Lady Who Was Diagnosed With A Rare Autoimmune Disease That Attacked Her Muscles And Skin, Succeeds, Becomes A Graduate Of Accounting Science

A young lady named Tshimologo Boikhutso has shared her career journey as she encountered serious health challenges during her studies.

Tshimologo who’s officially a Bachelor of Accounting Science graduate has shared her story to inspire others.

Read her post below as shared on LinkedIn:

I am so proud to officially call myself a Bachelor of Accounting Science graduate. In May 2022, I was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease that attacked my muscles and skin, left me completely immobilised, and caused severe vasculitis, resulting in Raynaud’s syndrome.

As a result, I was placed on multiple immune suppressants, vasodilators, and bed rest.

My doctors advised me to take the year off as I was in the acute stage of the disease. Unfortunately, the diagnosis was right in the middle of my semester one tests and very close to my June exams, so I missed both assessments. The university advised me to deregister, but I was determined to complete my degree and graduate this year.

After much persuasion, I was granted a special concession to continue the academic year. I spent June and July recuperating. Part of my recuperation involved healing and rehabilitation of my fingers and strengthening of my proximal muscles, which were severely damaged by the disease, including re-learning how to hold a pen, walk up the stairs and stand up from a seated position unassisted.

In mid-July 2022, my doctors discovered that the disease had further progressed not only to my lungs but also my heart resulting in my readmission into hospital and administration of a more aggressive treatment plan, including three months of chemo. Of course, this came with many side effects. At that stage, I was under the care of two rheumatologists, a haematologist, a cardiologist, a pulmonologist, and a gastroenterologist, all desperately trying to get the disease under control.

I made a promise to myself in May that I would try my utmost best to complete the academic year. Upon my discharge, I returned to campus. Navigating my “new normal” whilst trying to catch up and prepare for Semester 2 assessments was extremely difficult.

Those who have studied this degree will know just how demanding it is. Many nights were filled with tears, anxiety, stress, self-doubt and despondency. Luckily, my health improved, and the disease is now under control.

I am so grateful for my family and friends, especially my mother who rooted for me, prayed for me and were truly a shoulder to lean on. I feel so blessed to have had access to the best medical care from all the doctors who worked tirelessly round the clock to bring the disease under control. Finally, my deepest gratitude goes to my lecturers and tutors, who afforded me the opportunity to complete the 2022 academic year and provided the support I needed to realise this goal.

This journey has helped me to embrace Byron Katie’s view that “Everything happens for you, not to you”. It is all about perspective. With the right mindset, we can overcome the worst of setbacks.

This is a major victory for me! I cannot wait to see what God has planned for the next chapter of my life and journey.

I hope my story inspires someone out there who may be going through a difficult time. Do not give up! YOU GOT THIS!

Source: Tshimologo Boikhutso | LinkedIn

Email: elora.akpotosevbe@yahoo.com