my patient ,suffering from the systemic vasculitis , underwent a major operation yesterday where her gangrenous skin and soft tissue was removed . i was so uncomfortable and apprehensive while taking her for surgery as i was concerend how she will tolerate the pain afterwards and whether the child would be safe as it is a precious pregnancy [six years post marriage]. she chose to go inside the operation theatre with the photo of her spiritual guruji and we let her do it as it was a matter of faith for her . the surgery finished off very well and child was absolutely safe during and after the surgery as monitered through foetal doppler machine [an instrument which records the foetal heart sounds]. today when i went to see her , i was so surprised to see her smiling at me with out any artificial efforts, it was unbelievable even for me . i understand the pain she is tolerating , it is something like somebody burning u from upside down and then peeling off ur whole skin . still she can smile !! extraordinary courage this women possess and hats off to her . i think that the hope of keeping alive her precious baby [we are making every effort to do that] is giving her this supreme strength as only a mother can endure so much pain in this world .