Karunanidhi’s health: What happened to DMK chief since July 19

CHENNAI: DMK president M Karunanidhi was following a healthy lifestyle, which included rising early, doing yoga, walking and eating simple food. He was admitted to hospital only a few times until 2016.
He underwent a spinal surgery in 2009 for treatment of severe back and leg pain.

In December 2016 , Karunanidhi underwent a tracheostomy, a procedure to create a space in the windpipe to optimise breathing. Doctors said the procedure helped him overcome breathing difficulties caused by a throat and lung infection. In addition, he had undergone percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy, a flexible tube put through the abdominal wall into the stomach.

In the last 20 months, the tubes allowed nutrition, fluids and medications to be put directly into his stomach.

For over a year, Karunanidhi rarely left home and visitors were limited.

On July 19 last, the five-time chief minister of Tamil Nadu was admitted to Kauvery Hospital to change the tracheotomy tube. By 4pm on the same day, he was discharged.

On July 26, Kauvery Hospital issued a medical bulletin stating that there was a “slight decline” in the health Karunanidhi due to age-related problems.

Karunanidhi, who was suffering from a urinary tract infection and other age-related ailments, was admitted to the intensive care unit of Kauvery Hospital in the early hours of July 28 after his blood pressure dropped. Although his BP was stabilised within two hours, he continued to be in the intensive care unit.

On July 29, the hospital said the DMK chief suffered a ‘transient’ setback but was rallied back to normal. For the next one week, Karunanidhi’s health condition had remained stable with the hospital on July 31 saying he had responded well to treatment.

However, his health condition declined on Monday ( August 6). A medical bulletin issued by Kauvery Hospital executive director Dr Aravindan Selvaraj on Monday evening said, “Maintaining his organ functions continues to remain a challenge considering his age-related ailments. He is on continuous monitoring and being treated with active medical support. His response to the medical interventions over the next 24 hours will determine the prognosis.”

The nonagenarian leader’s health condition “continues to be critical,” doctors treating him said on Tuesday ( August 7).