Pt. Darshika
9 Months Old Baby girl
Little Darshika, born in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, faced a troubling start to life with a history of cold and cough by the age of 14 days. Her parents took her to a local doctor, who suspected a congenital heart defect (CHD) and advised an urgent echocardiogram. The echo confirmed the diagnosis of CHD, leaving her parents distressed and uncertain about their next steps. They were advised to seek further care at PGI Lucknow, where doctors recommended surgery when Darshika turned 2 years old.
Meanwhile, Darshika began to show alarming symptoms: bluish discoloration of her nails and lips, excessive crying, and sweating on her forehead. A family friend suggested consulting Dr. Kohli for a second opinion. On July 12, 2024, her parents met with Dr. Kohli, who performed another echocardiogram. Darshika was diagnosed with Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) and was experiencing spells 2-3 times a day. Dr. Kohli advised that she needed TOF repair surgery urgently.
Acting swiftly, Darshika was admitted to Apollo Hospital on July 20, 2024. She underwent the TOF repair surgery successfully on July 24, 2024, and was discharged on July 29, 2024. Post-surgery, she remained in Delhi for a short period for follow-up appointments as advised by the doctors.
Darshika’s recovery went exceptionally well, and she continued to improve. Her parents returned to Uttar Pradesh, planning to come back for future follow-ups. Her mother, with tears of relief and gratitude, expressed deep thanks for the chance to give their daughter a new lease on life. The family was profoundly grateful to Dr. Kohli, the Child Heart Foundation (CHF), and all the supporters who had made this life-saving treatment possible. They celebrated Darshika’s recovery with immense joy and appreciation.