Gastrointestinal Amyloidosis Treatment in India

Myra Nair, a 62-year-old retired librarian,...

Myra Nair, a 62-year-old retired librarian, had always been active and health-conscious. For over a year, she battled unexplained, severe diarrhea, debilitating fatigue, and a progressive, unintentional 25-pound weight loss. Multiple tests for common gastrointestinal issues came back negative. Her primary care physician, concerned by her persistent symptoms and low albumin levels, referred her to a surgical gastroenterologist. After a CT scan showed thickened small bowel loops, the doctor suspected an infiltrative disorder like amyloidosis and recommended a diagnostic laparoscopy with full-thickness bowel biopsy to obtain a definitive tissue sample. Myra was terrified; the idea of surgery felt like a drastic escalation. The procedure itself went smoothly, but the recovery was painful and slow. The biopsy confirmed AL (primary) amyloidosis. While the diagnosis was serious, Myra felt a profound sense of relief after months of uncertainty. She was started on chemotherapy targeting the plasma cell disorder. Emotionally, she transitioned from feeling like a medical mystery to a patient with a clear, actionable plan. She now channels her librarian's diligence into managing her treatment, finding strength in knowledge and a defined path forward.