I, JANAKI RAMA SARMA TANGIRALA, a retired Central Government Officer (Indian Statistical Service), was a victim of COVID PNEUMONIA, have undergone medical treatment as in-patient at Continental Hospital, Gachibowli from

I, JANAKI RAMA SARMA TANGIRALA, a retired Central Government Officer (Indian Statistical Service), was a victim of COVID PNEUMONIA, have undergone medical treatment as in-patient at Continental Hospital, Gachibowli from 27/06/2020 to 13/07/2020 under the care and guidance of Dr. Pradeep Simha Karur, Interventional Pulmonologist. The follow-up treatment is being continued even after the discharge from the Hospital.

I wish to share my experiences pertaining to my stay at the hospital and the treating Doctor as it may be of immense help to others also who are in dire need.

I, being a known hypertensive, presented myself in the Emergency room of the Hospital with uncontrolled fever, Covid symptoms, lot of exertion and shortness of breath on 27/06/2020. Saturation levels fell down to 90%. My CT Scan of Chest taken on 23/06/2020 was already suggestive of huge damage of my Lungs. (peripheral ground glass opacities in bilateral lungs in all lobes). After Preliminary assessment by the duty doctors, I was shifted to ICU isolation and attached to Dr. Pradeep Simha Karur for further course of action and treatment. The next day, I was tested positive for Covid-19.

Here, I must say, it was my good luck and fortune to be under his expert medical treatment. In view of my persistent shortness of breath and terrible weakness, to rule out Pulmonary Embolism, CT PA was done. Though there were no blocks, the CT report suggested again multiple patchy areas of ground glass opacities with heavy damage in lung fields. I was identified as a patient with RT-PCR positive for SARS-COVID-2, Moderate severity, CO-RADS 6.

I was on Oxygen support for about 3 to 4 days and administered Heparin, Remedesvir, dexamethasone, magnexforte and given other supportive treatment.

During the course of Hospitalization, Dr. Pradeep Simha used to visit me on daily basis, enquire about my well-being, render suggestions to improve my health condition. I liked his simplicity, modesty, his way of explanation of complex medical terms to the patient in simple and understandable words, his constant encouragement etc., and this patient-centric approach of Dr. Pradeep prompted me to surf the net for getting more details of the Doctor. When I took a curious look at his Profile, I was very much impressed, amazed and filled with a feeling of awe. It may not be an exaggeration, if I say, that we seldom come across such Doctors in our life. His approach and handling of the patient is simply superb, unique and humane. His daily reviews were very special and inspiring.

Dr. Pradeep Simha, who underwent specialized training in Pulmonology and who did practice in teaching hospitals and other reputed Institutions in U.K, returned to his native Hyderabad after spending 13 years in U.K. He constantly does update his medical knowledge in his field of specialization and the treatment trends around the globe, especially, in the present Pandemic. He always believes in evidence based medical care and treatment.

Consequent upon showing improvement of serial bloods, symptoms and testing negative for two consecutive throat swabs, I was discharged from the Hospital on 13/07/2020 with instructions to remain in Home isolation for 2 weeks.

First review was held by the Doctor after two weeks of my discharge from the hospital, that is, on 27/07/2020. I was still feeling moderate shortness of breath and fatigue. While Blood investigations, viz., Chem-12, Ferritin, CRP, CBC were normal , the Chest X Ray revealed Bilateral non-homogenous opacities. I was advised to build up physical activity slowly and repeat CT Chest plain in 2 months.

I started walking daily for 30 minutes till I presented myself for 2nd review on 22/09/2020 along with Chest CT Scan film and report. The Scan revealed residual fibrotic changes, 4 mm nodular lesion in left upper lobe-Granuloma and Paraseptl emphysema change in bilateral upper lobes. Dr. Pradeep, as usual, very soft, polite in his approach, instilled confidence in me, and decided to follow conservative treatment. I was advised to walk for 30 minutes daily, besides exercising with incentive Spirometer for 15 minutes twice daily and repeat the Chest CT after 3 months.

I have been following his advice strictly and meticulously. I have messaged him on 13/11/2020 that I was doing fine but I was forced to take deep breath now and then. He has advised to perform D-Dimer test and CXR and forward the reports. I did so on 14/11/2020 and the D-Dimer test turned out to be negative and CXR revealed Normal study.

I found that the advice given by Dr. Pradeep in respect of walking and exercising with Spirometer helped me a lot and the Dimer test and X-ray report provided lot of encouragement and self confidence in me. I am greatly relieved now and feeling healthy. The entire credit of my recovery from the disease goes to none other than Dr. Pradeep Simha. I have forwarded the reports to Dr. Pradeep and preparing myself to meet him around 20th Dec., 2020 along with CT Scan of Chest for further advice and guidance.

My mom was admitted at Continental hospital with COVID. Her saturation was at 60 and she needed to be placed on ventilator. We were in the US and with the dire situation of COVID in India- could not travel to India immed

My mom was admitted at Continental hospital with COVID. Her saturation was at 60 and she needed to be placed on ventilator. We were in the US and with the dire situation of COVID in India- could not travel to India immediately. Dr. Pradeep was very accommodating with our requests. He used to do whatsapp calls every day providing us health status of my mom. He clearly explained the situation and was transparent with his treatment/ risks associated with the plan. Initially my mom was in Bipap and showed improvement but later deteriorated and needed ventilator. Dr handled the emergency situation with precision and ensured she was given the best care. When we travelled to India, I met him the first day. Dr explained all the reports and the trends in reports. While he was treating the lungs, my mom also had various infections that were presented which complicated the situation. He was proactive in his treatment approach by monitoring all the organs and providing the best treatment. I can assure you that if not for Dr Pradeep my mother would not have survived the 30 days in the hospital. Even during discharge she needed oxygen support at home and he intimated us of the requirements ahead of the time so that we had time to procure them as there was dire shortage of concentrators and oxygen cylinders in May 2021. I had other friends parents go through COVID treatment at other hospitals with other doctors with terrible experiences. We are blessed to have found Dr. Pradeep as my mom's pulmonologist. Even after discharge, Dr has helped us coordinate the appointments and has been treating my mom with utmost care and excellence. My mom has high respect for the doctor since he is patient with her and her questions. He answers every question without any irritation and helps her navigate the treatment seamlessly. He is very kind and I would highly recommend Dr Pradeep as a Pulmonologist. In fact, I told every single person I met since my mom contracted COVID about Dr Pradeep and recommended meeting him for treatment. Thank you doctor for saving my mom and providing continual guidance as she navigates post COVID issues.

I met the Dr when I was in a condition where I couldn't speak also because of my breathlessness. I couldn't walk few steps due to SOB. My family was too worried . But after meeting Dr Pradeep simha, he had immediately

I met the Dr when I was in a condition where I couldn't speak also because of my breathlessness. I couldn't walk few steps due to SOB. My family was too worried . But after meeting Dr Pradeep simha, he had immediately diagnosed and carried out only necessary investigation. The treatment that is given to me has shown wonders that today none believes that I was so sick. It is five months now. I owe my life to his treatment because else we lost hope. Thanks so very much Dr garu. I'm seeing a new life today.