By: Bridget Mensah
As I sit surrounded by pill bottles and medical paraphernalia, I wonder: has the cure become a curse? Medications meant to heal me have become a source of suffering, a constant reminder of the delicate balance between health and harm.
My journey began with a diagnosis, bringing relief and hope. But as treatment began, side effects crept in, refusing to leave. Fatigue, pain, and anxiety became my new normal. I felt like a guinea pig, subject to a never-ending experiment. Doctors adjusted dosages, added new medications, and monitored my progress, but side effects persisted.
I scoured the internet, consulted specialists, and tried alternative therapies, but each new hope was met with disappointment. I felt like a prisoner in my own body, struggling with simple tasks and withdrawing from relationships. The cure, once a beacon of hope, had become a curse, a constant reminder of my vulnerability.
But I held on to the belief that a better tomorrow was possible. I continued to search for answers, advocate for myself, and push through the darkness. In the end, it was not the medication that saved me, but my own resilience. I learned to adapt, find strength in suffering, and appreciate life’s simple joys.
However, my journey highlighted a critical gap in healthcare: the management of side effects. Doctors and pharmacists often fail to discuss the potential consequences of medications, leaving patients to figure it out through manufacturer’s notes or unreliable internet sources. This lack of transparency and support can be devastating, especially for those with chronic and terminal illnesses.
In Ghana, healthcare must prioritize side effect management and prepare families for the challenges of chronic and terminal illnesses. Patients should not have to navigate this journey alone, discovering the harsh realities of treatment through trial and error. It’s time to address the forgotten part of medicine and its unintended consequences.
Stay tuned for Part 2 of this series, where I’ll delve deeper into the need for comprehensive support and the importance of empathy in healthcare.