How I Survived a Goitre illness in 2015
This essay is about my personal experience with goitre, and how I managed to survive it.
If you got here by chance, and you suffer from this frightening disease, I write to encourage you that you will defeat.
My family was originally from Nigeria where the disease know as goitre is quite common. As a child I remember seeing many people with the disease and being afraidof it. At that time I didn't know what it is or why they were having so much trouble breathing, so I would want to stay away from it all.
From reading articles on the internet about this terrible ailment I came to understand that GOITRE Is A DISEASE THAT CAN KILL, IF NOT TREATED.
It was a Sunday Morning when my elder sister woke me up from slumber to get ready for service. Worry was etched all over her face. She had just learnt about a family member, who was diagnosed with goitre, intrigued I sat up and asked her more about it.
Even though I grew up in a family who are medically literate, I had never heard of goitre before, it turns out goitre is a disease that causes enlargement of the thyroid gland at the front base of the neck.
Goitre is highly treatable, but can sometimes lead to other serious health complications.
So,Mine begin about few weeks later.
One morning, I felt that my throat was tightening, I had difficulty swallowing, not even my own spit.we all thought it was merely a Sour throat. Other symptoms that I felt occurred, was hoarseness in my voice, dizziness, wheezing, agitation and swelling around my neck area.
Already I have bulgy eyeballs, this disease now worsens the situation,and my eyes became bigger like that of a wizard.
Needless to say, I was worried. What if I didn’t get the right treatment? Will I be able to lead a normal life? I was only fifteen at the time and didn't have any insurance. Would the cost of the medication be too much for I and my family to handle?
I quickly did Some research on the internet and found out that there are various ways of coping with goitre.
I decided to get in touch with one of my school doctor, who knew alot about giotre I quickly explained to her my situation and she was able to help me out immensely.
I was told there where some organisations that provides free treatment to those who can’t afford it. But then there were no such organisations in my Country. what she did was to refer me to a good clinic.
How I Survived the Goitre Surgery
I was really afraid before the surgery. i had heardso many stories about people getting sick after having their tonsils removed. Nonetheless, my doctor and the surgeon assured me that it would be a relatively painless procedure and that there was no real risk of complications.
And they were right, the whole experience was almost completely, uneventful!
The only thing I did felt was a bit tenderness around my neck area, for few days afterwards but that quickly receded.
The thought of surgery terrifies me. I have read different articles and opinions on the internet and they all seems to contradict one another.
On one hand, some people say that surgery is no worse than a cold and it can be easily tolerable.
However, there are people who also say that surgery is extremely risky and there is high chance of complications. I decided to investigate for myself and read as much as I could.
For me I use to think it’s old people sickness, now I know it has no age bound. Also we were toldthat small goitre aren’t noticeable and usually don’t need serious medication. But look every disease no matter how small, need to be treated,
least it becomes so enlarged, and might lead to other bigger issues.
Furthermore, as the time for surgery got closer, I became more restless and anxious. I guess I was trying to prepare myself for the worst.
Overall the surgery went as planned and everything went relatively smooth. there were little sore afterwards, but nothing unbearable.
I was discharged from the hospital 3days after the surgery, and was only going to the clinic for check up until the recovery.
It was a difficult but ultimately, a successful journey. I received the medication prescribed by my doctor and I was able to manage goitre without any major health complications.
My 15th birthday anniversary is a day I will never forget, as it marks the day that I overcame one of the most daunting health challenges of my life.
I was grateful to my doctor, family and friends helped me out. i would encourage anyone who is facing a similar situation to sick for support. There is always hope and no need to suffer in silence.
My story demonstrates how even when faced with a life-challenges there’s always a way to cope and get through it. Despite being young and without insurance, I was able to get in touch with a doctor from school and was able to get the treatment I needed.
