Good News.


This morning i had the pleasure (yes, really) of attending my first physical lupus support group. And the good thing about it, there were 2 visiting specialists ( a rheumatologist and a pain specialist) from McGill University in Canada. So instead of having the usual "Hi, My name is Mumbi and I have lupus" "Hi Mumbi" style of meeting, i got to experience a wonderful presentation from the both physicians, complete with a question and answer time..

There was more good news. We are finally going to have more than one rheumatologist in Kenya! We met the new rheumie who'll start practicing in February next year..at least it will make it easier to access a rheumatologist when one needs one. But am sticking with Dr. Oyoo, who is always unfailingly kind..am just hoping that others will decamp to the new doctor and they'll be less of us at dr. oyoo's..making it easier to get an appointment. I know that will not be the case..as the incidence of autoimmune disease increases, even two doctors are not nearly enough to handle the workload.

This brings me to the next issue, raising awareness..the most frustrating part about being a lupie (lupus patient) is the total lack of understanding, and hence empathy, from just about everyone. Family, friends and even most doctors, just dont get it. I've had people tell me everything from : you're just lazy to you are just a hypochondriac, its all in your mind. With that in mind, i have decided to organise Kenya's 1st lupus ball in May 2011, to coincide with lupus awareness month (why should breast cancer get all the awareness?).

And speaking of organising, i registered for an events planning course starting in feb. It runs for 3 months and to graduate, one must organise a commercial event and a charity event. I suppose i can make the lupus ball my charity event.

Please check out the beautiful lupus band that i got today. I've always wanted one. And a pin. Will get that one soon.

Comments

Anonymous said…
Hey Mumbi, Thanks for ur posts. Really touching. I have a friends mom thats been struggling with arthritis. I would like to get more information about the same. I believe u will be of help. Please Contact me on newttonn@ymail.com. Thanks. Or how can I get in-touch with u
December 23, 2010 12:41 PM
Grace Mumbi Kihumba said…
Hi Newton. I hope yo had a good christmas and are looking forward to 2011.

Am really very sorry to hear about your friend's mum struggle with arthritis. Arthritis is an often misunderstood disease, that most people dismiss as occasional joint pain, when infact its much more complex than that. There are many types of arthritis..which type is she suffering from?

One must also take care to differentiate between osteoarthritis (which occurs in older people) and rheumatoid arthritis (which is an autoimmune disease and strikes at any age, including young people).

My email address is mumbikihumba@gmail.com in case you'd like to get in touch.

Thanks and happy new year.
December 29, 2010 12:51 PM
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