Stories

Andrey (name changed) is a young man from Latvia who agreed to share his story with us anonymously. Andrey battled tuberculosis and experienced firsthand how this disease affects not only the body but also one’s mental state. 

Andrei fell ill in July 2024, when he was 24 years old. At first, he thought it was just a bad infection and tried to manage it on his own. However, his condition deteriorated very quickly. He was hospitalized with a high fever, severe weakness, fluid around his heart and lungs, and serious inflammation in the area of his heart. For nearly two months, doctors tried to figure out what was happening to him. 

Andrei underwent numerous tests, examinations, and procedures. But the hardest part wasn’t his physical condition—it was the uncertainty. 

Every day, family and friends asked him: “What do the doctors say?” “Do they know what it is yet?” “Is there any news?” And he had no answers. When a person spends weeks in the hospital without understanding what is happening inside their own body, fear gradually builds up inside. 

There were moments when he didn’t even want the doctors to come into his room, because every conversation meant new tests, new waiting, and even greater uncertainty. Sometimes Andrei just wanted to be alone. He longed to get his normal life back. Finally, one of the tests revealed the presence of tuberculosis bacteria in his lymph nodes. Because of Crohn’s disease and the biologic therapy he had been taking previously, his immune system was weakened, and the tuberculosis caused serious complications in his heart. 

Strangely enough, when Andrei finally heard the diagnosis, he wasn’t shocked. After such a long period of uncertainty, knowing exactly what was going on gave him hope. Sometimes the unknown is far more frightening than the diagnosis itself. Shortly after starting treatment for tuberculosis, 

Andrei gradually began to feel better. Within a few days, his fever had subsided, and he felt calmer emotionally. In total, Andrei spent about two months in hospitals. During his treatment, he also contracted COVID-19, which meant even greater isolation. After being discharged, he continued treatment for another year and two months: taking medication daily, undergoing regular checkups, and remaining under constant supervision. One of the side effects was hair loss. 

Many people talk about the physical consequences of tuberculosis, and for him, the hair loss became a visible reminder of that difficult period. But, to be honest, the emotional consequences turned out to be much more severe than the physical ones. This experience changed him psychologically. 

Andrei realized how difficult it is to speak openly about the disease. Many people don’t want to appear weak or vulnerable. There were moments when he asked himself, “Why me?” And at the same time, one thought helped him move forward: “It could have been worse.” It may sound simple, but in difficult moments, this helped Andrei maintain his inner stability. Fortunately, Andrei was not alone. His family and friends supported him with patience and understanding.

His wife waited for him to come home, and when the diagnosis was finally confirmed, everyone felt relieved—it became clear exactly what they were fighting against. Even after his recovery, this experience stayed with him emotionally. Now, every time Andrei ends up in the hospital, he feels differently. 

There remains a fear that the disease could return due to his underlying condition. But this experience changed his outlook on life. Andrei has come to value his health, time, and, of course, moments with loved ones more—especially after becoming a father. And his main message is simple: Treating tuberculosis is not just about medication. 

Patients also need psychological support. A long hospital stay, fear, uncertainty, and isolation deeply affect a person’s emotional state. Support from family and doctors is of immense importance. Andrei is especially grateful to the doctors and medical staff who helped him get through this period. Their professionalism, kindness, and support made this experience much less frightening.