A Journey of Hope: Deanna Alam’s Recovery

Deanna Alam, a 44-year-old woman from Bangladesh, found her daily life increasingly challenging. What started as mild discomfort in her lower back gradually advanced to extreme pain travelling down the left leg. Eventually, the pain spread into both legs, impacting her travel, her ability to sit, and her thoughts and feelings. Deanna, a hard-working woman managing a family and career, could no longer function, unable to do even everyday tasks without pain. Long travel, prolonged sitting, and exercise were impossible.

Deanna underwent initial diagnostics and was told her symptoms were indicative of spinal nerve compression, likely requiring further evaluation and possibly surgery. However, she desired more clarity and a pathway to treatment that had a shorter recovery time and better long-term outcomes. This was the reason she decided to seek advice in Thailand, an international marketplace for patients seeking spine surgery, specifically minimally invasive spine surgery.

Meeting Dr. Sarji Srisuparp at Bangkok Hospital in Thailand

Before considering care overseas, Deanna consulted orthopaedic and spine specialists in Bangladesh. Imaging results corroborated her symptoms; the conclusion was lumbar nerve compression caused by degenerative changes to her spine. She was experiencing ongoing back pain, associated nerve pain, and decreased mobility.

To prevent unnecessary travel and confusion, Deanna's family completed an online consultation with Thailand's renowned Dr. Sarij Srisuparp at Bangkok Hospital, Thailand. During the virtual consultation, Dr. Sarij reviewed her reports, scans, and clinical history in great detail. He then discussed her symptoms in depth, particularly her ongoing low back pain, which radiated down the left leg, and the new bilateral leg pain developed more recently. After this review and discussion, Dr. Sarij recommended Minimally Invasive Spinal Fixation as the logical treatment plan that would decompress the affected nerves and stabilise the spine. This method yielded a quicker recovery and fewer complications compared to traditional open spinal surgery.

The clarity gave Deanna and her family great relief. The virtual appointment assured the quality of the expertise they would receive and the confidence to proceed.

The Treatment and Recover

 On September 6th, 2025, Deanna and her family made their way to Thailand for her hospital admission, which was planned for 15 days to make sure there was sufficient time for surgery, observation, and early recovery follow-up. Once Deanna decided to begin treatment, she was supported through every step of the preparation. They provided full assistance with:

• Assistance with her and her companion's visas
• Arranging a transfer from the airport to ensure easy entry into Thailand
• Assistance with travel documentation
• Providing tips about pre-travel medical preparation regarding medication
• Clarifying any questions regarding the hospital admission process, duration of stay, and recovery process

All logistics were appropriately managed in advance to make the journey less stressful, and the journey was very well planned by our case manager, Arhama. The family received affordable estimates of likely costs, as well as clear treatment protocols to facilitate perception, and the process was finalised ahead of travel. Upon admission, the hospital's international patient services department graciously welcomed her and arranged her transfer directly from the airport to Bangkok Hospital. The process was extremely cohesive.

Not long after her arrival, she underwent final pre-operative assessments that included a neurological examination, further advanced imaging, and anesthetic clearance. All assessments reaffirmed the need for minimally invasive spinal decompression and fixation, the same plan discussed during her previous online visit.

Deanna had a Minimally Invasive Spinal Fixation procedure. Dr. Sarij Srisuparp did the procedure. This up-and-coming technique allows us to make tiny incisions, reducing tissue damage and blood loss and enabling more precise decompression of the affected nerves. The surgical intent was clear:

• Decompress the compressed nerves
• Stabilise the affected spinal segments.
• Reduce her chronic pain.
• Improve her mobility.

Discharge and Recovery

The surgery was a success. Deanna spent a brief time in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) and then her recovery room, where she could tell right away the difference, especially with the radiating pain. During her 15-day inpatient stay, Deanna received:

• Post-operative physiotherapy
• Pain management
• Early mobilization
• Re-education on spine-friendly movements
• A plan for rehabilitation

The medical team constantly monitored her progress without any complications. Deanna improved her mobility and ultimately sat, stood, and walked with much less discomfort. Even at discharge, she was still considered an inpatient recovering; however, she was doing very well overall, and the team of specialists prepared a long-term exercise and rehabilitation guide for her to continue once she returned to Bangladesh. Our case manager, Arhama, was on call whenever Deanna needed her, offering reassurance and support.

A Message of Hope

At the end of her stay in the hospital, Deanna was deemed successful in treatment and was already in the early stage of recovery. She had experienced a marked reduction in her symptoms and felt hopeful about returning to a more active, pain-free state of living.  Her journey serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating how cross-border medical care can, when planned and appropriately coordinated, dramatically improve a patient's quality of life.

Deanna wished to express her sincere gratitude not only to the medical team at Bangkok Hospital but also to Arhama, the care coordinator, and everyone else who supported her. Even though she is still in recovery, she has expressed positive feelings about her treatment experience. Deanna is also willing to share her journey as a potential avenue of hope for others with similar spinal issues, demonstrating that the "right" care at the "right" time can change everything.