I live my life as best as I can
View(s):Nihal Uduwara, an MS patient shares his ups and downs
The first symptoms of MS showed up in my teens when I noticed a limp in one leg from time to time. However, the disease remained undiagnosed for three decades, despite having sought many medical opinions. Following further development of symptoms over the years, a proper diagnosis was made only in 2005, confirming the cause as MS.
Eventually, I had to cut short my career 15 years prematurely and retire, while my three children were still schooling.
Here I am, now into the 12th year of illness, with full-blown MS and confined to a wheelchair for the last five years.
Living with MS seems unlike other illnesses to me. Life continues while the physical disability and disorders advance. It is frustrating and distressing. The question, “Why me, when others live a normal life?” keeps popping into our heads, which is only human.
My four close friends were saddened when they heard of my affliction. The irony is that these friends are now dead, leaving me grieving. I am still living my life as best as I can. Life is there to live regardless of circumstances. Frustration is a defeat one should renounce.
Sri Lanka being a developing nation is yet to fully recognize and support MS patients with the necessary care. I hope that in the future MS patients in Sri Lanka will also get free medicines through the state health service.
But the MS community here is not alone. MSAL voluntarily and untiringly serves the needy to give hope and comfort. It is heartening that they perform this in an exemplary manner with hardly any contributions forthcoming.
How do I stay positive and free from frustration amidst the frailties of MS? It is faith in God, the key that provides me with inner peace and joy.