Amid a challenging journey of being wheelchair-bound since May 2008 and afflicted with severe and aggressive MS since 2001, I encountered moments of profound emotion and unexpected discoveries. One such moment stands out vividly in my memory—a divine experience after nineteen long months of struggle. As I stood beneath the shower, the sensation of water cascading over my body overwhelmed me. But it was not just water I tasted; it was the saltiness of my tears mingling with the shower, a poignant reminder of the trials endured.

Another remarkable revelation emerged amidst my battle with MS. While experimenting with self-formulated herbal decoctions to combat the disease, I stumbled upon a delightful spin-off. My lifelong allergy to prawns and lobsters, which had plagued me for thirty-three years, miraculously vanished. Now, I joyfully indulge in prawn dishes, rekindling a love for a childhood favorite once forbidden by allergy.

My journey with MS has been a testament to resilience and perseverance. In April 2015, I faced a turning point when debilitating spastic quadriparesis left me bedridden for seventeen months. Despite the immense challenges, I refused to surrender to despair. Armed with determination and newfound knowledge gleaned from experts in modern medicine and Ayurveda, I embarked on a journey of self-healing. Through herbal remedies and the practice of yoga, I gradually reclaimed my independence, resuming daily activities and even securing employment.

The culmination of my journey came with the revelation that my MS had entered a phase of ‘No Evidence of Disease Activity’ (NEDA), as confirmed by esteemed institutions like Apollo Excelcare Hospital, Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, and AIIMS Guwahati. This milestone serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and the resilience of the human spirit in overcoming adversity.

By, Prosenjit Chakraborty