AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE: MORE THAN AN INVISIBLE ILLNESS

Fulufhelo Nesane 

@pigsareweird21

 

The beginning of March indicates more than just the end of summer. It is a time to spread awareness for one of the more under-recognised types of health conditions — autoimmune diseases.

 

What Are Autoimmune Diseases?

 

Autoimmune diseases, according to WebMD, are immune system disorders wherein the immune system confuses normal, functional body cells for harmful microbes such as viruses, bacteria, etc., which causes the immune system to attack these wrongly perceived threats. This article states that “5–10% of the industrial world population”, or millions of people worldwide, suffer from autoimmune diseases. This awareness month is needed to educate the general population and spread understanding.

 

Autoimmune diseases affect millions of people worldwide. People living with autoimmune diseases walk among us as our friends, family members, and even fellow students. Wapad briefly interviewed Zenovia Bitterbos, Student Interest Development (SID) Differently Abled Coordinator, who revealed that she currently has an undiagnosed autoimmune disease, and she has agreed to share her story.

 

Her Story

 

Bitterbos is living with chronic anaemia — a type not easily remedied by a once-off blood transfusion and a bottle of iron supplements. She details routine blood transfusions, medical appointments, medical testing, and screenings — all without knowing the exact cause of her condition.

 

Underdiagnosis of autoimmune diseases is a serious issue. On average, it takes four years and visits to six different physicians to receive an autoimmune disease diagnosis, and there are an estimated “140 identified autoimmune diseases”, as stated by the Autoimmune Association.

 

Despite decreased stamina and near-constant fatigue and dizziness, Bitterbos boasts a fully supportive community, both here in Potchefstroom and back home in the Northern Cape. She stated how her friends supported her last year when she had a health-related incident while in Potchefstroom, far from home, and how her parents have always been the biggest support system in her life.

 

“Do your research and stay informed,” she stated when asked if she wished to share a word of advice. “Doing a lot of my own research and thoroughly investigating the information available is what actually led me to suspect that I might have an autoimmune disease, which I then told my doctors about,” she added.

 

Bitterbos shared that the SID has planned many awareness-based projects throughout the year, which she hopes many will attend. Bitterbos herself will be promoting the continuation of the “Answer the Call” campaign led by the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) here on the North-West University Potchefstroom Campus between 24 and 26 March. She asks her fellow students to come and support the cause.

 

Even through frequent blood transfusions and a busy student life, she still manages to be the SID Differently Abled Coordinator while radiating an aura of collectedness, gratitude, and peace. Bitterbos is an inspiration not only to those in similar circumstances, but also to all who are willing to listen and take note.

 

Where To Get More Information 

 

Visit the Autoimmune Association webpage for more information. Their page on Autoimmune Disease Awareness Month is especially informative regarding quick facts and ways to get involved.

 

 

Edited by Isabel Burgers