Birds of Mount Abu Phase IV

Birds of Mount Abu 

Indian Paradise-Flycatcher - Terpsiphone paradise fledgling

Indian Paradise-Flycatcher - Terpsiphone paradise

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Oriental Honey-buzzard - Pernis ptilorhynchus immature

Oriental Honey-buzzard - Pernis ptilorhynchus immature

Oriental Honey-buzzard - Pernis ptilorhynchus

White-throated Kingfisher - Halcyon smyrnensis

Indian Golden Oriole - Oriolus kundoo

Indian Golden Oriole - Oriolus kundoo

Indian Golden Oriole - Oriolus kundoo

Gray Heron - Ardea cinerea

Indian Pond-Heron - Ardeola grayii

Pied Cuckoo - Clamator jacobinus

Pied Cuckoo - Clamator jacobinus

I know it’s been a while since I last posted, but the past month and a half have been overwhelming. Between my kid’s Mid-Term exams and setting up my new premises, I’ve felt dreary as this year’s monsoon. To top it off, I attended a medical camp organized by the LIONS Club Mount Abu at the Global Research Hospital, where a team of experts from Delhi conducted routine tests. The doctors advised me to go to Delhi for further evaluation because of my deteriorating heart condition.

 After showing the results to my family doctor, he didn’t hold back. “Ains, you need to see a heart specialist immediately. Your life is hanging by a thread,” he said, leaving me with a heavy heart. I promised to make the trip within a day or two, but the thought of facing another angiography—or worse, a bypass—left me in turmoil.

 As I approach the threshold of becoming an older adult, the idea of starting this new chapter of life with a stint or bypass is far from appealing. I had no choice but to visit my heart specialist, Dr Samir Dani, in Ahmedabad.

 On August 1st, I found myself in front of his panel of experts, undergoing blood tests, an ECG, and an echo. After reviewing my reports, Dr. Dani gave his verdict: “Ains, it’s your liver that needs more attention than your heart. You need to change your lifestyle.” During our conversation, he remembered he had to speak to my family doctor. After updating him on my condition, my family doctor insisted on an immediate angiography. With a sense of deep satisfaction, I assured Dr. Dani that his initial diagnosis was enough for me and that I would willingly undergo the angiography if it became necessary. He agreed and asked me to visit his hospital again on the 21st of this month.

 I spent the next three days in Ahmedabad, indulging in some shopping for my better half and relaxing, reflecting on the lifestyle changes I need to make.