My Journey to Wellness

The Beginning: Unanswered Questions.

My journey to wellness has not been an easy one. It started with strange symptoms—tight skin, extreme fatigue that didn’t go away even after sleep, and changes in my appearance. My skin changed colour, my nose grew longer, and my lips became so small I had to use a teaspoon to eat. The exhaustion was unbearable; after eating, I had to rest before even washing my hands. People called me lazy, not knowing I was dying inside.

No mother would sit back and watch her daughter suffer. My mum and I visited hospitals across Accra, Kumasi, Koforidua, and the Central Region, but no doctor could give us answers. One even said I had leprosy, sending us into a panic. But I refused to accept that.

Then, in 2015, everything got worse. A stroke attack changed my face so drastically that mirrors became forbidden in my house. My pictures were taken down. And as if that wasn’t enough, my mother—the pillar of my life—passed away. One month later, I had my first shortness-of-breath attack at 2 AM and was rushed to Family Health Hospital in Teshie. There, a doctor who had trained under Dr. Dey took one look at me, put me on oxygen, and ordered autoimmune tests.

That was the moment my life changed.

The Diagnosis: Systemic Scleroderma with Pulmonary Fibrosis

The results were in—systemic scleroderma with pulmonary fibrosis, an autoimmune disease. I still remember my sister’s face. I had just lost my mum. How was she going to tell me this? All she could do was cry.

When I finally asked her, “Am I going to die too?” she had no answer. A physician sat me down and explained that my illness was chronic but manageable, only at Korle-Bu by a rheumatologist.

I was devastated. I felt betrayed by God.

What happened to all my sacrifices? My prayers? Did He even care?

But looking back, my fears weren’t just about the diagnosis. It was about the financial burden, losing my independence, and not knowing where this new journey would lead. It scared everything out of me.

Seven Years Later: A Woman of Faith and Resilience

It’s been seven years now, and I stand here as a woman filled with faith, hope, and aspirations. With Jehovah’s help, I’ve learned to accept my condition and embrace the new me. He has provided for me in ways I can’t explain.

Living with a chronic illness is tough, but it has made me adapt. I’ve learned to:

✔ Know myself better

✔ Engage in less stressful activities

✔ Take one step at a time

✔ Surround myself with positive people

The tRi support group has been a huge blessing—emotionally and financially. I’ve met friends who understand my struggles and love me unconditionally. And I’m forever grateful to Dr. Dey and Dr. Doe, who always show up for me.

I still remember when I had a panic attack at the hospital. I was too weak to walk, so I called Dr. Doe. Minutes later, I saw him coming from the third floor, carrying my folder himself. All he said was, “Linda, I understand your situation.” I had never felt so seen and loved.

Pain, Strength, and Survival

Yes, I have seen pain. I have lived with it. But pain has made me stronger.

I know fear. I know loneliness. I know frustration. I know the loss of friendships, relationships, and even the loss of self.

But I also know that I am surviving—through the One who gives me power.

I am hard-pressed but not crushed.

I am perplexed but not in despair.

I am knocked down but not destroyed.

I didn’t choose this illness. Life happened.  But I choose to live it out beautifully.

Scleroderma  took my looks but not my happy personality.

To everyone battling silently, never let go of Jehovah. Keep fighting. Love, pray, laugh, hope, and live one day at a time.

People look at me and call me an epitome of Jehovah’s grace. And you know what? I believe them.