The Hyderabad Chapter organised a picnic on 25 December 2022 at Shilaparamam, Hyderabad. It is a beautiful place and every year artisans from all over the country participate in the All India Crafts Mela held between 15th-31st December. They exhibit textiles and artefacts famous from their respective states. The place has been developed beautifully over the years and is a feast to the eyes. 75 PwMS and their caregivers attended the picnic. The USP of the picnic was that not only did PwMS from Hyderabad participated but many came from different parts of Telangana as well. A game of Tambola was organised and prizes for the same were distributed in various categories. Delicious snacks and lunch were served which everyone enjoyed. It was a good bonding time for everyone as they chatted and exchanged pleasantries. There was a lot of enthusiasm in the air as it was Christmas day. After lunch, many indulged in shopping and had a great time with their respective families and friends.

An event of celebration was organized with fun, frolic, music, dance and games for all PwMS, Caregivers and their children.

Dr. T. Sunil Kumar Reddy, Neuro Physiotherapist from Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, has an experience of 16 years in this field and practices at the Asian Trans Care in Banjara Hills, Hyderabad. Some of the services provided by him are, Trauma Injury Physiotherapy/Rehab, Neuro Developmental Therapy, Post Surgery Physiotherapy/Rehabilitation and Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation etc. MSSI Hyderabad chapter had an interactive, informative and very enlightening session with him where he emphasized the following points:

1. Briefed on MS and stated how one can slow down the progression of MS.
2. Treatment for each patient is relative.
3. Exercise levels should be increased gradually.
4. The rise in the body temperature increases fatigue therefore hot water baths should be avoided. He gave small tips on how to avoid fatigue.
5. Walking is an activity, not an exercise.
6. Advised to eat smaller meals.
7. Patients with a high BMI are prescribed ‘Hydration Therapy’.

It is a myth that exercise causes disease progression.

Hyderabad Chapter hosted an interactive online yoga session focusing on Breath in Pain Management, by Shakuntala Devulapally, Yoga Therapist. She taught ‘guided breathing’ to PwMS during the session and talked about recognising pain & how the breath is important in pain management.

GUEST SPEAKER:-   Doctor Sunil  T Pandya (MBBS,MD,PDCC)

An Anaesthesiologist is a doctor who gives a patient medication so they do not feel pain when they are undergoing surgery. They are specialised in anaesthesia care, pain management and critical care medicine.

They are the ‘’ THE SILENT FORCE BEHIND THE SCENE”

On 31^st January 2021 MSSI HYDERAD CHAPTER has invited guest speaker of the month Doctor SUNIL T PANDYA (Anaesthetist) who spoke on MS AND ANAESTHESIA —— MYTHS AND FACTS.

With the help of slides, the doctor has beautifully and briefly discussed the types of anaesthesia and how safe is anaesthesia for MS patients. According to the doctor, Modern Practice of Anaesthesia is very safe for MS patients which include safer drugs, newer techniques, better training.

According to the doctor ANAESTHESIA given to reduce awareness and sensation during surgery, is safe for people with MS. The risk of relapse is not increased because of surgery or exposure to ANAESTHESIA. Generally, in the absence of complications, people with MS who undergo surgery do not find that it impacts their neurologic status. Infection or fever however may tend to aggravate symptoms of MS.

Risks Among Women with MS during Labor and Delivery:-

All forms (general, regional, local anaesthesia and conscious sedation) of anaesthesia are considered safe for women with MS; anaesthesia management does not need to be altered.

Few Myths and Facts revealed by the Doctor:-

Myth 1: If there is a dosage miscalculation, anaesthesia can wear off before surgery is over.

Fact:- There is no method to calculate the dose of anaesthesia. It can be increased as required. Hence it is not possible for the anaesthesia to wear off before surgery is over.

Myth 2:- The risk of anaesthesia is less if it is a minor surgery.

Truth:- Surgery is only one factor determining the outcome of anaesthesia. Other important factor is a patient’s co-morbidity.

Myth 3:- Spinal / Epidural anaesthesia causes back pain.

