Pune Rheumatology Center

20/06/2025

वारी ऑफ RA वॉरियर्स: वेदना, वारी आणि पांडुरंग

रामकृष्ण हरी 🙏🏼

मी स्वतः वारी अनुभवलेली नाही, पण गेल्या काही वर्षांत माझ्या रुग्णांकडून तिच्याबद्दल खूप ऐकलं आहे आणि दरवेळी थक्क व्हायला होतं.

गेल्या आठवड्यात अनेक आमवात (rheumatoid arthritis) असलेल्या पेशंट्सनी लवकर फॉलोअपसाठी भेट दिली.

खरंतर ते स्वतः आले नव्हते, त्यांच्या काळजी करणाऱ्या कुटुंबियांनी त्यांना आणलं कारण ते आळंदी ते पंढरपूर वारीसाठी निघणार आहेत.

सर्वांमध्ये एक गोष्ट समान — आत्मविश्वास आणि श्रद्धा.

“मला काही होणार नाही, पांडुरंग आहे आपल्यासोबत!” असं ते हसून सांगतात.

गेल्या ८ वर्षांपासून नियमितपणे येणारे एक वयोवृद्ध शेतकरी (प्राउडली मॅट्रिक पास),
दरवर्षीप्रमाणे यंदाही क्लिनिकमधून जाताना हसून म्हणाले:
“डाकटर , डोन्ट वरी… आय गोइंग वारी!” 😄

गेल्यावर्षीही असंच अनेक रुग्ण फक्त मुलांच्या आग्रहाखातर आले, आणि वारी करून परतले, तेही पेनकिलर आणि SOS औषधांचा बॉक्स न उघडता!

ना कोणती खास तयारी, ना डायेट प्लान.

त्यांचं बळ प्रोटीन शेकमधून नाही, ते पांडुरंगावरच्या अढळ श्रद्धेतून येतं.
कधी कधी शेक नव्हे, ही ‘अन्शेकेबल’ श्रद्धाच जास्त ताकदवान ठरते.

हे आमवाताचे रुग्ण दररोज वेदनेशी झुंज देतात. पण वारीत ते ३०० किमी चालतात -अशा ताकदीने, जी औषधांनीही समजावता येत नाही.

ही श्रद्धा, हे ध्येय, आणि आजाराच्या पलीकडे जाण्याची मानवी क्षमता- यातच दडलेलं असतं खरं बळ!

डॉ. प्रविण पाटील
संधिवात तज्ञ, पुणे

01/06/2025

Expiry Date of a Prescription

In India, most patients are well aware of the expiry dates printed on medication packaging—but many remain unaware (or overlook the fact) that prescriptions also have a limited validity period.

Just yesterday, I saw a patient who had been taking the same medication continuously for a year. When I reviewed his prescription, I noticed it was originally meant for just two months.

When I explained that continuing medication beyond the prescribed duration could be harmful, he said, “But I’m not taking anything else; I’ve just continued with the same medication you prescribed.”

Despite the discussion, he couldn’t understand how taking the right medication for the wrong duration could lead to problems.

🔍 What’s equally concerning is that these medications were still being dispensed by the pharmacy—long after the prescription had expired. Pharmacists play a critical role and should not refill prescriptions beyond their valid timeframe without proper renewal.

💡 Even safe medications can become unsafe if used without appropriate supervision.

26/04/2025

Heartbroken by the brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam. Can’t stop thinking about the innocent lives lost and the families devastated. Praying for strength and justice. We must stand united against this hatred.

18/04/2025

It’s moments like these that remind us why we do what we do.

Last night, I was out for dinner with my family when the waiter walked up and said,
“Sir, ek madam aapse baat karna chahti hain.”

A lady was standing a little away from our table—I couldn’t recognize her. Curious and a bit confused, I walked over.

She looked emotional and said, “You may not remember me. I came to your clinic a year ago, hoping for answers. I had been to several doctors. You examined me, said it wasn’t arthritis, and referred me to another specialist. No tests, no prescriptions—just advice. Honestly, I left feeling disappointed.”

Then she smiled and added,
“But I did visit the specialist. He agreed with your diagnosis. I’m feeling so much better now. Your guidance changed my life. I didn’t get a chance to say thank you earlier. I saw you today and couldn’t stop myself. I’m sorry if I disturbed your dinner.”

I was speechless for a moment. It really made me reflect.

Sometimes, you get a thank you not for what you treat—but for what you choose not to treat.

A timely referral, without wasting a patient’s time or energy, can make all the difference.

We don’t always get to know the impact of our actions—but every now and then, a moment like this reminds us why we show up every day.

For all the long days, the busy OPDs, and the silent goodbyes—this is the real reward.

For all the milestones, metrics, and recognition along the way—it’s moments like these that truly ground us.

There’s no greater reward than knowing a thoughtful decision made a real difference in someone’s life. And no greater blessing than the quiet gratitude of those we’re here to serve.

Truly feeling grateful and humbled today.

(Though I must admit… I had a LOT of explaining to do to my wife over dinner!)

19/01/2025

Honored to witness the incredible enthusiasm and dedication at the Tata Mumbai Marathon 2025!
Weather was challenging enough to test the limits!

