Stay Informed
I started getting sick at a pretty young age. In class four, I was quite slow, always sick with 'fever/malaria'. My doctor at the time said I was not a Sickler, so he did not understand what was wrong. I was dealing with stomach ulcer, and then by class five, joint involvement came in. I learnt to cope with my condition, including learning to write with my left hand, in case my right couldn't, to keep up with school. The pain kept rotating from right to left, and vice versa. Everywhere hurt all the time, and schooling became difficult. My skin joined the train with scaly rashes, reddish sores, and bad 'dandruff sores' in my hair, making it fall off. I eventually cut it short by JSS. It was during one of my visits to my dermatologist at the time, now late, who realized my general weakness and joint aches, that he referred me to his daughter, a physiotherapist. She handled me for a while, but I guess she detected there was an underlying problem. So, she too referred me to a consultant physician. After many labs, scans etc., were done, I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, and then, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis due to my young age at the time. When I eventually entered senior high school, I could only endure a term in the boarding house. So, doctors advised that I stay in a day school in order to get proper care at home. I was managing quite well until final year, when things got terribly bad, and I had to miss the first term to be admitted in the hospital. It was during this time in the hospital that SLE was finally diagnosed. All in all, it took about 8 (eight) years for me to be finally diagnosed with SLE in 2008. Living with lupus for all these years has taught me to be very thankful to God always, and to appreciate everything, though bitter sometimes; but with Christ in the vessel, I smile at the storm.
As we step into the month of June, we’re presented with a new opportunity to shine a spotlight on often overlooked yet deeply impactful health conditions — autoimmune and rheumatic diseases. These chronic illnesses affect millions globally and thousands right here in Ghana, silently shaping the lives of individuals, families, and communities. Autoimmune and rheumatic conditions such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, and vasculitis are frequently misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or dismissed due to a lack of awareness. Their symptoms — including chronic pain, fatigue, joint stiffness, and inflammation — can be invisible to others but profoundly life-altering for those who live with them. Many patients go years without answers, often feeling isolated, unheard, and unsure of where to turn for help. Awareness is the critical first step in creating change. When we take the time to educate ourselves and our communities, we open the door to empathy, earlier diagnoses, and more effective treatments. Public education campaigns, health screenings, and accessible information about symptoms and treatment options can lead to timely interventions and better quality of life for those affected. Support networks — from in-person support groups to online communities and educational workshops — are essential in helping patients navigate their journey. These platforms not only provide emotional reassurance but also serve as hubs of valuable medical knowledge, connecting individuals with expert care, new treatment options, and research developments. This June, we are renewing our commitment to raising awareness and advocating for those living with rheumatic diseases. Let us amplify their voices, break down the stigma surrounding chronic illness, and push for inclusive healthcare policies that ensure no one is left behind. Together, we can build a society that is informed, compassionate, and equipped to support individuals living with these conditions. Join the movement for rheumatic health awareness. Learn more, get involved, and make a difference at www.trighana.org
Motherhood blossoms from an unwavering love, nurtured by boundless patience, and fortified by a fierce protectiveness that knows no limits. Now, imagine weaving into this already intricate fabric the often-invisible threads of an autoimmune disease. For mothers living with conditions like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, or countless others, each day presents a unique set of challenges that demands extraordinary resilience. They navigate chronic pain, fatigue, and a body that sometimes turns against itself, all while nurturing and caring for their families. Their strength is not just admirable; it's a profound testament to the human spirit. At tRi Ghana, we stand in awe of these incredible women. We witness first-hand the quiet battles fought behind brave smiles, the careful balancing acts between managing debilitating symptoms and meeting the relentless demands of motherhood. This Mother's Day, as the world celebrates the nurturing spirit, we want to shine a special light on the mothers within our communities who face each day with unparalleled courage and unwavering grace, embodying the very essence of strength in struggle. Their journey is often marked by invisible wounds, misunderstood symptoms, and the added burden of advocating not only for their children but also for their own health. They become fierce warriors in navigating complex healthcare systems, seeking accurate diagnoses, and fighting for treatments that allow them to be the mothers they long to be. They are the unsung heroes who educate their families, raise awareness within their communities, and inspire others living with autoimmune conditions to never give up hope. This Mother's Day, let us move beyond simple acknowledgments and truly recognize the depth of their experience. Let us offer not just words of encouragement, but tangible support and understanding. This could mean offering a helping hand with daily tasks, actively listening without judgment, or simply acknowledging the invisible battles they face. By fostering a community of empathy and knowledge, we can create a more supportive environment where these mothers feel seen, heard, and empowered. tRi Ghana is deeply committed to supporting these remarkable women. Our work strives to improve access to information, resources, and healthcare that can make a tangible difference in their lives. We believe that by raising awareness about autoimmune diseases and advocating for better healthcare infrastructure in Ghana, we can empower these mothers to thrive, not just survive. This Mother's Day, we invite you to join us in this vital mission. Let us amplify their voices, share their stories, and offer a collective embrace of understanding and support. Let us acknowledge the profound strength that blossoms in the face of adversity and celebrate the incredible mothers who, despite their personal battles, continue to pour their love and energy into shaping the next generation. Their resilience is a beacon of hope, inspiring us all to face our own challenges with greater courage and compassion. #MothersDay2025 #AutoimmuneAwareness #StrongMoms #GhanaHealth #TRIGhana #InvisibleIllness #SupportMothers #Resilience #HealthcareForAll #EmpowerWomen