Sep, 2017
Due to chronic pain in his knees, it's been four years since Ahmad Al-Sharif has been able to work.
Today, he's gradually reclaiming his health and mobility, and feels grateful for the health care he gets at a highly-regarded charitable medical center in Hebron, West Bank.
"Recently we received an important medicinal delivery from Anera that many consider a blessing, said Dr. Al-Rajabi. He explained that a recent Direct Relief donation of Etodolac extended-release tablets has helped patients with joint pain get their lives back on track.
"For years, my aching joints have prevented me from walking up stairs or driving long distances,” said Ahmad, who is an elderly engineer from Hebron. “The pain even stood in the way of playing with my grandchildren. Today, the pain is so mild that I sometimes forget it's there. It used to be that the pain was constant and unbearable.”
Being part of a local reconstruction committee, Ahmad oversees rehabilitation work being performed on old and historical buildings in Hebron. "Many of the old houses and buildings were built in stages by different generations. They were often built in a random manner by people with limited expertise. So you would see some irregularity and inconsistency in construction, like irregular step heights. Sometimes you'd find steps that are so high that they are difficult to walk for even a healthy person.”
Recently Ahmad has been feeling tangible improvement in his back and joints. Dr. Rajabi explains that the medication has a dual efficiency that treats joint diseases: it is anti-inflammatory, easing the swelling of joints, and its extended-release feature helps control symptoms and give the patient relief from pain.
An advocate for daily exercise and sports, the doctor stresses the importance of keeping active. He advises Ahmad go for walks every evening and to leave some time for a quick exercise before heading to work each morning. "Introducing these healthy habits into daily life would greatly benefit Ahmad’s condition and give him a positive start to the day."
The charitable center helps low-income families to keep healthy, by providing free-of-charge medication and health care to all patients. The Anera-delivered medicines are fundamental to the center, as they make up a very large part of their stock.
Today, Ahmad and his wife will be joined by their grandchildren in the afternoon. Ahmad always looks forward to seeing them and watching them grow up. "One of my younger grandchildren, Jana, is very attached to me and has become my companion. I take her along with me on my personal visits and trips, even to the medical center."
"You see a lot of Ahmad's characteristics in her, especially her attention to details and wit. Maybe she is an engineer in the making," Dr. Rajabi said cheerfully. He is always delighted to see his patients' health improve and how it always reflects positively on their families.
Ahmad's improved health not only helps his family, but his community as well, as he continues to serve it through his work. No pain or disease seems to be be able to get in the way of this determined engineer who is committed to preserving his city's history and culture.
