Page 15 - TB: The Ticking Time Bomb
P. 15
“
I used to get frequent bouts of fever. I went to many doctors but it did not
help. Finally, one doctor suggested that I get an X-ray done. The X-ray showed TB.
After two years of treatment, I was told I have MDR TB. I was not counselled about
this at all and though I was told I would be fine in three months, I was depressed,
listless and would not talk to anyone.
The drugs gave me various reactions. I was breathless. My mother thought I was
acting this way to avoid housework. But I had difficulty in walking and injections
made me feel giddy and forgetful. The neighbours stopped talking to me and I had to
tie a cloth around my face while stepping out.
I even visited babas as some doctors said it could be due to some paranormal
influence. I blindly believed them without having knowledge about my illness. My
marriage was fixed but my parents said I could not marry before finishing my
treatment. Sometimes I felt like commiting suicide as well. Finally I was introduced
to an NGO that helped me learn more about the disease.
”
- Kavita Yadav
“ I am a survivor of TB. I contracted the infection in a hospital after a surgery
about 20 years ago. It was extra-pulmonary in origin. The doctors could not identify
where the infection was located in my body. I underwent many tests, spent a lot of
money and a lot of time in the hospital, but there was no use. Finally, the doctor put
me on Rifampicin for 9 months and I recovered from the symptoms. But I am not
sure when the symptoms will resurface. I am living in that fear for the past 20 years.
Another problem that has come up is that I have developed vertigo problem and
people tell me it is because of the TB treatment.
”
- - Bala
13
I used to get frequent bouts of fever. I went to many doctors but it did not
help. Finally, one doctor suggested that I get an X-ray done. The X-ray showed TB.
After two years of treatment, I was told I have MDR TB. I was not counselled about
this at all and though I was told I would be fine in three months, I was depressed,
listless and would not talk to anyone.
The drugs gave me various reactions. I was breathless. My mother thought I was
acting this way to avoid housework. But I had difficulty in walking and injections
made me feel giddy and forgetful. The neighbours stopped talking to me and I had to
tie a cloth around my face while stepping out.
I even visited babas as some doctors said it could be due to some paranormal
influence. I blindly believed them without having knowledge about my illness. My
marriage was fixed but my parents said I could not marry before finishing my
treatment. Sometimes I felt like commiting suicide as well. Finally I was introduced
to an NGO that helped me learn more about the disease.
”
- Kavita Yadav
“ I am a survivor of TB. I contracted the infection in a hospital after a surgery
about 20 years ago. It was extra-pulmonary in origin. The doctors could not identify
where the infection was located in my body. I underwent many tests, spent a lot of
money and a lot of time in the hospital, but there was no use. Finally, the doctor put
me on Rifampicin for 9 months and I recovered from the symptoms. But I am not
sure when the symptoms will resurface. I am living in that fear for the past 20 years.
Another problem that has come up is that I have developed vertigo problem and
people tell me it is because of the TB treatment.
”
- - Bala
13
