TB&ME is a collaborative blogging project by patients being treated for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in locations all around the world by Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). They are writing about their experiences o...
Today's story comes from a Ella in Georgia. She has recently been cured of multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis. A lack of research has meant that very few drugs are available for this kind of TB, and the ones that exist cause powerful side-effects. Having got through the long, difficult treatment, she shares her inspiring story.
I never would have thought that the word "tuberculosis" would be mentioned so often in my family. I never would have imagined that this illness, this misfortune would come to my family.
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Inside a TB ward in Georgia. Photo: Daro Sulakauri/MSF
When I was offered work at an anti-TB hospital, I had no fear at all, although I realized the danger I was going face there. I was a healthy and strong person and I thought I always would be. However, the trouble came unexpectedly. I did not believe it; I did not want to face the fact that I was ill. I was not feeling ill.
I realized everything only when I received my first dose of an anti-TB drug.
And very soon, I fell into despair. I thought I could not withstand this suffering.But, I thought about the fact that I was still young and I had my whole life ahead of me, and that I had to care for my child who needs a mother, and finally I decided to fight.
"I thought about the fact that I was still young and I had my whole life ahead of me, and that I had to care for my child who needs a mother, and finally I decided to fight."
This was a really terrible and difficult period in my life. The effects of the drug were killing and destroying me. All of the possible side-effects occurred in my body. I felt bad even when I was looking at the medication. I hated even eating, because the round shape of the plate was reminding me of the tablets. Everyone and everything made me irritated. This was violence on a human organism.
I withstood everything by the grace of God. He will never give you more than you can handle. A church and my priest were consoling me a lot. I did handle everything and now I am a healthy person. I have won this battle.
TB is a diagnosis, not a verdict! And this diagnosis can be defeated!I want to tell all of the TB patients: "Do not give up and do not be afraid. Believing in yourself is the most important thing; believe that you will achieve your goals."
I am very thankful to every person who encouraged me. They have performed a great service for my victory.
