A celebrity's take on living with TB
Mention the name Gerry Rantseli and faces immediately light up with recognition. As one of the country's most glamourous television presenters, she hardly needs any introduction. Though there is something you probably didn't know about her: Gerry was recently diagnosed with Tuberculosis. And she's not taking it lying down! e-mail permission from Siphokazi Mgudlwa of Dorfling Press to use this article. 

Picture taken by Mark Cameron of Fairlady.

Her attitude towards Tuberculosis and life is an inspiration to all TB patients and a wake-up call to all those who dare stigmatise the disease’s random victims.

What was your perception of TB before you were diagnosed with it?

“I never really gave it much thought at all, but I did perceive it as a poor man’s disease brought on by lack of care and malnutrition. I thought that if I took really good care of myself and lived what I believed to be a healthy life, none of the social illnesses could really affect me.”

How has your own illness changed your views about the disease?

“Knowing that being born and living in Africa it was easy to contract TB, was an eye opener for me. Now, when people say they've been coughing or feeling poorly for a long period of time I advise them to have a chest X-ray taken, just in case.

I have also for the first time realised the prejudices that I'll have to live with. But I chose to speak out anyway because creating dialogue on the issue of TB and other diseases is important, so that our people can learn and hopefully show compassion.”

What type of TB do you have?

“I presented with TB in the uterus, it was discovered because the lining in my womb was not thickening normally. It was purely by chance!”

Has the disease affected your professional life in any way?
“I do not have full-blown TB so I'm in good health and I'm able to exercise and live a completely normal life. Nothing has changed except that I have to take my medication every weekday for the next 6 months.  I still work as hard as ever but I do believe that God and the universe is sending me a message that perhaps I need to slow down and take stock of things around me."

How do people react to your illness?

“I've heard of one or two negative responses to my illness but nothing has been said directly to me.  I know that my speaking out on the issue would bring some negatives but I felt it necessary to begin a dialogue on the issue because so many people suffer quietly with illnesses such as TB. Others and I think we would heal so much easier if we knew there were people we could speak to and share our fears and joys with.”

What information did the doctor who diagnosed you, gave you regarding DOTS treatment?
"I was not given much info except to call SANTA and to find treatment. I used my initiative and got on to the Internet for information and guidance because I wanted to start working against the TB as soon as possible."

What difficulties are you experiencing in taking treatment? Is anyone assisting you with your treatment?

"My husband is assisting me - I am the kind of person who will forget to take them so he sees that I eat something and take them sometimes. Six months does seem like a long time, but it will be over before I know it, and since I'm so active and optimistic about life I know that - with the love and support of my family and friends and eating right and exercise - I'll be fine.”

Are you considering introducing TB education at your Gerry and Friends workshops?

"I would certainly consider it, I would love a platform on which to continue with dialogue, it fits in perfectly with my talk on health and nutrition. With the right sponsorship and support I would like to begin some kind of support system for the clinics and sufferers and their families."

What would you consider to be an appropriate message for World TB Day?
"Just know that you are not alone, that TB is curable and there is free assistance all over the country, also to surround yourself with people who will be understanding and supportive. And remember, there is life beyond TB."