Life Changing

[QueenieLynn]

Last 2015 I was diagnosed with Tuberculosis. I don't have cough but I think I did lose some weight. I am really not that conscious about my weight so I didn't know if I am losing or what.

Then I remembered it's still dark outside, I think around 4 am I was coughing and I noticed my mouth is full of saliva (that's what I thought at that time), so I got up go to the sink then throw it up but to my greatest horror, it's blood. I cannot stop coughing and the blood won't stop coming out of my mouth. I was packing at that time and waking up my mom. I am really scared at that time. I am so scared of dying and thinking I will leave my mom alone.

Me and my mom got to the hospital, they did some check ups, sputum and all but we cannot really get the results because the doctor will come on monday 'cause I think it's weekend that time. So I was just constantly roaming around with a handkerchief in my mouth and coughing with small blood on it.

I was anxious about everything that time. I was worried with my life, about leaving my mom behind and all. After everything, they want me to be hospitalised so that they cab monitor my health but unfortunately there are no vacant rooms available only those private ones which is a little bit expensive. We don't have enought money so its a bit worrying for us but then staying in our house while waiting for the results is a bit risky so we just go with it.

Monday comes and the results are up. The doctor told me that I have tuberculosis and it's in my right upper lungs and because ut has a wound that's why I am coughing blood.

And that's my life started to fall apart. I was depressed, worried that I can pass it to everyone. I am scared. Even though the doctor told me that I am not contagious but still it's not the same.

I took the medication for 6 months. It is a life changing experience because you will appreciate more about being alive. Even it's been 2 years I am still worried that it will come back. I did an xray last October for my updated medical and the doctor would like to see this December. I hope everything will be alright because I want to stay healthy for my mom.

Sometimes life will give you challenges that can change your life so that you can appreciate life more even if you are in your lowest because when you are surrounded with all your problems you forgot to see the little things you are been blessed with.

Praying that all of us will be healthy. Have a good day!

[hottchoc]

Hi queenie it’s good that people feel free to speak about their experiences as it can be very frightening and lonely to deal with. TB is a world away from all other bacteria and it can be difficult for others to understand, that’s why sharing your story can only be a good thing. Best wishes to you all x

[HelenC Partner TB Alert]

Wow Queenie, that sounds terrifying. I am glad that you did get a diagnosis and treatment in the end - but the fact that you were coughing up blood tells me that you were diagnosed very late. This is why it is so important for people to talk about TB, so that people know to take action as soon as possible if they have worrying symptoms that won't go away.

I am glad that your Dr is still keeping an eye on you. Though it is possible for people to get TB a second time this is thankfully rare and more often a result of unsuccessful treatment the first time. The fact your doctor is following up means they are making sure the treatment was successful and that your body is healing as it should. Though six months treatment cures TB, it can take longer for the body to heal.

Thanks for sharing your story and I hope everything goes well next month.

Helen