My Journey: A Story of Struggle, Determination, and a New Beginning
- NAMAN JAIN
- Mar 29
- 4 min read
Beginning: Life Was Going Smoothly...
My name is Shashikant Dattajirao Mohite (Urostomate) I was born on 10th September 1959 in Sangli, where I also completed my education and have been living ever since.
After completing my diploma in civil engineering, I joined the construction department of Zilla Parishad, Sangli, on 21st June 1980.
Shortly after, my marriage was arranged, and I got married on 24th May 1981. Later, I was blessed with two sons, born in 1983 and 1990.
Life was stable, and everything seemed fine. But soon, things began to change...
The First Blow to My Health: Kidney Stones!
Since 1985, I started experiencing issues with kidney stones. In 1988, I underwent open surgery to remove a stone. The pain subsided for a while, but within a few days, I started experiencing urinary tract infections and recurring stones.
Every time I consulted a doctor, I was prescribed medications that temporarily relieved the issue. Over time, I developed a habit of taking medicines on my own, thinking that the problem would go away.
This continued for several years...
2004: A Major Health Crisis
In May 2004, the pain became unbearable.
I consulted my family doctor, who advised me to get a sonography.
The sonography was done at Dr. Amar Mohan's clinic in Miraj.
He found it necessary to conduct 3D/4D Color Doppler and additional tests, which he did free of cost and gave the reports to my family doctor.
The doctor then advised me to immediately consult a surgeon for further treatment.
I was then referred to my surgeon friend, Dr. Avinash Patil.
Dr. Patil explained my condition in detail and personally introduced me to Dr. Makarand Khochikar for treatment.
It was both fortunate and unfortunate that I already knew Dr. Khochikar—he had performed the same surgery on my father in 2001. However, since my father's condition was in the final stage, he could not be saved.
Hearing this shook me completely.
A Huge Shock for My Family
My entire family was devastated by my diagnosis.
My elder son had just completed his graduation, and my younger son was in 9th grade.
My wife was a homemaker, and the entire financial responsibility was on me.
My relatives assumed that I wouldn't survive the surgery.
Everyone around me believed I wouldn’t come back alive...
But I was determined to fight!
19th July 2004 – A Life-Changing Surgery
My surgery took place on 19th July 2004 at Shri Siddhivinayak Ganpati Cancer Hospital, Miraj.
I was in the ICU for 15 days and in the hospital for three more weeks.
During this time, I also suffered a minor heart attack.
But by God's grace, I survived and returned home.
This was not an easy journey, but it only made me stronger.
Returning to Work: A Tough Challenge
After two months of rest, I obtained a fitness certificate from my doctor and reported back to work.
But another battle awaited me there…
My colleagues and seniors believed I wouldn’t be able to work anymore.
They suggested I take early retirement or switch to clerical work.
But I firmly refused and said,
"Give me my old responsibilities back. If I can’t handle it, I’ll retire on my own."
📍 Eventually, the office allowed me to resume my original role.
📍 I continued working at full capacity for another 14 years.
📍 During this period, I was even promoted to a Class 1 officer in Maharashtra Government Services.
On 30th September 2017, I retired after completing my full-service tenure.
Cycling: A Life-Changing Journey
After retirement, I was diagnosed with high blood pressure (BP) and diabetes. The doctor advised me to exercise, but I was confused about what to do.
My family suggested cycling, and my sons immediately bought me a new cycle.
The first ride was a disaster.
I couldn’t even cycle for 100 meters without stopping three times!
I felt, "This is impossible."
But my wife encouraged me, saying,
"Our sons bought this cycle for you with so much love. Use it, or they will feel bad."
I decided to push through…
Gradually, I improved and started cycling 50-100 km with ease!
My BP medication stopped completely.
My sugar, cholesterol, and creatinine levels became fully controlled.
My doctor told me,
"Call me if you ever feel unwell, but never stop cycling!"
Today, I own two advanced bicycles:
A Giant cycle worth ₹1.5 lakh
A Fantom 29 cycle worth ₹50,000
Even my 12-year-old granddaughter now cycles up to 50 km!
Traveling and a New Outlook on Life
Even after my surgery, my wife and I have traveled extensively:
Across India
Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong, Macau, China, Bhutan, Nepal (3-4 times)
We even completed the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
Even today, I drive myself for 500-1000 km road trips without any issues.
My illness is no longer a barrier—instead, I have chosen to live life to the fullest.
A Pledge to Give Back
After receiving so much medical support and kindness, my wife and I have decided to donate our bodies to Miraj Medical College after our passing.
This is our way of giving back to the medical field.
Final Thoughts
This is not just a story of survival—it is a story of courage, resilience, and determination.
"If my journey can inspire even one person to fight back against life’s challenges, then all my struggles have been worth it."
Best Regards
