New Face of Leprosy

Balamurali is 47. “Myself and my 3 brothers live in this building, each on a different floor with our families. I’m on the bottom floor. I live with my wife, son and two daughters. My eldest, Devika (18) is currently studying a BCom in computer applications. Her 17-year-old sister is in 12th class, and my son, 13, is studying in 7th class.”

“Everyone in my family knows I have leprosy, including my brothers. I lost sensation in my feet around 1996/’97. I was around 20. I went to a family doctor who referred me to Dr Uday Kiran. He and his family have been extremely supportive of me. He was actually in a private practice at the time, but I was poor and didn’t have any money, so he didn’t charge me anything. It was he who even helped arrange my marriage.”

“I took treatment for a year. But then I developed ulcers. I was at my grandmother's funeral, and they burned her body. I was standing close to the fire, but couldn’t feel the heat and got burn blisters on my feet. For ages after that I never went near fire.”

“When I was first diagnosed, I didn’t feel like doing anything. I was worried about my future, what would happen to me. I’d seen beggars hanging out around churches and temples… I’d seen their deformities. I feared this may happen to me. But Dr Uday counseled me regularly. He told me I’d be cured like any other disease.”

“My father was a contractor and Dr Uday suggested I help him with that to keep myself busy. Around 2000, I was referred to NLRC, then Shivananda as an inpatient, where they gave me MCR chappels and taught me self-care. I’ve been wearing them ever since, and for the last 13 years I’ve not had an ulcer.”

“I got married in 2001. Initially I didn’t tell anyone, including her. When people asked about my deformities on my feet I just said it was an accident. My wife was asking why I was getting wounds on my feet, so I told her. It was shortly after our first daughter was born. I told her family about it too. They actually went to Shivananda without me realizing to enquire about it. They were reassured by staff there and now they give me special care.”

“Generally I don’t really tell the neighbours or friends I have this, they think it’s from an accident, and why should I tell them otherwise? I have a good relationship with people in the neighbourhood because of my father.”

“For much of the last 10 years I’ve worked as a security guard, as being on a building site wasn’t good for my feet – I had to climb buildings and there was a lot of rough ground. I just finished a job last week, and I’m going for an interview for a new one next week. I generally take very good care of my hands and feet. My daughter’s education is supported by LEPRA through the ORACLE project “Chaha”. My wife currently works assisting the chef at Golkonda Hotel.”

“With God’s grace, with LEPRA and Dr Uday, I am comfortable. I work a little less than others, but I can maintain my family. I have no regrets.”

“My suggestion to those newly-affected is not to worry about the disease. Just take regular medication, eat healthily and use footwear if necessary.”