How Gurkirat Kaur Conquered A Rare Syndrome & Shone Through

Gurkirat Kaur, hailing from Amritsar, is a symbol of strength amidst adversity due to her inspiring story. Despite facing profound challenges from a young age, including battling chronic anxiety, Gurkirat's journey took an unforeseen turn when she encountered a life-threatening illness. Stricken with Stevens-Johnson syndrome, a rare condition, Gurkirat endured unimaginable pain and hardship, fighting for her life in the ICU. However, through unwavering support from her husband and family, she found the courage to navigate this harrowing ordeal. 

Speaking to SheThePeople, Gurkirat Kaur shared her journey how despite facing hurtful comments and societal stigma, her determination remained unshaken. With her husband's encouragement, she channelled her energy into launching an online clothing store, defying the odds and finding solace and success in her entrepreneurial venture. Gurkirat's story serves as a powerful reminder of the human spirit's capacity to triumph over adversity and find light in the darkest of times.

How Gurkirat Kaur Conquer A Rare Syndrome, & Shine Through

TW: Sensitive. "I grew up in Amritsar. I lost my paternal uncle when I was a child, which deeply affected me and made me overly anxious about everything. Even during school, I would worry constantly about my parents well-being and fear that something might happen to them.

At 22, I got married and moved to Lucknow. Two years later, I became pregnant; everything was okay at first. But then I started feeling anxious again, especially about my health and the well-being of my loved ones.

In May 2022, everyone in my family got sick, and I caught the same virus. My local doctor prescribed a painkiller for me, but when I took it, I had a bad reaction. The next morning, my fever spiked to 104 degrees, and despite taking the medicine again, my fever kept rising. I started to feel body aches and developed painful ulcers in my mouth. The doctor thought it might be a mouth virus, but things got worse. By the third day, I was bleeding from my eyes, and I had ulcers in my eyes and on my back. I couldn't speak, so I had to write to my husband to take me to the hospital. My face even turned black suddenly on the way to the hospital. The doctor diagnosed me with Stevens-Johnson syndrome, a rare condition. I spent five days in the ICU, where my health gradually improved. However, I was left with damaged membranes in my mouth, neck, vagina, and eyes. I also developed an immunity disorder, which is rare in India. I had to take steroids for four months and continue regular check-ups every five months.

People said hurtful things, like I looked burned or attacked with acid, even calling me names like "alien." But my husband helped me feel better.

During this difficult time, my husband and family were incredibly supportive, taking care of me and our child. My husband didn't care about the marks on my body or the changes in my skin. He suggested I start an online clothing store from home to keep my mind busy, and it worked! The business did well, and I found happiness in it.

It's important to be confident and brave, ignoring mean comments from others."

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