My Journey

[YRKenya]

I was diagnosed with PTB in late May 2024. I started my treatment in June 2024. It was initially mis-diagnosed as pneumonia for a period of 3 months which I took anti-biotics which suppressed severe symptoms but not the coughing and night sweats. I knew I had to change doctors when I started coughin up blood and struggled with breathing to the point where I couldnt sleep as I was scared of suffocating. I got gene-xpat and CT scan done which identified I had PTB. I was completely distraught and couldnt imagine that I had a disease considered an abomination. This was coming at a tough time in my life as I was struggling at my current job and in transition to a new work place. I was also trying to establish a company within a struggling economy; adding my sickness to the do list felt exhausting. I am however 3 months into treatment, the coughing has stopped completely. I experience some adverse effects from the medication like joint swelling and pain, fatigue, hair loss and eyes itching. I take supplements to help along with a healthy diet. I have learnt how important life is and intend to maintain the positive additions I have made in life while struggling with TB

[HelenC Partner TB Alert]

Hi YRKenya, Thanks for sharing your TB journey with us. There are so many people that share similar experiences - delays in diagnosis and then facing a life-changing condition that comes with such a burden of stigma. This means though, that you are not alone - and there are others out there that can offer support and advice. My advice would be to remind yourself that all you did was breathe! That TB travels through the air like a cold, the flu or even COVID-19 and just like those conditions can affect anyone. It might also help to read other people's stories on this forum and also here: thetruthabouttb.org/talking...

Congratulations on reaching the halfway stage with your treatment and taking positive steps to get well and stay well. In just another three months you can put this all behind you.