Arif had spent over a decade working as an air conditioning mechanic in Riyadh, enduring the scorching Saudi sun to provide for his family back in Pakistan. The job was tough—long hours, cramped spaces, and the constant strain of lifting heavy units had taken a toll on his body. Over time, he developed piles, a painful condition that made sitting and working unbearable.
When his annual leave finally arrived, Arif decided to return to Pakistan to get the surgery done. Government hospitals were cheaper, and he trusted the doctors there. The operation was supposed to be simple—a routine piles removal under local anesthesia. But fate had other plans.
As the anesthetic was administered, something went wrong. The needle touched his spine, and within days, an infection set in. At first, it was just numbness in his legs, but soon, Arif couldn’t stand. Panic set in as he realized he couldn’t walk. His family rushed him to different neurosurgeons, each visit draining their savings further. MRI scans revealed the infection had spread, pressing against his nerves.
The doctors prescribed strong antibiotics—a two-year course to fight the stubborn infection. Arif , once a strong man who climbed ladders and hauled AC units, was now bedridden. His wife, Farah, became his caretaker, helping him with every movement. His children watched helplessly as their father, their hero, struggled to even sit up.
For six months, Arif couldn’t work. His employer in Saudi Arabia held his job but The financial strain was crushing. The road to recovery was slow and agonizing. Arif endured painful physiotherapy sessions, forcing his legs to move again. Some days, despair weighed heavier than his body. But he refused to give up.
Six months later, after countless injections, scans, and prayers, Arif finally returned to Saudi Araibia to resume his job but he remained on antibiotics for two years before the infection cleared Arif had lost much, but he had gained something too—a lesson in patience, the love of his family, and the unshakable belief that no matter how hard life struck, he would always find a way to stand again.
The importance of getting a recommendation before undergoing a medical operation and selecting the right doctor became obvious to Arif.