My first WBC apheresis in NH Bangalore (48th)

Every day we look for new experiences in life to learn from and this week was one such week. On Monday morning there was a request from our housing society for an emergency blood donation on Monday 27 Feb '23 at Narayana Hrudayalaya, Bangalore. Since my last blood donation at NH was in early November, it had crossed the mandatory three-month gap before the next donation. I was getting mentally prepared for it. 

Narayana Hrudayalaya (estd in 2000) changed its name to Narayana Health in 2013 and has spread all over India and also to Cayman Islands, south of US. Besides getting the top Indian hospital accreditation NABH (click here), the Bangalore cardiac facility and Cayman facility have also been internationally accredited by Joint commission International (JCI) 

Had the good oportunity to inetract with top doctors at NH on many different occasions and so I was quite confident of the skill sets of the doctors and healthcare workkers there. I got in touch with the patient's father after going through two people and came to know the real facts. It was an emergency and required me to donate white blood corpuscles, need for granulocytes, which I had not done so far - a process called apheresis granulocytes. I was told I may need to visit the NH blood bank facility multiple times. 

The first visit required me to be at NH for tests to check for any infection / ability at my age. Monday afternoon after finishing my morning classes applied for half day leave and I was at the NH blood bank for tests. Being a world-class facility, the quality standards expected were great and testing patients for all sorts of doubtful medical history took about 3 hrs, not much time. Reached back home by 4 pm. 

For the second set of procedures at 6 am the next day morning, I was in NH ICU to take the injection, Filgrastim G-CSF, (6 hrs before procedure) to boost the production of WBC by the bone marrow inside the bones. This voluntary WBC apheresis procedure was for a 6 year old male thalassemic patient from Orissa, a kid who was all dark after a heavy chemo treatment. 

Reading the Booker Prize winner Dr Sidharth Mukherjee's (Massgen hospital US) book the 600-page magnum opus, The Biography of Cancer in 2012 had given me a better awareness of the history, pain and medical procedures behind cancer treatment and their effectiveness over three millennia across the world.

I am going through another book, read halfway, CANCER WARD by Alexander Solzhenitsyn from Russia, Though he wrote the book that describes the plight of cancer patients in Communist Russia under Stalin around 1955, he was imprisoned for ten years because he exposed the ills in Russian society to the external world. Soon after he was released from prison, he released his next book, Gulag Archipelago. For these two writings, Solzhenitsyn got the coveted 1970 Nobel Prize for Literature. To be in the company of late Alexander Solzhenitsyn is a great comfort and talking with him.

On my second visit, Filgrastim 800 mcg injection was administered for inducing white blood cells in the bone marrow. WBC harvesting can happen post administration after a minimum of 6 to 8 hours. WBC is needed in stem cell transplantation. I would be doing the granulocytes apheresis in the seventh floor stem Cell donation centre room.

For the third visit, I was in the NH hospital's 7th-floor stem cell/apheresis special blood collection centre by 2 pm on Tuesday 28 Feb. By 5.30 pm had finished a three-hour voluntary WBC enriched apheresis procedure. 450 ml of WBC with some plasma was taken, as WBC is just 0.5% in blood compared to platelet 51% and plasma about 47 %..

The granulocytes collected was to be transferred within a couple of hrs of collection to the boy having blood cancer in the private ward on floor 5 treating Thalassemia patients. Also, I was told at my age, this is the first and last WBC apheresis. It was indeed a great feeling to be of use to a 6 year old patient, feeling very happy and contented. Just keep doing good to society, till it hurts .. 

At Narayana Hrudayalaya Stem cell centre

How great is God, all these blood donations help someone in dire need and selfishly keep me in good health and fit as a fiddle. This is a humble invitation to the spiritual leaders in all our establishments, I hope they would also start showing good example to society and the people by such actions. 

So far, starting with the first voluntary blood donation at Trivandrum Govt Medical College Kerala thirty six years back, it's been whole blood donation (WBD) 43, Platelet apheresis 4 and WBC apheresis 1 🙂🙂 

I shall once again be ready in 90 days.

