Name: Jeiab Algallabi
Age: 37
Country: Yemen
Occupation: Retired civil servant
Type of MS: Relapsing remitting


When did you first have MS symptoms?

I started to get symptoms in 1997, but they were not continuous. I had tingling in my right limbs, especially my right leg, and pain all down my leg. I also had migraine and pain in my eyes though my vision was not affected. I did not seek treatment for these symptoms but just took Panadol.

In 2003, I started to get severe pain in my back and upper arms, and went to the doctor. I was treated with Voltaren and at first the pain was relieved but after one month the symptoms came back and I was unable to stand. I had bladder problems and spasms in my upper limbs. I went to a neurosurgeon for an MRI scan, and was diagnosed as having severe inflammation in my spinal cord and thoracic vertebra. This was treated with cortisone and physiotherapy. I had some improvement but not complete – I could walk with difficulty.

In 2005, I had the next attack, with the same symptoms as before and also with fever and general weakness. I went to Egypt and was diagnosed there as a case of multiple sclerosis. I started treatment with interferon beta 1 and physiotherapy, but did not improve and I am still unable to walk.

How has MS affected your life?

My father has died so I am the big brother for my six sisters and the father for my three children.

This disease has really affected my life in every way.

At first I didn’t understand it and I felt depressed, although my friends and family gave me support and love. After a year, I started to search the internet for information about MS. With faith in God, I began to accept my disease, although I mostly stay at home and cannot go out for long.

I used to work for the government but as I can’t go out, I had to retire. I will start to work in farming as a manager, something I can do from my house.

I started to think about setting up an MS society in Yemen. Six years after my diagnosis, with help from my friends and family, I have succeeded in setting up the first MS society in my country.

What support is there for people with MS in Yemen?

There is no knowledge about MS in Yemen, and no support for people with the disease, which is why I decided to set up the society. We collect details of people who have MS because Yemen does not have statistics.

We have a lot of plans to introduce the best support for MS patients and to investigate drug availability. We need support from the government and from society to carry out education about this disease in all parts of the country.

What advice you would give other people living with MS?

My advice is that nothing is impossible. If we accept our disease, we can do anything. The disease is part of us and can push us in the right direction to find the facilities we need to carry on our normal lives.