Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis Treatment in India

Diya Ali, a 42-year-old high school...

Diya Ali, a 42-year-old high school biology teacher and mother of two, first noticed a persistent 'heavy' feeling in her right leg two years ago. Over the next 18 months, this progressed to a noticeable limp, foot drop, and occasional loss of balance. As a teacher who was constantly on her feet, this was devastating. She saw her primary care doctor and then a neurologist, who, after ruling out other conditions with MRIs and a lumbar puncture, diagnosed her with Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (PPMS). The neurologist recommended starting Ocrelizumab, an approved disease-modifying therapy for PPMS, explaining it could help slow the progression of disability. Diya underwent her first two infusions, two weeks apart, at an infusion center. She experienced mild fatigue and a slight headache afterward but no serious reactions. In the six months since starting treatment, her walking speed and endurance have stabilized; she hasn't gotten significantly worse, which her doctor considers a positive outcome. Emotionally, the diagnosis plunged Diya into grief and fear for her future career and ability to be active with her children. After starting treatment and seeing stabilization, she feels a fragile but growing sense of hope. She has joined a support group and is learning to adapt, focusing on what she can still do rather than what she has lost.