Aryaman

20 | Single | Undergraduate student

Good health has always evaded me. When I was very little, I was diagnosed with a scar on my right retina, significantly hampering my vision. Additionally, suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and an overactive bladder (OAB) entails an irrepressible urge to use the washroom, making traveling and social situations awkward. While these conditions are still somewhat manageable, my toughest challenge yet has been dealing with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), which affects my left leg, making sitting pain-free impossible. I have been standing for 12-14 hours every day for the past two years - in classrooms, at meals, on flights - possibly everywhere you can think of. Despite having been to numerous hospitals across Delhi and Mumbai, trying all sorts of medication (including opioids), and non-invasive & invasive procedures, I have experienced no relief in my condition.

The sense of loss I experience on a daily basis is crushing. While the physical pain is debilitating, the mental agony of missed opportunities or dampened experiences is more overwhelming as I struggle to perform activities I once enjoyed! I believe I’ve been able to make it through this ordeal only because of the unceasing support of the people close to me. With their reassurance, I’ve been able to maintain a 9.5+ GPA at IIT Bombay, and successfully complete summer internships at the National University of Singapore and Bain & Co. My friends and family have held me when I cried inconsolably, re-instilled my faith time and again, and been my cornerstone as I endeavour to make the best of what is. Consequently, I am acutely aware of the importance of having a robust, judgement-free, and compassionate support system you can derive courage from, and look forward to being a part of yours!

 Have taken therapy.