Aruna visited many local doctors after developing painful swellings in her hands. No one recognised her symptoms as leprosy until she was eventually referred to one of Lepra’s Referral Centres. She developed a reaction to her leprosy treatment and required steroids.
While undergoing treatment, her skin lesions improved and she noticed less swelling. Her husband and son have supported her throughout her treatment and her son brings her to the Referral Centre whenever she needs to attend.
She says, “Not being able to work properly was the hardest part about having leprosy. I felt sorry for myself. I keep going because of my children. I want to see them all married.”
Aruna encourages people to take their medication, as it will make them feel better.
Interview by Dr Diana Lockwood. All photos taken in Hyderabad, India 2019 ©Tom Bradley