06/10/2024

Thanks TOI medical correspondent Mr Umesh Isalkar for covering this important issue.

A significant rise in chronic chikungunya cases in Mumbai and Pune is raising concerns among health experts, with approximately 20-30% of patients experiencing lingering symptoms beyond six weeks. Rheumatologists emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and intervention to prevent long-term compl...

08/09/2024

TOI 08/09/2024

02/09/2024

The Spirit of Satara

Satara Hill Ultra Marathon is renowned for its challenging terrain. The event took place amidst the scenic hills of Satara, adding both beauty and difficulty to the course. Fortunately, the weather was quite pleasant, which made the demanding run more enjoyable.

One of the highlights of the race was the incredible support from the local community. The people of Satara came out in full force to cheer on the runners, creating a vibrant and encouraging atmosphere. Children lined the route in large numbers, enthusiastically cheering us on and giving us that extra boost of energy.

The villagers were exceptionally supportive, offering refreshments, encouragement, and assistance throughout the race. Their warm hospitality and unwavering support truly made the experience memorable.

Overall, it was an inspiring and rewarding experience of my first half marathon, made even more special by the spirit of an excellent organising team and kindness of the Satara community. 🙏🏻

Check out my run on Strava.

Check out my run on Strava.

17/08/2024

When the Nirbhaya incident happened, all of India was furious. Politicians, leaders, actors, doctors, regular people, and even students showed their anger.

But it’s frustrating that in the Kolkata crime case, only doctors and few other people are fighting for justice and a fair investigation.

It’s like it’s only the doctors’ problem. But no, this is an issue for every woman in the country. Doctors are speaking out for your sister, daughter, mother, and wife.

If a woman isn’t safe in a hospital while doing her job, then no woman is safe.

This protest isn’t about doctors, their pay, working hours, respect, or reimbursement. It’s about the safety of every woman in this country.

16/08/2024

Dear Patients,

This is to inform you that our clinic will be closed tomorrow, Saturday, 17th August 2024, in accordance with the nationwide withdrawal of services announced by the Indian Medical Association (IMA). This action has been taken as a mark of protest following the tragic incident at R G Kar Medical College, Kolkata, where a young doctor was brutally murdered. If women are not safe at their work place what kind of future we expect for our sisters and daughters. We appeal all citizens to join us in demand for justice.

Inconvenience caused due to such a radical step to innocent patients like you is deeply regretted. It’s even more painful for us to go on strike and stop the work which we have been doing passionately for years.

Your support will help to make better laws to protect doctors in India and deliver better health care. This will result in a healthy environment for doctors to treat patients.

Please note hospitals are open for essential services and any emergencies. However, routine outpatient services in our clinic will not be available.

We appreciate your understanding and support in this matter.



Sincerely,

Dr. Pravin Patil,
Rheumatologist
Pune Rheumatology Center

29/07/2024

A Rainy Setback: Anushka's Battle with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Anushka had always been strong. At just 24 years old, she had been living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) for five difficult years. Her family was supportive, taking her to clinics that offered alternative therapies. Despite the pain and limitations from her condition, Anushka worked hard and graduated with a degree, which made her very proud.

Today was supposed to be a big day for her—the day of her first job interview. She had prepared carefully, despite the flare-ups and fatigue that often came with RA. She put on a professional outfit, even though her swollen and stiff hands made it hard to button her clothes. She managed, though, and looked at herself in the mirror, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves.

As Anushka walked down the street, holding her umbrella, the sky suddenly darkened, and it started to rain. She tried to open her umbrella quickly, but her swollen fingers wouldn't work properly. The more she tried, the more her hands hurt, and she couldn't get the umbrella open.

Soon, she was soaked from the rain, and she felt cold and alone. There was no one around to help, and she couldn't find shelter. Tears started to mix with the rain on her face. It wasn't just the physical pain that made her cry; it was the frustration and helplessness she felt. Her dream job seemed to slip away with every raindrop.

Feeling defeated, Anushka turned around and walked home, her steps heavy with sadness. When she got home, she locked herself in her room, unable to face anyone. She curled up on her bed, crying from the pain and disappointment.

Her parents found her like this and were very worried. They knew how much this interview meant to her and how hard she had worked to overcome her RA challenges. Seeing her so upset broke their hearts. They gently encouraged her to come out of her room and brought her to our clinic.

Anushka’s story is a reminder of how RA patients struggle with daily activities that most young people take for granted. Her journey with RA isn't over, but we reassured her that she isn't alone. With the help of modern treatment and her own determination, she will face the challenges ahead, one step at a time. Today was a setback, but it wasn't the end of her story.
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10/05/2024

Please join us for a Special World AS Day Webinar!

Join us for World AS Day Special interaction session hosted by ASWS on Sunday, May 12th, from 7pm to 9pm, where we’ll delve into “Eye, Skin, Heart, Kidney and Bone Health in AS”. Come prepared with your questions to make this session a success with your valuable presence.

Audience link: https://exiweb.in/FB-Live-Eye-Skin-Heart-Kidney-Bone-Health-in-AS

Make sure to register before logging in.
See you there!