My name is Kwaku Kpobi, and I was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE or Lupus) when I was fourteen.

I’ll be turning 21 this year. Have you ever heard the misconception that men don’t get autoimmune diseases? Or have you wondered if there are any male individuals with autoimmune diseases in Ghana?

Actually, I was diagnosed with not only Lupus but also Kikuchi’s disease. While Kikuchi’s might have contributed to my weight loss and swollen lymph nodes initially, it hasn’t been as significant a concern for me as Lupus. Kikuchi’s is a rare disorder primarily characterized by swollen lymph nodes in the neck area and is usually mild.

Lupus, on the other hand, has been my primary focus. I’d like to share my experience with this condition.

I began experiencing severe weight loss, swollen lymph nodes (which I later learned were my lymph glands), and extreme fatigue shortly after my Basic Education Certificate Examination. These symptoms were accompanied by vomiting and a lack of appetite, and I was eventually diagnosed with SLE/Lupus. Initially, I didn’t panic because I wasn’t familiar with the condition. However, I maintained a close relationship with my doctor, not out of fear but because she treated me like a son.

Surprisingly, I didn’t suffer any flare-ups for the first four years after my diagnosis. I successfully completed my senior high school without any issues related to Lupus. In fact, I participated in rigorous activities like hiking around Lake Bosomtwe (over 35km) and participating in a staple chase in the forest of Tepa as part of my school’s cadet corps.

During my second semester in university, I had my second flare-up. This time, I developed mouth sores, a malar rash, excessive fatigue, and further weight loss. My weight dropped from 70kg to 54kg in just a few weeks! I was prescribed prednisolone, which helped me gain weight. Imagine swallowing over 12 tablets of medication at once! Over the years, I’ve reduced my prednisolone dosage from 60mg to 5mg, and my weight has increased from 54kg to 74.5kg. I also started taking Mycophenolate, a more expensive medication, to help manage my symptoms.

What has helped me? And what advice would I give to anyone living with a chronic condition?

• Maintain a close relationship with your Creator.
• Stay optimistic and positive.
• Keep in close contact with your doctor.
• Avoid negative influences from others.
• Seek support from family and friends.
• Remember that there are others going through similar experiences.
• Avoid self-pity, even though it may be difficult at times.

Finally, I want to express my gratitude to Dr. Dey for her unwavering support over the past seven years. Even when she was specializing in the UK, she would call to check on me. I believe that even if no one else recognizes our good deeds, God sees them. I’m also grateful to my family for their spiritual, financial, and emotional support and to all members of the Rheusolute Support Group.