New Delhi: Former Pakistani President General Pervez Musharraf, who has been hospitalized in Dubai for the past three weeks due to complications of his illness, is going through a difficult phase where recovery is not possible and organs are bad, his family said on Friday. In a message posted on Musharraf’s Twitter handle, his family said the former Pakistani president was suffering from amyloidosis and urged people to pray for ease in the daily life of the 78-year-old retired Pakistani general. “It’s not on the ventilator. He has been hospitalized for the last 3 weeks due to complications of his disease (amyloidosis). Going through a difficult phase where recovery is not possible and the organs are functioning badly. Pray for ease in his daily life, ”the message read.Also read – Pervez Musharraf’s recovery is not possible, organs are bad: family
The tweet was followed by stories from several media outlets that the former political leader had died in Dubai on Friday. Pak news portal The Namal also reported that Musharraf was kept on a ventilator as his health deteriorated. However, these reports were later denied. Musharraf has been living in Dubai for the past six years, where he has been receiving treatment for amyloidosis. Also read – Passengers traveling from Dubai to India may have to spend more
What is amyloidosis?
Amyloidosis is the name given to a group of rare, severe conditions caused by the formation of abnormal proteins called amyloid in organs and tissues throughout the body. Amyloid is an abnormal protein that is produced in the bone marrow and can be deposited in any tissue or organ. The formation of amyloid proteins (deposits) can make it difficult for organs and tissues to function properly. According to the National Health Service, UK, without treatment, this organ can lead to failure. Also read – Disclosure: Pakistan’s heinous plan to target Kashmiri Pandits using pistols instead of AK-47s
Symptoms of AL Amyloidosis
According to the National Health Service, UK, the symptoms of AL amyloidosis depend on which tissues and organs are affected.
Kidney failure: Most people with AL amyloidosis have an accumulation of amyloid protein in their kidneys and are at risk of kidney failure.
Symptoms of kidney failure include:
- Swelling, often in the legs, due to fluid retention (edema)
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Loss of appetite
Heart failure: Accumulation of amyloid in the heart can cause muscle stiffness, making it more difficult to pump blood around the body. This can lead to heart failure, which can be caused by:
- Shortness of breath
- Edema
- Abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia)
Other features: Other areas of the liver, spleen, nerves, or digestive tract may also produce amyloid proteins. Features may include:
- Feeling dizzy or faint, especially after standing or sitting
- Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet (from peripheral neuropathy)
- Nausea, diarrhea or constipation
- Numbness, tingling and pain in the wrists, hands and fingers (carpal tunnel syndrome))
- Easy bruises
AL amyloidosis does not affect the brain, so it does not cause memory or thinking problems. In some cases, AL amyloidosis may be associated with a type of bone cancer called multiple myeloma.
Cause of AL Amyloidosis
Treatment of AL Amyloidosis
There is currently no cure for amyloidosis. Amyloid deposits cannot be removed directly. But there are treatments to prevent overproduction of abnormal protein and treat your symptoms. These treatments can give your body time to slowly clear up before the deposits recur. This can help prevent organ damage.
According to the NHS, in most cases, treatment involves chemotherapy. Chemotherapy damages abnormal bone marrow cells and stops them from producing abnormal proteins that form amyloid deposits.
Steroid is usually given along with chemotherapy to enhance the effect of chemotherapy drugs. They can also reduce your chances of having a bad reaction to chemotherapy. Stem cell transplants are also used for treatment in some cases.
About Pervez Musharraf
Born in New Delhi, Musharraf took power in a coup in 1999. He served as President of Pakistan from 2001 to 2008. The former dictator launched the Kargil operation without the approval of the civilian government. Aides to former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif have said that Musharraf also sought to derail talks with India through the Kargil operation.
After the partition, Musharraf’s family settled in Karachi where he studied at St. Patrick’s School. He joined the Pakistan Military Academy at Kakul and graduated from the institute in 1964. He then enlisted in the Pakistan Army.
