she wouldn't even mention PCOD to me if I had seen her first. Breath of fresh air. I was with her for about a year after which I faced some problems in reaching her for small questions.

On recommendations, I went to another senior Indian lady at Al Zahra, Dubai. I thought to find someone in a hospital nearby is always better. She came highly recommended. This was the worst appointment ever I think. The lady again told me that I had a big weight problem and that she didn't want to see any infertility cases but that's all she seems to be getting. Oh my, she called me an infertility case, without me even going down that route. She recommended more vitamins and put me back on the medicines. She said, "if you don't take these, no need to come back to me". Well, I have never gone back and don't understand why so many of my friends agree to tolerate this behaviour.

Again on the lookout for someone I can really trust, I started asking friends and on expatwoman again. I got the recommendation for Dr. Khaled Kouteich repeatedly. He sat at Armada Medical Centre, JLT at that point. I had some reservations about going to a male gynecologist but got over it and went to see him. He was so positive when I saw him and since then. He is fully reachable on whatsapp and phone, encourages to keep in touch in fact. His positivity really affected me and my body I guess and I am free of PCOD now :)

Get a good doctor ladies, invest in that time and effort before popping the pills.

Review: Physique 57

Around June 2015, I went in for a free trial class at Physique 57 (Citywalk). I didn't know what to expect from a "Barre" class. They kept saying it was based on Ballet but having no ballet in my background I still went to try it purely as a new form of fitness.

I really enjoyed the class which is a 57 minute long workout. It is divided into sections, generally started with thighs - assisted dips and lunges with or without the balls on the side-bars. It moves on to abs and arms then a second set of legs and then ends with hips and glutes.

I signed up for 10 classes in Jun at 10% off but then had my personal trainer sessions, then the Bharat Thakur yoga (still question myself, why?!) so this got pushed until Nov. Though I couldn't quite explain this to my dietitian coach Somya, I included the classes into my schedule and finished the sessions in a rush.

I did a mix of classes at Al Thanya and Citywalk. The classes are a really good workout with great energy. Good option for those living in these areas.

Review: Bharat Thakur Yoga

After having my personal trainer for a few months, I was up for a change. I was paying a lot for something I thought I could do myself at that point. I am always one for changing up my fitness routine anyway.

I thought, I should bring the horses closer to home and try yoga. The most marketed classes in these parts of the world is Bharat Thakur Yoga. I checked the schedule, they had some mildly convenient options. My mother was around at that time, I took her to a morning class with me to Tecom.

It was a weight-loss class so was quite intense with multiple surya namaskars and intense cardio. My mom couldn't do it all but she was observing happily. I was suprisingly okay with a lot of the exercises.

It was a fun class with Shreyas, a young male teacher. It was impressive to see a young teacher dedicated to yoga which one doesn't see so often. I didn't know at that time but the classes are ALWAYS on offer. I got pushed into committing to 3 months of classes for AED 1,400 (3 times a week) at the Tecom centre. The only downside was that the centres don't have showers (!), so I had to drive from Marina to Tecom and then back to Marina after the class. I would get ready and then drive to Bur Dubai!

I thought I could do it and was all set to finally lose the extra weight! I went to the Tecom class next week and guess what, the teacher was different! It was a girl who had just learnt yoga for 2 months and now become a teacher. She had no sensitivity to the student's needs. I thought I will give her a second chance but the second class was even worse.

I was losing my patience for doing the morning driving routine plus tolerating a bad teacher. I called the centre and asked them to change my centre to Bur Dubai which was closer to work and had showers. They gave me a lot of grief and then I decided to review them honsetly on Facebook. Things changed after this and how :p

The regional CEO called me and gave a one hour long sales pitch. In the end my centre was changed. The teacher at this centre was Gurpreet Singh, who I knew from previous classes in Marina anyway. He was a very cool, friendly teacher.

I did the classes for 2.5 months regularly before started with Rujuta. Meanwhile, we had been to Coimbatore and learnt to do surya namaskar in detail and slowly like it should be done. I was completely put off the classes now and left.

Since then, I get a lot of messages about renewing memberships or new offers but their numbers are blocked on my phone.

I would not suggest these classes to anyone, wherever they may be held.

Royal Ascot Hotel, Bur Dubai center

Rujuta Diwekar: During

So I decided to take the plunge today, the price was quite high at ~AED 5,000 for two months for personal nutrition coaching with Rujuta's team member.

Since my Isha Inner Engineering homework just ended today, I decided to start with this immediately after.

It started a few days ago with me filling out an excel sheet with my measurements, background and other details. Also with all food that I ate for 3 days (combination of weekdays and weekend).

I was put in touch with my nutritionist - Somya and started with an hour long Skype conversation about my food habits and changes I need to make. Her precription seems quite easy to follow. Below is an example.

My main concerns and the reason that helped me justify this huge investment were:

• Personalised for my situation - living with husband outside India, with minimal domestic help, cooking by self
• Tight schedule with full time work, kathak dance and workouts
• Despite high levels of determination, something wasn't working since two years and I want to make it work before 2016!

Note: This is built keeping my background, diet and routine in mind.

Teaser of what I am aiming at