Shakti: Powering through
Shakti was just two and a half years old when she started showing signs of Leprosy. Red patches started appearing on her legs, her skin wouldn’t heal, and the wounds just kept on getting bigger. That was the first time Shakti stepped inside a hospital. Since then to now, Shakti has seen her fair share of hospitals, many more than a 19-year-old should.
As Shakti grew, so did her wounds. In what should be some of the happiest years of her life, Shakti’s life revolved around ulcers that would refuse to heal, hospitals that could not quite figure out what was wrong with her and endless streams of medications. Instead of friends, Shakti received hate and the 10-year-old kid could never quite understand why neighbours would ask her to stay away from their children:
“It’s made me really sad. When I am sitting in the neighborhood, people tell me to go away. They say that I will transmit this disease to their children. They won’t let me leave my house.”
When Shakti was 15-years old, she was diagnosed with Leprosy and referred to Anandaban Hospital. By the time she walked through the gates of the hospital, her left leg was severely damaged. The doctors informed Shakti that they would have to amputate her left leg. A few days into her stay at Anandaban, Shakti lost her left leg.
At the time, Shakti wanted to become a doctor. She had finished her school exams and was on the verge of joining higher education to pursue her dream.
“I worked so hard to pass my school exams. I hoped to go on to University. I dreamt of studying to become a doctor. But instead, I am here (at Anandaban Hospital), all because my wounds wouldn’t heal. I can’t be a doctor without my leg.”
Leprosy cost Shakti a dream and a leg. Having lost sight of something she always aspired to be, Shakti withdrew within herself and no longer saw a way out. In what proved to be the most challenging months of her life, Shakti persevered:
“When people see me now, they see someone disabled or crippled. But I want to change that. I want to be independent and take care of my parents. I do not want my mother to worry about me.”
Since having an artificial leg fitted, Shakti has had a new outlook on life. She wants to work in a bank or get a government job and is currently pursuing an under graduation management degree with an accountancy major. However, this too is proving challenging. The ulcer in her right leg continues to trouble her and Shakti finds herself in Anandaban Hospital every three or four months, sometimes for week-long in-patient care.
She has missed many of her classes this year because of her wounds and has to appear in makeup exams. She laments the fact that she doesn’t have any friends:
“No, I don’t have any friends. I was home-schooled all my life. Even though I am now able to go to high school, I can’t attend regularly because of my wounds. The school is also far away from my house and even with my artificial leg, I cannot walk long distances.”
Her parents worry about her future- will she get married, if there is a prospect , will they be able to afford a large dowry? They really want Shakti to be independent and continue her education.
“We will not be there to support her forever. Even if we find a man for her to get married to, it would not be possible for us to fulfill the high demand of dowry that the bride’s side will have to give to the groom and his family, as per our culture. We just cannot afford it. So, we wish her to get a good education and to have a bright future.”
For the first time in what seems like forever, she recently visited Anandaban hospital and does not have to stay back for treatment nor return for scheduled follow-up visit. Shakti no longer sees leprosy as she once did. She no longer blames the disease or curses or wounds that take forever to heal. All she wants is to lead a normal life.
“In the end, all I really want is to lead a dignified life, be independent, and look after myself.”
Shakti is finally back home now. Her wounds are healing and for the moment, she doesn’t have to visit the hospital for an immediate follow-up.
She needs to clear her back exams for grade 12. She wants to start preparing for a government job but is worried that she won’t be able to find good institutions in her hometown. She does not feel confident that she will be able to come to Kathmandu to prepare for the exams. Still, she wants to prepare by herself and secure a good job for herself.
Shakti has received good deal of treatment and wellbeing support at Anandaban hospital for several years now, and her story is a reflection of her resilience.