"Embrace with death" - WV Raman recalls near-death experience from severe allergic reaction

Former India women's cricket head coach WV Raman recently recalled an experience when a mild allergy escalated into a life-threatening anaphylactic shock. WV Raman said that his doctor recommended immediate hospital care for a possible allergic reaction, narrowly avoiding a scary death experience.

The former batter played 11 Tests and 27 ODIs for India between 1988 and 1997, amassing over 1,000 runs in 38 matches. Apart from his playing career, Raman has extensive coaching experience at domestic, international, and IPL levels. He also played for Tamil Nadu in 132 first-class games and 87 List-A matches.

I Noticed a Few Hives on My Body Beginning to Spread – WV Raman

WV Raman said that his routine visit turned into a life-threatening situation when he suffered a severe allergic reaction. Raman stated that he noticed hives spreading across his body after taking prescribed medication. He began experiencing chest congestion and a strange blood surge in his face while driving.

“Last Tuesday started off with me consulting my GP due to a viral infection I had. He prescribed a few medicines and an hour later, i had them after food. Two hours later, I noticed a few hives on my body beginning to spread," Raman wrote in a post on X (formerly known as Twitter).

"I called my doc and he suggested that I go to the hospital and get an injection for a typical allergic reaction to medicine/food. Might have ignored or delayed but felt a bit of blood surge in my face. That was odd I thought, and drove to the hospital,” he added.

This thread is only to point out that we cannot afford to ignore or dismiss what our body conveys to us:

Last Tuesday started off with me consulting my GP due to a viral infection I had. He prescribed a few medicines and an hour later, i had them after food. Cont.....

— WV Raman (@wvraman) January 17, 2025

The 3 km Drive Was Very Uncomfortable – WV Raman

Raman expressed his gratitude to the doctors for ensuring his recovery and safety. The doctor administered an injection, but Raman’s condition worsened. He experienced a terrifying moment when his health rapidly deteriorated, and he lost consciousness for 45-60 seconds before regaining awareness.

“The 3 km drive was very uncomfortable. Along the way,I felt a bit of congestion in my chest, reached the hospital, the doctor went about administering the injection. As the procedures were being done, I was feeling terrible," he wrote.

“I told the doc that I was getting worse despite the treatment. Things went down south very rapidly, and there I was in an embrace with death for about 45-60 secs. I blacked out and then came to after a few minutes! Seemingly mild allergy culminated in an anaphylactic shock," he added.

Please Share Known Allergies with Your Family, Friends, and Doctors – WV Raman

WV Raman urged everyone to pay attention to the signs their body gives them and to communicate these symptoms with family and friends. Raman confirmed that he has now fully recovered and was able to travel for commentary duties during the women's ODI series between India and Ireland.

“It only takes a second, folks, and life always keeping dealing cards that can stifle you. Read the cards, and don’t ignore the messages your body gives you. Yes, luck and God’s grace are needed, no doubt. Please share the known allergies to your family, friends and doctors," Raman said.

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