Chennai: At 25, Bhanupriya was just another TNPSC aspirant from Madurai, preparing for her exams. One day, she lost partial vision in her right eye: she suspected an eye issue, but MRI confirmed multiple sclerosis. When doctors warned she would grow progressively blind, her future seemed bleak.Bhanupriya, now 29, recounts that with help from tutorials offered by multiple sclerosis society of India, she could manage her symptoms better, pay for her treatment, clear her exams, and secure a job as a typist in Thanjavur district court. Bhanupriya was one of the 50-odd survivors at the multiple sclerosis day event organized by the multiple sclerosis society of India at YWCA on Sunday. Many survivors recounted their experiences sharing hope that the symptoms can be managed, and that the onset of disability can be delayed.
Another survivor, Aishwarya S, said that the condition has helped her live better. “I started taking life more seriously when I realized I might lose my mobility and vision. Be it walking my dog or booking tickets to Maasai Mara reserve in Kenya, I do things I want to do. I have never been happier,” she said. Other survivors included a teacher who sets reminders on her app in case she forgets her teaching material. Another survivor, a Bharatanatyam dancer, 30, completed her arangetram despite mobility issues.“Multiple sclerosis affects the optic nerve, brain activity, and spinal cord in varying proportions, based on the individual, and the onset of symptoms can usually be seen in early 30s,” said neurologist Dr Vivek Iyer from SIMS Hospital. “There is no permanent cure and disability may worsen over time despite medication. However, effective management of symptoms, through oral medications or injections may help people live longer and delay the onset of disability,” he said.Additional director of medical education Dr E Tharanirajan said that while individual medical college hospitals maintain records of MS cases, comprehensive data for TN has not been compiled. MSSI chairperson Ann Gonsalvez said the state has an estimated count of 600 people with the illness, with around 250 in Chennai. “Apart from aid in funding, we offer counselling to patients,” she said.
