Congenital Sensory Neuropathy Treatment in India

Pooja Khan, a 28-year-old graphic designer,...

Pooja Khan, a 28-year-old graphic designer, had always been 'clumsy.' As a child, she burned her hands without feeling the stove's heat and twisted her ankles without noticing the sprain. Her parents dismissed it as carelessness. In her 20s, the problems intensified. She developed chronic foot ulcers from ill-fitting shoes she couldn't feel, and a severe kitchen burn became infected because she didn't register the pain. Exhausted by unexplained injuries and frustrated by being labeled accident-prone, she sought answers. Her neurologist, after noting her absent ankle reflexes and insensitivity to pinprick and temperature tests on her limbs, recommended genetic testing for Congenital Sensory Neuropathy. The diagnosis, confirmed by the test, was a devastating yet validating moment. There was no curative procedure, but the 'treatment' was a comprehensive management plan. Pooja worked with a multidisciplinary team to learn meticulous daily foot inspections, proper footwear, and wound care prevention. She installed temperature guards on all faucets. Emotionally, she cycled through grief for the 'normal' life she never had and anger at the years of misunderstanding. However, the diagnosis became a powerful tool. Knowing the cause allowed her to proactively protect her body. The 'recovery' was a shift to a managed, careful life. She is now an advocate in online support groups, using her design skills to create educational materials about living with sensory loss. Her journey moved from confusion and self-blame to empowerment and self-protection.