An ounce of action is heavier than a tonne of speech - Ralph Waldo Emerson (also attributed to Napolean Bonaparte) 

Actions speak louder than words - Benjamin Franklin, Abraham Lincoln

 

George

Visit to Sakleshpur ..

We left home on 18 feb 4.30 am and reached Sakleshpur by 1 pm after stopping at the Jain temples in 

After a tea we went for a trek to the nearest hilltop, returned and after an outdoor dinner had dinner at 9PM and slept by 10 pm. 

Early morning we got up and were off to the Tipu fort. Went to Alice manis student Vinays house, after a visit round the estate and lunch returned by 2 pm reaching bangalore by 7 pm.

A good break from routine. expenses about 25K. Memorable

George 

My interactions with Kahlil Gibran writings

I recently picked up the collected works of Kahlil Gibran from Amazon for good reading. Needless to say I am more than stunned by the simplicity and depth in his writings.

Khalil Gibran was a Lebanese-American writer, poet, and visual artist who is known for his literary works, particularly his book "The Prophet," which is considered a masterpiece of philosophical poetry. What is special about Khalil Gibran's writing is his ability to convey complex ideas and emotions in simple, beautiful language that touches the heart and inspires the soul. His works are characterized by their deep spiritual insights and universal themes, such as love, joy, sorrow, death, and the human condition.

Khalil Gibran's writing is also notable for its lyrical quality and its use of imagery and metaphor. His poems often incorporate nature imagery and draw on his Middle Eastern heritage, as well as his experiences of living in both the East and the West. Additionally, Gibran's writing often reflects his interest in mysticism, philosophy, and religion, blending different traditions and ideas to create a unique and powerful voice.

Overall, what sets Khalil Gibran's writing apart is its ability to move readers with its beauty, wisdom, and profound insights into the human spirit. His works have inspired generations of readers around the world and continue to resonate with people today too. - reproduced from ChatGPT

I shall reproduce some of his interesting writing from his book The Prophet. Here he talks of prayer. (click here)

When you pray you rise to meet in the air those who are praying at that very hour, 
and whom save in prayer you may not meet. 

Therefore let your visit to that temple invisible be for naught 
but ecstasy and sweet communion.

As I read more of his works, I am sure I will get to know more about him and his thoughts.

George

 

My tryst with Artificial intelligence has just begun ..

It was a great and fortunate opportunity for the author this morning as he took a class on Artificial intelligence (AI) and applications in supply chain management first time in life, to BBA students at Alliance School of Business, Bangalore. 

It was great introducing them to interesting Machine Learning apps  Google AI, Open AI, the very basics of Machine Learning, Neural networks, Supervised, Unsupervised Learning and Deep Learning with practical exposure to ML apps like Google maps, Faceapp, LEIA etc. 

Generative AI was also discussed.  With practical exposure to Faceapp, Voila deep fake apps,  LEIA machine Learning app to make websites, the session went fine. Amazon echo dot and Google 

Towards the end  the students were introduced to Generative AI app Dream AI for text-image conversion and Dalle-2. Amazon Echo dot, Google chatbot, MS Cortana and Apple Siri bots also were part of the discussion..

It was followed by an interesting quiz on AI applications in the supply chain with an average score of 5 out of 10. Also spoke of how over the past one  year the author has been giving quizzes utilising Google AI (and of late Open AI) followed by instant evaluation using an interesting IT application, the Learning Management system MOODLE.

Though the author not done any course on AI, the excellent basics on Computing he had, working on IBM Mainframe at Govt Gollege of Engineering Trivandrum during early 80s (with blessings of late Prof. PVR Menon) and on Mini computers at Govt college of Engineering Goa during late 80s followed by working on Sparc servers at Indian Institute of Technology Bombay during late 90s, combined with reading and teaching of IS and IT related subjects,  have made the author quite confident of the modern day IT, computing and AI revolution developments. 

This is the beginning,  more to follow in the coming days. Thank you my dear friend for being beside me on this IT and AI journey of mine

George Easaw.

My visit to Trissur on 4th Feb ..

