We are all about women empowerment and sharing inspiring stories on women. Today, we take you through life in the shoes of a rheumatoid arthritis patient; her struggles and wins. And what she is doing to raise awareness on the disease.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common autoimmune disease which is characterized by more than just swollen joints, bone erosion and joint deformity. The condition is also associated with systematic complications such as cardiovascular (heart complications), pulmonary(breathing complications), psychological, early death and socioeconomic costs. The cause is unknown to its treatment; the treatment strategy is through management, an initiative of aggressive therapy soon after diagnosis to clinical remission. RA is estimated to affect approximately 0.24 to 1 percent of the population and to be twice as common in women as compared to men.
Tell us a little about yourself
My name is Joy Ingira Wesonga, born on 3rd May, 1999. A fourth year student at the Egerton University, studying Bachelors in Dryland Resource Management. A second born in a family of 3. And i am actively involved in raising awareness on RA.
How can you describe your journey in life?
My journey in life has neither been an easy one nor a hard one, but I am glad I have always had the support i need from my family and friends. My life is a little bit different from the lives of most people my age, but I thank God for my beautiful flaws. My mom says I was born a healthy baby but things eventually changed as I continued growing up.
When were you first diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis?
Well, i actually started getting ill while at Sacred Heart Mukumu Girls. My knees drastically started weakening in Form 2. I was given painkillers now and then to ease the pain and it worked for some time. In form 3 things got pretty bad and I was in and out of school. My knees became more painful each time and the pain spread from my thighs down to my legs. At one time the pain was so unbearable that I had to be taken to Lupe hospital in Kakamega. I was given a lot of medication but no one really knew what was wrong with me. I finished my Form 3 and let’s just say I thought things were getting better.
2015 was probably the hardest year, so I thought, at the time. I really struggled with my health. My frequent visits to the hospital increased and I was hardly at school. My KCSE exams were around the corner and I couldn’t go to Eldoret for treatment anymore, so my treatment was done at Lupe Hospital. Each time I saw my parents, it hit me so hard that I wasn’t getting better. Around July I was diagnosed with Rheumatism. You’ll probably think that was the worst day, but no, it wasn’t. Finally, I got to know what I was suffering from and it could be managed. At the time it wasn’t known if it was rheumatic heart disease or rheumatoid arthritis. But after some series of tests I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. And it was a relief, it was better than the rheumatic heart disease.
How has it been handling the disease?
I struggle with it every day but then you have to take situations in your life positively, it surely becomes easier to handle. My Grandpa says, I am among the strongest people he knows.
I must say i get my strength from my entire family: my parents, siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, grandpa Aluku and grandpa Raimund but my grandpa Philip, understands my pain even when I don’t say much to him.
I’m always on treatment for my rheumatism and chest issues, managing them pretty well. My uncle who’s also my doctor, Dr. Barasa, is always there for me and supports me and I’m grateful for his understanding and medical expertise.
Have you ever faced a major health scare?
Yes, twice in my life.
1st time was when i was sitting for my KCSE examinations. I had frequent attacks and i couldn’t move my legs, it became so hard to move around school and my immune system was low, any infection came my way. But what’s important is that I never gave up and I fought my way up. I thank God after all the hardship I did well in my final exam.
2nd time was in 2018. This was probably the worst. I was at home for the long holidays. I struggled to sleep that night. I had a high fever and I couldn’t move my body much. When taken to hospital, I was diagnosed with typhoid, malaria and pneumonia. After undergoing treatment for weeks I only had pneumonia in my system. I was still on medication but after a week I wasn’t getting any better. I couldn’t move my body anymore. My body ached and the only thing I could move with ease was my head. My parents took me back to hospital and i was admitted at Eldoret Hospital for a few days after being diagnosed with a lung infection. My right lung was really weak; I couldn’t move or talk that much. And after being discharged I was okay for a few weeks, then in mid April 2019 the infection recurred and was admitted in Nairobi women Hospital in Nakuru, since I was in school. I was then diagnosed with Tuberculosis. I managed to survive it all, but it was the most difficult time in my life.
How have friends and family helped in your journey to recovery?
My family has supported me throughout, they give me strength to fight and be strong no matter the circumstance. I also have my friends who support me. When you have your loved ones support, it makes it easier and you automatically become strong. It’s like; they recharge me every time I want to give up, when I’m in tears or when I start the blame games. Why me, why not any other person? The questions, we all ask when it gets hard. But then I have them and their prayers that keep me going.
How have you managed to be strong through it all?
My family is always there for me, especially my parents. They give me an easy comfortable life and I’m grateful. With that, it becomes easy for me and I don’t strain. I have learnt how to manage my health. Knowing what I’m supposed and not supposed to do. I take my medication religiously. I’m dedicated to myself especially my health.
How has battling this disease affected your life?
I don’t get to do most things; I have to consider a lot especially when it’s cold.
What words of encouragement can you tell individuals who are facing this disease or any other disease?
Family is all we got in this life. We don’t get to choose some of the things that happen in our lives. Sometimes all we got is our strength and our loved ones. Never give up. There will always come a time when things get better. God is always with you, even when you got no one. There’s always a reason for everything, you may not know the reason right away but in future everything will make sense to you so just hang in there.
How are you raising awareness on the disease?
I majorly use my social media platforms to raise awareness on RA. I share my everyday experiences on handling the disease especially when its cold. And I often share my diagnosis story. Overall I use my platform to spread positive vibes and encourage people who suffer from conditions associated with joint pain.
Joy is a true definition of strength and resilience, at just 21 years old she has gone through two life threatening health scares but she manages to stay positive through it all. She now uses her social media platforms to spread awareness on RA and gives social media users hope as they face different health situations.
You can follow her on social media to keep up with the conversation.
You are such a fighter…it always amazes me how happy and positive you are towards life. You’re an inspiration to me and im sure to many.