Shahmina's Walking for SarcoidosisUK
Shahmina Begum is raising money for SarcoidosisUK
Story
In 2021 I got married and moved to Ipswich from London. My biggest health problem prior to this was hay-fever in the warmer months. But then I came Ipswich, suddenly and progressive I became more ill with joint pains, aches and fevers. At first I blamed the cleaner air or perhaps I was allergic to Ipswich. Then in September 2022 I ended up in hospital, strapped to an oxygen machine with those around me shocked that someone at the age of 29 has lungs and a body frail like that of someone over the age of 90.
My life changed, it pivoted. I went from being active, full of energy, doing whatever I wanted, to being conscious of my energy levels, doing less and essentially changing my entire personality. These changes were hard on my body and mind. I struggled to recognise myself, to navigate these feelings and developed a deep fear of hospitals and healthcare.
Fast forward a whole year, the hospital I was being treated at is where I work now. Everyday I find a way to accept this version of me, quieten the health anxiety and I've slowly worked on not having flashbacks triggered by being in the hospital - well I have to because I work there, but also because my awesome team have created positive memories for me there. This very team has also decided to support a charity who for this past year have supported me with advice - emotionally and medically, helped me find a community - with people that understand me because they to are going through something similar and essentially the charity made me feel less alone and less abnormal.
My life has changed forever, I've accepted that it will most likely never go back to how it was. I believe everything happens for a reason - perhaps it was to support SarcoidosisUK so they can continue to help people feel less alone with this rare disease, give them light and hope when the disease encompasses their life in darkness and work towards the research for better understanding and treatment.
My team, the Pharmacy Medicines Advice and Effectiveness (MADE) Team, have collectively decided to walk 1000 miles to help us get fitter and raise money for a good cause throughout the whole of September.
Please sponsor me in supporting SarcoidosisUK as I attempt to help my body move more despite the pain.
A little information about the charity:
Sarcoidosis is a rare disease and has poor information, support and little research for finding a cure. We work to change that. Our 4 goals are; providing information, providing support, raising awareness and funding research. None of our work is possible without donations. We receive no government money and are 100% reliant on your generosity. Any donation, big or small, makes a huge difference to our ability to help others. Thank you!