For a long time, I was planning to visit my school and college friends for a long time. Aji Issac from Don Bosco had his son's Amit wedding happening in Chalakudy on 5 Feb '23. So I packed off to Trissur by bus on 4 th Feb from ecity by KSRTC bus. Reached Trissur on 5th morning by 7.30 AM, Called my school and college mate Babu Bhaskar who was kind to take me to his home. After freshening up and a sumptuous breakfast, we went to meet Manoj's mother who was celebrating her 87th birthday. Babu's wife is a great host and it was a great time I could spend with Babu and wife reliving memories of Babu's father and mother.

Babu had bought a bouquet for Manoj's mother and also a mundu for me to gift her, so nice of Babu. Manoj's mother was very overjoyed at us greeting her on her 87th birthday. As I had limited time, after almost 30 minutes, I left for Peechanikkadu St. Peter's Jacobite church to attend my school mate from Don Bosco Aji Issac's son's marriage. The Jacobite church was so grand and large, I have not seen such a church in recent times, it is easily twice the size of Puthupally church. Established in 1906, it is an old church recently refurbished.

The marriage went fine and then we went to Chalakudy hall for the lunch. There I was really fortunate to meet at least ten of my school friends, it was a really happy occasion. After taking a snap with school friends, I went to Prof. Poduval's house near Kodagara, en route from Chalakudy to Trissur.. Poduval sir was at the bus stand waiting for me for more than 45 mins. We went to sir's house in his new Baleno car. After a quick tea, we went for a walk around the area to see his relatives. The village atmosphere was very refreshing. Also to see real good, simple, loving people.

After a bath and dinner, it was time to leave Trissur. Reached Trissur bus stand by 8.30 PM. By 11 PM was in the bus to Bangalore. By 7.30 am on Monday, I was in home in Bangalore and reached the college in time for the 8.30 AM class.

A very satisfying journey indeed, though short.

George..

What to do to keep good health ?

In old age, more than anything else, we find it is good health and good relationships that will keep us happy and occupied. I asked chatGPT a simple question,

UN public domain document..

What should I do to keep good health ?

To maintain good health, you can follow these general guidelines:

1. Eat a balanced and nutritious diet, including plenty of fruits and vegetables.

2. Exercise regularly, aiming for at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity each day.

3. Maintain a healthy weight.

4. Get adequate sleep each night, aiming for 7-9 hours.

5. Avoid unhealthy habits, such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

6. Manage stress through activities such as meditation, yoga, or exercise.

7. Practice good hygiene, including washing your hands frequently.

8. Get regular medical check-ups and screenings.

9. Stay informed about your health and take steps to prevent and manage any chronic conditions.

10. Keep close communication with close family members and old friends circle.

11. Expand your mind through expanded reading habit, enjoy the classics

12. As much as possible keep pace with technology and developments

Remember that individual needs may vary and it's important to speak with a doctor or healthcare professional for personalized advice.

As a final message, I feel serving needy and old age people with our time, knowledge and resources also makes our life worth living on this planet.

George.

Teaching till 80 years ..

As a 58-year-old professor teaching operations management in India, I can consider the following steps to continue teaching till 80 years old:

1. Maintaining good health: Taking care of one's physical and mental health is important to ensure one is able to continue teaching for a longer period. This includes regular exercise, eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and managing stress.

2. Staying up to date: Keep oneself updated with the latest developments in the field of operations management. Attend conferences, workshops, and seminars, and engage in ongoing professional development to maintain expertise and relevance.

3. Adapting to changing technology: Embrace technology and incorporate it into one's teaching to keep up with the times and remain relevant to students. This may include using online platforms for teaching, virtual simulations, and other digital tools.

4. Networking: Maintaining strong connections with colleagues, alumni, and other professionals in one's field can help to stay informed about the latest developments, as well as provide opportunities for professional growth.

5. Taking breaks: It's important to take breaks and recharge to prevent burnout and maintain one's energy levels. Consider taking regular vacations, engaging in hobbies, and spending time with loved ones to refresh and rejuvenate.

Note: It's important to consult with one's doctor regularly to monitor  health and ensure one is capable of continuing to teach. It's also good to have a contingency plan in case of any health issues or unexpected events

With generous contributions from ChatGPT ..