India3When I learned about LF morbidity management I jumped into leg washing. Without any hesitation, I was trained by Dr. Shenoy and Dr. Leanne Fox and began the leg washing programs in 2005. Doctors from the local hospitals suggested that we must use gloves when washing the legs of patients. But for me the gloves created a barrier between the patient and me. I needed to touch the patient, to have body-to-body contact. LF is not a contagious disease so we continued washing with our bare hands. Our patients became very emotional and cried when we touched them. They told us that no one had ever touched their feet in a caring manner; rather, they were usually shunned and kept out of sight due to shame from their families. (read more…)