Redhotcurry - Health. Tuberculosis Case Study

"I was diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB) in May 2001. I had been suffering from severe stomach cramps, which started several months after a trip to India. At first I just thought I had food poisoning, even though I'm a vegetarian! When the pain got worse I went to my local hospital. I was diagnosed with suspected appendicitis and was sent home with a course of antibiotics, which just made me feel worse.

Within two weeks I lost two stone, developed fever and was subsequently sent for a private referral. The consultant took me in for an emergency operation straight away and I was found to have a leaking abscess. The results showed me being positive for Abdominal TB.

I was in hospital for two months due to complications. Normally treatment for TB sufferers lasts six months but mine was longer. I followed a course of intravenous drugs and standard daily tablets, which were taken orally.

Around four months after I had been discharged from hospital, I developed a lump under my breast. Apparently the TB had affected my bones. As a result, I had to stay on antibiotics for a year. All in all, my treatment took 18 months. I was treated privately at the Princess Margaret Hospital in Windsor.

My family was shocked and worried when I was diagnosed. After all I had had the BCG injection at school when I was 13, so theoretically I shouldn't have contracted the disease. My mother also worried about her own health. She had been with me in India, so naturally she went for a test, thankfully she was given the all-clear. I think I contracted abdominal TB through drinking or eating something, which contained un-pasteurised milk.

I had come close to dying and went for counselling due to the depression I suffered. Trying to explain to people that I had TB was not easy, so I only told my best mates.

Before contracting the disease my knowledge was limited. I assumed that it was contagious abut only affected your lungs. Not all forms of TB are contagious and once you begin treatment you cannot spread it to others. The stark reality is that anyone can get the disease. I think that TB sufferers should not be ashamed. Be more vocal and brave about talking about the disease and then people will be more open and understanding.

The Asian community in particular have a real stigma with TB. People can't be frowned upon just because they have TB especially when you look at the facts. For example, Ealing Borough has the largest number of TB cases in London. I hope sharing my experience changes some misconceptions about the disease."

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