There was a point of time that my hip joints were in excruciating pain. Walking was made harder... and it didn't make sense to me because I was already receiving treatment for my SLE disease. So it was back to the hospitals again to find out what's causing this pain.
Dr. Kiren, the specialist who was treating me at that point of time, wanted me to do an MRI on my legs. She did a physical examination on my leg and found that I couldn't rotate my legs properly. I'm loosing rotation and other form of movements that involves my hips and legs. Frankly, it was really bothering me. Since I love to walk, it is making me feel more and more annoyed.
After about a year trying to settle down with SLE, when I thought no other complications could arise, I thought wrong. This had to come about. Without doing the MRI it was difficult to determine the real damage that had happened.
You see... among other side effects of steroids a.k.a Prednisalone, is the damage done to the blood stream that causes insufficient food supply to areas that is in need. My head femur were very much effected. Some won't get this problem until later in life... some are less fortunate, like me, and gets this effect almost immediately.
A round of pain AGAIN... but this time it is more concentrated to my head femurs of both legs.
I was finally diagnosed with Bilateral Avascular Necrosis of the Hips at HUKM by Prof Shahdan. (We did not stay at Sunway Medical due to financial reasons)
No cure for that either. There were a couple of suggestion what to do with my facing problem... nothing seems to be working.
During my last semester in the university, the pain was becoming more and more unbearable. I was referred to the Orthopedic specialist under the care and observation of Professor Masbah's team (inclusive of Dr. Shahril). They had set out a date to do my Hip Replacement Surgery.
Whilst waiting for the day to come, I had decided to lessen the pressure to my hip bones. Didn't want to elevate the problem further. What did I do?
Wheelchairs and walking sticks!
This was the time I learned how valuable "ramps" are. My university had ample ramps and there was a lift. But the attitude of the students at my university was unbearable. Knowing that I'm with my wheelchair, you'd think that they would make room for me in the lift. Such imbeciles.
However, my friends were always there. I owe a lot of my getting around campus with them. I can wheel myself to places... but it was faster and truly easier when someone was wheeling me through classes.
Many had admired my courage... some jokingly said, "Sarah, if I was in your position, I'd not come at all and probably the lecturers would allow it too.."
For me, I can't take the easy route out because I don't believe in it. Sure, there will be people helping with notes and lectures giving me leeway for attendance and as such... but I can't escape my own conscience. I can't understand notes without listening to what the lecturer is giving out lectures about.
So, with all the will that's instilled in my body, I wheeled myself to classes for everyday for the whole last years in university - with a smile.
I'm not ashamed of the wheelchair neither am I proud. It's just like having to wear glasses to read... it's an aid. And for this wheelchair is MY aid to lessen my pain on my hips.
I found that my boyfriend was also a helpful person. He'd wheel me whenever we are out shopping at any shopping complex - with no feeling remorse or shame or "kesian". What's more, it brought us somewhat closer and made me feel special everytime he does take me out.
We went to shopping complexes, theater shows and rides all over with my wheelchair and walking sticks. It's not that bad actually...
I guess, being able to understand my condition, everything was taken in stride. Wheelchair and walking sticks were just a temporary thing.
Will definitely blog about my experience being operated - half awake!
~This is the diary of Sarah Kambali, LL.B(Hons) IIUM, SLE Patient.~
Dr. Kiren, the specialist who was treating me at that point of time, wanted me to do an MRI on my legs. She did a physical examination on my leg and found that I couldn't rotate my legs properly. I'm loosing rotation and other form of movements that involves my hips and legs. Frankly, it was really bothering me. Since I love to walk, it is making me feel more and more annoyed.
After about a year trying to settle down with SLE, when I thought no other complications could arise, I thought wrong. This had to come about. Without doing the MRI it was difficult to determine the real damage that had happened.
You see... among other side effects of steroids a.k.a Prednisalone, is the damage done to the blood stream that causes insufficient food supply to areas that is in need. My head femur were very much effected. Some won't get this problem until later in life... some are less fortunate, like me, and gets this effect almost immediately.
A round of pain AGAIN... but this time it is more concentrated to my head femurs of both legs.
I was finally diagnosed with Bilateral Avascular Necrosis of the Hips at HUKM by Prof Shahdan. (We did not stay at Sunway Medical due to financial reasons)
No cure for that either. There were a couple of suggestion what to do with my facing problem... nothing seems to be working.
During my last semester in the university, the pain was becoming more and more unbearable. I was referred to the Orthopedic specialist under the care and observation of Professor Masbah's team (inclusive of Dr. Shahril). They had set out a date to do my Hip Replacement Surgery.
Whilst waiting for the day to come, I had decided to lessen the pressure to my hip bones. Didn't want to elevate the problem further. What did I do?
Wheelchairs and walking sticks!
This was the time I learned how valuable "ramps" are. My university had ample ramps and there was a lift. But the attitude of the students at my university was unbearable. Knowing that I'm with my wheelchair, you'd think that they would make room for me in the lift. Such imbeciles.
However, my friends were always there. I owe a lot of my getting around campus with them. I can wheel myself to places... but it was faster and truly easier when someone was wheeling me through classes.
Many had admired my courage... some jokingly said, "Sarah, if I was in your position, I'd not come at all and probably the lecturers would allow it too.."
For me, I can't take the easy route out because I don't believe in it. Sure, there will be people helping with notes and lectures giving me leeway for attendance and as such... but I can't escape my own conscience. I can't understand notes without listening to what the lecturer is giving out lectures about.
So, with all the will that's instilled in my body, I wheeled myself to classes for everyday for the whole last years in university - with a smile.
I'm not ashamed of the wheelchair neither am I proud. It's just like having to wear glasses to read... it's an aid. And for this wheelchair is MY aid to lessen my pain on my hips.
I found that my boyfriend was also a helpful person. He'd wheel me whenever we are out shopping at any shopping complex - with no feeling remorse or shame or "kesian". What's more, it brought us somewhat closer and made me feel special everytime he does take me out.
We went to shopping complexes, theater shows and rides all over with my wheelchair and walking sticks. It's not that bad actually...
I guess, being able to understand my condition, everything was taken in stride. Wheelchair and walking sticks were just a temporary thing.
Will definitely blog about my experience being operated - half awake!
~This is the diary of Sarah Kambali, LL.B(Hons) IIUM, SLE Patient.~
2 comments:
hey girl,
first found u in FC...just added u and headed to yr wall.
was reading bout SLE and its d first time im hearing bout it. pains me to see what ure going thru. :( as u said..berat mata memandang, berat lagi bahu memikul..im sorry.
anyway i think my dad sees prof shahdan also...one prof in HUKM ortho..i think its him..the white haired dude ;)
n my aunt is ortho there in HUKM too.
n one thing, im really amazed by yr spirit..way 2 go...i hope the advancement in the sciences will b able to help u(and those who suffer like u) real soon. take care, n hv u in my prayers.
Hey there Anidha...
sorry that I didn't reply since June. I rarely check comments on this blog and let alone update. It's really difficult to talk about SLE but I try. Blogging is difficult too as I'm emotionally re-living the pain in my head. Sometimes, honestly it brings tears to my eyes.
Who's your Aunt? Is she working with Prof Masbah team? I might have run into her if so.
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