Bleeding life, drop by drop

This disease has left a deep scar on our lives. We don’t know what to do. But life has to go on....”

This is how Shabbir Basha (25), a resident of Bellary explained how haemophilia has crippled his life. Shabbir is the youngest son of A Nasser Basha, a retired sub inspector. Naseer’s all three sons - Chand, Zaheer and Shabbir are haemophiliacs. Eldest son Chand passed away due to lack of treatment in 1986. Naseer’s is one of the few families in the State where all children are haemophiliacs.

Naseer took Chand to a local hospital when he was five-year-old. Though he did not understand what haemophilia meant, he could realise it was a life threatening disease if not treated properly. That was the first shock of his life. Fate was cruel for Naseer as his both sons Shabbir and Zaheer were diagnosed with haemophilia when they were kids.
The whole world broke loose on him as treatment was too expensive. “My eldest brother died about 25 years ago. We do not get proper treatment due to cost involved. My legs have developed nearly 40 per cent disability, while its nearly 60 per cent with Zaheer,” Shabbir said.

Jobless

Shabbir and Zaheer managed to complete BA and a one year course in computers. Prolonged illness and inability to work for nearly two months landed them in trouble. They had to change jobs frequently as no one was willing to hire them. “We are now out of job and dependent on our retired father to meet treatment expenses,” they said.

“The days we spent at schools and colleges were beyond description. We frequently suffered isolation, psychological trauma and depression. We were mute spectators watching our friends play in the ground and enjoy every bit of life. We were a different world when in college. We used to miss out examinations often due as we were bedridden. I don’t know what’s in store for us in future, but I pray God and request scientists to find a permanent treatment for haemophilia. We don’t want others to suffer like us,” Shabbir said.