Truth: – Many studies have concluded that there is no evidence to support this.

Myth 4:- It’s not safe for women with MS to get pregnant.

Fact: – Studies show the disease has no effect on your chances of getting pregnant or having problems during pregnancy and there won’t be any impact on your baby’s health.

Myth: – If I have kids, they’ll get MS too.

Fact: – Genes play some role in MS, the condition doesn’t pass directly from parent to child.

Many more queries were answered by the doctor. The session with Dr. Sunil Pandya was very interactive and I conclude by saying that an anesthesiologist is a highly skilled professional and the most important member of the medical team for patient’s safety and care.

On 6^th December 2020, MSSI HYDERABAD CHAPTER has invited guest speaker Ms. Kavita Kabra a professional nutrition therapist for a talk on IMMUNE BOOSTING FOODS AND DIET FOR MS.

Nutrition is a huge component of health and well being. Our bodies are amazing machines that need fuel – the correct type in the correct amounts to function, grow and heal.

A healthy and balanced diet combined with daily exercise is very helpful to improve Multiple Sclerosis condition.

A healthy diet helps to maintain regular bowel and bladder functions, improve the health of skin, bones, teeth and gums, strengthen the heart and improve muscle strength and flexibility.

A healthy diet also helps control weight gain and reduce the risk of heart diseases and Osteoporosis.

The following diet was suggested by the dietitian to be followed to build and improve immunity.

Whole grain products like whole wheat, jowar, Oats, unrefined Rice, Beans, Lentils, Soy and nuts; seeds, fruits and vegetables, fish high in Omega – 3 fatty acids, Skinless chicken or lean meat.

Foods to avoid:

Foods high in saturated fat, like red meat, Vanaspati Dalda, simple Carbohydrates like excess sugars, refined flour, white rice, soft drinks.

The dietician was highly appreciated for sharing the tips and answering the queries raised by MSPs. It was indeed a very interactive session.

I thank MSSI for giving me a platform to share my story: 

I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2011 after a long battle with difficult symptoms of optic neuritis, pain, falls and fatigue. I was in India at the time with my husband and there was little to no active knowledge of MS. The doctors also seemed somewhat afraid to tell my family and me what the news was. The diagnosis was finally made after returning to the UK, and it was perhaps one of the most devastating events of my life.

From being the active and independent professional, mother and wife that I was, I spiralled into a deep depression where I thought this was the end for me. I thought I was being punished for something I might have done in my past life. I felt unwell, weak and a burden on my family despite their efforts to support me as much as possible.

A year after my diagnosis, the one thing that had not changed was my love for music. My family reminded me of how I inspire them. They also reminded me of the lessons I have taught them to overcome hardship with determination. So I worked hard to seek the right kind of help both medically and mentally to bring me back to life.

Today, I continue to travel across the world and run one of the most successful music academies for western music in India. I continue to perform on stage too– singing and playing my guitar and the piano.

While in Hyderabad in 2015, I met Meena Gupta (Charter Chairperson, MSSI) and joined MSSI. This has benefitted me greatly because of the up-to-date information and support I receive and also I have been able to connect with other people living with MS.

In 2018, Meena and Mamta Gupta (Chairperson, MSSI) requested that I perform for World MS day in the city of Hyderabad, India on behalf of MSSI. The event gathered and inspired a large public audience. It also raised awareness of MS to the Indian public. I am an active advocate for MS in India, determined to spread awareness of the disease and the help available.

In 2019, I and my newly formed all-female trio, The 969, performed on World Music Day where we spread the word about MS again particularly in women, and inspiring them to keep on living!

I am grateful to be able to spread the joy of music to everyone; the young and old, sick or healthy. Recently, during the Covid19 lockdown, my daughter and I composed and recorded a song based on my experiences; “TOGETHER”. This song is dedicated to people living with chronic illnesses, particularly MS.

Although no two days are the same with my MS, with some days being harder than others, I will not stop being the active and independent professional, mother and wife that I was, am, and always will be.

YouTube link to the song “Together”; recorded at home during Covid19, stay at home policy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MlTgRmq9QD0