During the 61st Annual National Conference of the All India Occupational Therapists Association, OTICON 2024, held at Gokulam Park Convention Centre Kaloor, Dr. T V Velayudhan shared his incredible journey of perseverance. Once paralyzed, he attributes his second life to occupational therapy and how it changed his life forever.
In June 2008, while returning from a meeting in West Bengal as a representative of the Health Department of Kerala, Dr. Velayudhan was involved in a life-altering accident. Returning to the airport, the car he was driving lost control on a rainy morning at 4:30 AM, crashing into the median. His neck was struck forcefully by the steering wheel upon impact, resulting in severe neural injuries and paralysis.
After immediate surgery at Birla Hospital in Kolkata to remove nerve blockages, Dr. Velayudhan was left completely paralyzed on his right side and partially paralyzed on his left. On the 18th day, he was flown home in a specially arranged flight. Bedridden and disheartened, he remained immobile for nearly 45 days. However, with the aid of physiotherapy and occupational therapy, he gradually regained mobility and began to move again.
“After receiving primary treatments in hospitals, most accident victims accept their physical impairments as a permanent part of their life. They are often unaware of the benefits of physiotherapy and occupational therapy, which can significantly alleviate their problems," says Dr. Velayudhan.
Despite the years that have passed since his accident, he continues to undergo occupational therapy to maintain his mobility. Just two days of inactivity can leave him immobile on the third day, making it a challenging task to get moving again. Thankfully, working with an Occupational Therapist has helped him keep his muscles active and mobile.
The injury he sustained in the accident could have led to lifelong disability, but by maintaining a strong willpower and availing himself of the best medical solutions, such as occupational therapy, he is steadily working towards achieving his life goals. In fact, he has even traveled alone to places like Malaysia and Thailand since the accident.
Despite its significance, most people remain unaware of the benefits of occupational therapy. The ability to move, eat independently, and sit correctly is crucial but often overlooked. Unfortunately, many people with mobility impairments are unaware that occupational therapy is the key to regaining their independence.
Dr. Velayudhan emphasizes the importance of instilling optimism in patients. Drawing on his personal experience, he recalls how he was completely dependent on others for his daily needs for two months after his accident. However, through the right treatment path, he was able to regain his independence and return to his normal life. Dr. Velayudhan is a prominent figure in the medical field in Kerala and has held positions such as Additional Director of State Health Services and Additional Project Director of the AIDS Control Society. Now, he is a significant contributor to various awareness programs.
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