20 Safar 1446 Hijri. 26th August 2024. The day of surgery

The date, 20th Safar. Oh, how do I tell you what this date meant for me yesterday? Yesterday marked one of the most challenging days of my life. It was the 26th of August, which coincided with the 20th of Safar on the Islamic calendar.

In a certain sect of Islam, this day is observed with a particular event that draws people out onto the streets in massive numbers, often in the hundreds and thousands. To ensure their security, the government imposes stringent measures, including barricading entire city areas and shutting down all mobile networks for over 30 hours.

We faced a severe test of patience and courage. With the communication networks down, we found ourselves cut off from each other, unable to contact or check on one another, feeling isolated and stranded.

Amidst this already stressful situation, my father was scheduled to undergo bypass surgery at 8 am on Monday, the 26th of August, corresponding to the 20th of Safar. We decided to take our family to the hospital ward early in the morning to see him one last time before his surgery.

Knowing that once he was taken to the Operation Theatre, no visitors would be allowed, we arrived at the hospital at 6 am. My brother had been staying overnight with him, as the hospital rules only permitted one attendant to stay with the patient.

At 6 am, we gathered around my father's bed, spending those precious final moments together. By 7 am, a ward boy arrived to take him to the preoperative room. As he was wheeled away, we all bid our farewells, holding back tears and trying to be strong for him.

Finally, at 9 am, the operation commenced. It was expected to be a seven-hour surgery, provided there were no complications. A bypass is known to be one of the most critical, life-saving procedures, but at the same time, it is also one of the most life-threatening surgeries.

Seven hours is a long time to wait. Since there wasn't a suitable place for the attendants to stay in the hospital, I suggested to my mother that we return home so she could rest. She wasn't entirely comfortable with the idea, but I insisted, knowing she would need her strength. We returned home, and as expected, all she did was pray.

My brother and I were both wearing our scrubs. This is something crucial to remember when dealing with public hospitals: wearing scrubs can make things much easier for you compared to others. It gives you a certain level of access and recognition that is otherwise hard to come by.

We were granted access to the preoperative care room. My brother, who is already aspiring to become a cardiac surgeon, even went so far as to ask the surgeon if he could be present in the operating theatre. However, the surgeon firmly refused his request. I fully support the surgeon's decision. As a doctor, I can assure you that no surgeon wants a family member present during such critical procedures. The presence of a relative can be distracting, potentially increasing the pressure and stress on the surgical team, which is something that must be avoided at all costs.

During those seven hours, it was one of the most challenging times we had ever experienced together. We couldn't reach out to anyone; it felt as isolating as being in North Korea. All we could do was try to get some rest and pray for our dad. During this period, I realized that not many people actually understand what a bypass procedure is, so I thought it would be helpful to explain what a bypass really means.

Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery is a procedure that helps improve blood flow to the heart when its arteries are blocked or narrowed. Imagine the heart as a pump that needs a constant supply of fuel (oxygen-rich blood) to function properly. The coronary arteries are like fuel lines, providing the heart with this essential blood.

Over time, these arteries can become clogged with fatty deposits called plaque, reducing blood flow. This can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, or even a heart attack.

CABG surgery works by creating a new pathway for blood to flow around the blockage. Surgeons take a healthy blood vessel from another part of the body, such as the leg or chest, and use it to bypass the blocked or narrowed artery.

This new vessel is like a detour, allowing blood to reach the heart more easily. The surgery can help relieve symptoms, improve heart function, and increase the patient's quality of life, making it easier for them to live a healthier, more active life.

Sometimes when more than one artery is blocked, the surgeon then decides to take multiple arteries, such as one from leg, one from hand etc. My dad had 3 arteries blocked in his heart.

This video will help you have a better understanding.