Impact Stories

Ritesh Das, 45/M, MB (A). He runs a Sports equipment shop and his family consists of his wife, five-year-old daughter and mother. “Ritesh started telling his story, “About eight months ago, I saw patches all over my body. Assuming nothing was serious, I went to a local doctor for check-up and took medicines for a few days, but the patches remained the same. On my wife’s suggestion I went to consult a skin specialist for further check-up. The doctor advised me to attend RG Kar Medical College & Hospital for proper diagnosis and treatment. From RG Kar Medical College, I was informed that I am suffering from leprosy. For a moment I was stunned. I was telling myself that the diagnosis may be wrong. I didn’t know what to do!  How can I fulfill the responsibilities of my family?” continue…

“After that I met a GLRA counselor as advised by the OPD Doctor. At the very beginning of the meeting, he told me that leprosy is curable,” the first thought of me was that my family members were in danger due to this type of serious disease.  For the next 15 days, I could not sleep properly. My business was already hampered because this tension ultimately closed. Eventually, I started multi-drug therapy (MDT) to stop further damage and also the other medicines that were provided free of cost to me from R G Kar Medical College & Hospital.” Ritesh recalls, “Finally I accepted that I had leprosy. After starting MDT, I, stopped contact with my relatives and friends.  I also hide my disease from them. I stopped going to any of my relatives, I thought my hands or legs would claw as I had seen leprosy patients with deformity. But I was assured by the counselor that with regular intake of medicines I can be cured. Every month I met a GLRA person, and he counseled me very well. Gradually I started feeling better. Ultimately, I had completed the 12th strip of medicine (MDT) and feeling good. I am following the advice and suggestions of the doctor and GLRA person and yes, I am now recovering and have started my business again. At the same time my perception of leprosy changed a lot.”

Ritesh’s case study should have ended here but it didn’t…!

The tragic moment came a few days later. He came to RG Kar medical College & Hospital again for checkup and met with the GLRA Supervisor with reaction and foot drop.

Ritesh said, “A few days ago I felt the back side of my left knee was tender.  I thought this may be something else. So, I went to the hospital a few days later. But in the meantime, I felt that my left foot was not working properly. I couldn’t lift my left foot. I contacted a GLRA person, he suggested that I come to the Hospital. Then Doctor said after the smear test that I need to take MDT again for 12 months (SSS test was positive).  After one year again I cried, and I think that I have no chances to cure my disease. I have a family, a wife, daughter and my mother. My only concern is that my family doesn’t suffer for me. “

Finally, Ritesh started taking MDT again with prednisolone. PEP also provided for his family members. After that he started exercise with the guidance of the GLRA supervisor for his left foot droop. Ritesh used to attend Hospital regularly with a worried face. His only question, “Can I be cured and will recover fully again? I think my life seems to be over.” He was frequently counseled by GLRA Supervisor, as a result Ritesh became mentally strong day by day. Ultimately, he completed the last doses (24) of MDT blister pack (MBA). But his smear result remains positive. Again, Ritesh is depressed and goes to the Doctor with great sadness. Doctor advised him no need to start MDT again and keep watch yourself until new patches or any problems develop. At present Ritesh is more or less healthy and able to lift a foot little bit.