9th November 2007 at 1600 hours

Lakshmi Tatma has now been in ICU for approximately 54 hours. Her condition has continued to remain stable during this time. Lakshmi opened her eyes for the first time yesterday. In addition, she managed to move her fingers and toes. She continued to be ventilated overnight.

Shambu and Poonam Tatma visited their daughter in the ICU. They spent about 15 minutes at her bedside.

This morning, all of Lakshmi's blood parameters were within normal limits. We started weaning her off the ventilator around 0800 hrs, and were able to take her off the ventilator completely within a few hours. She has been off the ventilator since that time, with all parameters continuing to remain stable.

Shambu and Poonam Tatma revisited Lakshmi again today at 1600 hrs.

Dr Sharan S Patil and Dr Yohannan John from the Sparsh Hospital, Narayana Health City, Bangalore

09.11.2007

Mother and daughter - Lakshmi and Poonam, today, spent a good 2 hours together. Lakshmi responded to her mother's touch positively.

For the first time following the surgery, Lakshmi is able to tolerate oral liquid feeds. Her clinical and biochemical parameters continue to be within the normal limits.

Overall, she has made significant progress in the last 24 hours.

Dr Sharan S Patil and Dr Sharanu Patil from the Sparsh Hospital, Narayana Health City, Bangalore

10.11.2007

12th November 2007 at 1600 hours - Day 5/6

The entire Tatma family - Poonam, Shambu and Mithelesh - has been spending a lot of time with Lakshmi over the last couple of days. And Lakshmi has been responding well to this interaction.

Lakshmi is now able to tolerate oral semi-solid feeds. Her clinical and biochemical parameters continue to be within the normal limits. Her invasive monitoring has been removed.

Overall, she has made significant progress in the last 48 hours and is looking cheerful.

Dr Sharan S Patil & Dr John from the Sparsh Hospital, Narayana Health City, Bangalore

12.11.2007

Lakshmi Tatma is on her sixth postoperative day. She continues to make good progress. and has maintained all her vital parameters.

Poonam and Shambu Tatma along with their son Mitilesh have spent a few hours with her. Poonam has been able to take part in all of Lakshmi's feeds as well. Lakshmi has had milk, bread and eggs today. She also made a brief appearance along with her parents and brother at about 4pm today.

Dr Sharan S Patil & Dr John from the Sparsh Hospital, Narayana Health City, Bangalore

13.11.2007

03rd Dec 2007 at 1600 hours - Day 26

Lakshmi Tatma an Ischiopagus parasitic type conjoined was operated at Sparsh Hospital on 6th & 7th Nov 2007.

Lakshmi has made significant progress, her wounds are healing well, her plaster cast remains off, custom made splints have been applied and her rehabilitation process is progressing satisfactorily.

She will require further evaluation before any more surgery is planned. She has been eating and drinking well. All her organ system are functioning normally. She is in good cheer and playful. She is able to sit up on her own and is attempting to crawl. She is happy while being carried around the hospital.

Dr Sharan S Patil from the Sparsh Hospital, Narayana Health City, Bangalore

03.12.2007

Lakshmi Tatma is going home today (15.12.2007) from Sparsh hospital. As you all know Lakshmi with her family i.e. Shambu, Poonam and mitilesh arrived at our hospital on the 3rd Oct 2007.

After over a month of building up of Lakshmi's general condition & planning the surgery itself was undertaken on 6th of Nov 2007. after the 27 hrs of surgery. She was kept in ventilator for the next 72 hrs.

We had a steady progress in her conditions & all the organ functions are normal

Further her wound healed satisfactorily a physio rehabilitation was carried out. The plaster casts on her limbs were removed and slints applied. She has started accepting her new body condition & showing great signs of catching up of her milestones.

The Parents are keen to go home at this point -Missing home. Medically we do not have an objection to this.

She has condition called tethered cord syndrome which needs to be surgically released.

Depending on the tissue shrinkage we may need to further reconstruct her pelvic bones and further align the genital-urinary and excretory system.

We are indeed grateful to all the people who have wished welfare Lakshmi & team at Sparsh Hospital. The media who have covered this human story in such a sensitive manner.

Dr Sharan S Patil from the Sparsh Hospital, Narayana Health City, Bangalore

15.12.2007