Patient Stories: Omar from Georgia tells of his experiences with MSF

"EIGHT MONTHS AGO, I FELL SICK..."

Georgia / 18.03.08

Omar is 39 years old. Suffering from multiple drug-resistant tuberculosis, he has been under the MSF team at Zougdidi since last July. Two months after starting his treatment, he was able to leave hospital to continue being looked after at home.

How did you know you had contracted multi-resistant tuberculosis?

Eight months ago, I fell sick. I went to the hospital at Zougdidi, where I have lived for the last few years: before the 1992 war, I lived in Abkhazia - I am Georgian, but I had to leave the region in order to stay safe - like 200,000 other people. I stopped in the first city, Zougdidi, five kilometres from the border with Abkhazia. Abkhazia province wants autonomy from Georgia. At Zougdidi hospital, the tests showed I had multiple drug-resistant tuberculosis. I was hospitalised on 23 July and started getting treatment. Two months later they said I could leave hospital and continue my treatment at home. MSF modernised a room in my house so that I can live decently with my wife and three children. I attend hospital every day for my treatment, and in over eight months, I haven't missed a single time!

What has changed since you've been receiving treatment for multiple drug-resistant tuberculosis?

Before, I couldn't run or walk normally. I couldn't work. I had even lost my voice, completely. I was very sick. Today, my voice is still broken, but it's getting better. In the beginning, I found it very hard to take medicines. But I got used to it, and now I follow my treatment properly.

What support have you received from MSF?

They've helped a lot. They did work on my house so that I could return home. I get food aid every two weeks. They bought me a stove and wood so that I can stay warm over the winter. I’ve had a lot of help. They also bought me warm clothing and school books for the children. And in particular, they provide the treatment at Zougdidi hospital so I get the care I need. My health is coming back, slow but sure.

Why did you decide to accept the treatment?

I wanted to avoid contaminating my family and transmitting the illness to them as well. I wanted to keep them safe. Today, thanks to the treatment, I'm no longer infectious. I really wanted the care, and even though there’s a lot of medicines to take every day, I can do it. I have to take doctors’ orders -- they told me the treatment would last two years.

How do you see the future?

In the future, I intend taking the treatment like I've done so far. And when I’m  better, I'd like to go back to work.

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