The Medical Journey of Zakir

Mr. Zakir, a retired engineer from Azerbaijan, was, for several months, going through a process of quietly suffering discomfort and pain during urination.  While the pain and discomfort were not intense at all times, it was persistent and eventually disrupted his peace of mind. At 64, Zakir was very concerned about his prostate health awareness and that benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostatitis can develop quietly.

After seeing a GP who told Mr. Zakir that he either had prostatitis or an early stage of prostate adenoma, the family decided it was time to see a doctor overseas, with a complete evaluation. The family sought the best possible care and evaluation at a facility that was knowledgeable in precision diagnostics and specialised in male urology issues. The family selected Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore, a prominent medical institution and healthcare provider of interest.

The family contacted a medical travel service with a direct lead inquiry. They were assigned to Dr. Vishwas, a seasoned case coordinator, to help them through the maze of processes.

Travelling to Singapore to Meet Dr. Chin at Mount Elizabeth Hospital

Mr. Zakir's medical issue was non-urgent, but still a concern. Dr. Vishwas worked with him, through preparations for a rapid medical trip, including the tasks of:

• Collecting prior medical records from the original GP report summary
• Making a summary of symptoms: painful urination, slight urinary urgency, no fever
• Booking Zakir's appointment with a super consultant urologist, Dr. Chin.
• Initiated a 4-day trip consisting of consultation, investigation and results

Travel logistics were well-arranged, covering various aspects, including visa issuance, appointment scheduling, and hotel recommendations near the hospital. Mr. Zakir's family also appreciated the clarity and personal touch that was evident throughout.

Mr. Zakir arrived in Singapore on 2 September 2024 and was met at the airport by the medical travel company’s local representative. On the same day, he was taken to Mount Elizabeth for consultation with Dr. Chin. He is known for his thorough diagnostic approach and took Mr. Zakir’s full history of symptoms. He then examined him:

• Conducted a physical and Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)
• Concluded multiple urine tests to rule out infections
• Conducted an Ultrasound of the prostate and bladder
• Conducted PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) blood sample

At each step with Zakir, Dr. Chin thoroughly explained the process to him and addressed his anxiety regarding possible prostate enlargement or cancer.

The Treatment and Recovery

Zakir had a full day of tests and review, and here were the results:

• No infection, no evidence of prostate enlargement and no evidence of cancer
• PSA blood levels were within the appropriate range for age
• Ultrasound indicated a typically sized prostate
• No evidence found of inflammation, or structural or functional changes the site.

Zakir was experiencing pain while urinating, but his pain was not due to prostatitis or adenoma. Dr. Chin examined Zakir and determined he had slight skin irritation on the outer skin of his penis, which could have been caused by dry skin, friction from undergarments, or an allergic response to a chemical. Instead of prescribing medication for an internal urological problem, Dr. Chin prescribed an external ointment related to skin pigmentation and irritation, plus lifestyle advice on:

• Staying well hydrated
• Breathing clothing
• Avoiding skin irritants (specific soaps)

Zakir and his family felt relieved. What seemed like the start of a serious prostate problem turned out to be an urgent dermatological issue - a reminder of the need to assess a health concern before treatment is proposed accurately.

A Positive Outlook for Mr. Zakir

Zakir had the next two days in Singapore with a sense of calm he had not felt for months. He was free from the anxiety of suffering from a serious illness. He had also received close care from one of the most well-respected urologists in the region, in one of the world-class hospitals.

The skin ointment started showing results quickly, and Zakir noticed that both his sensitivity and irritation had decreased. He felt assured his urinary system was healthy, and he could now move on with life and continue without fixation on prostate issues for some time.