I, Kaushik Basu, am sharing my story with you about my journey with Hereditary Spherocytosis and Gilbert’s syndrome. In class one (2002-2003), my parents noticed I had less than the usual haemoglobin and continuously jaundiced eyes and skin. None of the doctors in Kolkata could suggest the cause of my jaundiced eyes,skin. For further investigations, I was taken to CMC Vellore. After numerous blood tests, I was diagnosed with Hereditary Spherocytosis and Gilbert’s syndrome. Haematologists suggested that I should undergo a splenectomy if my condition worsens. With my bilirubin levels significantly higher than normal ranges, I remain in continuous monitoring. Ever since my diagnosis, my parents have consulted numerous haematologists and other doctors to learn more about this disease. Since these are hereditary, they are non-curable. My parents have always been anxious about my condition. Due to these conditions, I developed gallstones in class 11 (2014), which were operated on. Due to these conditions, my growth has been stunted, yet it could never break my spirit. This is the reason for my never-give-up attitude. Many times I questioned myself, “Why me?”. I have been mocked since my childhood days due to my jaundiced skin and eyes. Since I suffered social anxiety, discrimination , inferior complexity, I am determined to help others who suffer similarly and to guide/encourage those who seek help. This is the primary reason to reach out to ORDI and to seek weekend volunteering in Kolkata, engage in events(both offline and online) and to spread awareness.
