At first, I took my pills, but after a while, I just felt, no, these pills aren’t helping. I felt sick, weak, and my back started aching. My joints hurt. I could hardly walk—I walked like Pinocchio’s legs!

Eventually, I decided to stop taking my medication. I gained weight again, felt strong, and thought TB couldn’t touch me. But because I defaulted on my treatment, my TB became worse.

“This is what happens when you stop your medication—you end up with a more serious form of TB.”

Even though I collected my pills like a good patient every time, my body started failing. My legs became so weak I could barely walk, and I would collapse. One day, my sister caught me just in time—I could have died.

The Hospital Experience

Soon I became so weak that my sister had to help bathe me because I was too tired. I admit I was selfish at times, thinking only of myself, but my family never gave up on me. They kept encouraging me despite the side effects.

I got weaker and ended up back in the hospital for my pills. The doctors told me I had to go immediately to Paarl Hospital—the situation was serious. My baby was already a year old, and I had to leave her behind for treatment.

At Paarl Hospital, I was treated like a dangerous patient because I had defaulted and could infect others. I stayed alone in a room—my only friend was the hospital Wi-Fi.

Then they told me I had Pre-XDR TB and would go to Sonstraal Hospital the next day. I cried—I couldn’t stop. At Sonstraal, I started my Pre-XDR treatment. Slowly, things got better. I grew stronger, I got healthy, and within three months, I was back home.

My Message

It’s simple: take your medication.

If you don’t feel well, pray and ask God for strength—it’s not easy, I know. Take your pills. Imagine them as smarties. Think about what could happen if you don’t take them. Think about who you could leave behind. Talk if you need to, but please take your medication.

Living With the Aftermath

TB left a lot of damage, including from my own choices. The medication’s side effects also affected me. I can’t work because of my feet, and I have stage 2 severe lung damage. Sometimes I get eczema on my legs.

How do I cope? I started doing things I’ve always wanted to do. My life didn’t stop. I found a hobby—I started doing nails for income. I avoid shaving my leg hair because I’m worried the eczema will get worse.

“Sometimes you take something negative and turn it into something positive.”

I accepted my situation and never gave up. It depends on yourself. You can turn something bad into something good. God doesn’t put challenges in your path without a purpose. Sometimes, your faith will be tested—but will you stand? Will you fight?

God has a plan for everything. You may not see it now, but one day you will. Believe there is a good outcome in your situation, no matter what. Trust our Father, and He will make all things possible.

“I believe in you. I believe in my fellow Warriors. We can overcome this.