Other NCD stories
Ligia Padilla, United States
When my baby boy William was diagnosed with Leukaemia, I was lucky that my parents were able to care for my 2 year old daughter while I was in the hospital and that cancer organizations helped cover the costs that insurance didn’t. Government should give more money to entities like these. No parent should have to worry about who will look after their other children, or about lack of money for a home, food or clothing, while fighting for their child's life. William is now as smart, healthy 13 year old. more >
anonymous, Brazil
Meu nome é Gabrielle, tenho 37 anos. Descobri ser portadora de endometriose e endometrioma bilateral, a cinco anos atrás. Não tenho dores insuportáveis, no meu caso, ela é uma doença silenciosa. Só descobri ser portadora, por que não conseguia engravidar. Quando fiz a Ressonância pela primeira vez, descobri a endometriose profunda, com endometrioma bilateral (o chamado ovário de chocolate) e comprometimento do intestino. Fiz a vídeo laparoscopia, mais como não conhecia essa doença, acabei não fazendo a vídeo com um especialista e sem a equipe multidisciplinar, não foi tirado todos os focos, o meu intestino continua com endometriose e perdi uma parte do ovário direito. Tentei engravidar naturalmente depois da vídeo, mais não obtive sucesso. Tive que fazer uma FIV para realizar meu sonho. Nem todas as mulheres conseguem engravidar. Mais não é só dor física, no meu caso eu não sinto essa dor incapacitante, mais minha dor era psicológica. Por que, antes de saber o motivo de não conseguir engravidar, eu cheguei a escutar que não tinha fé, quando na verdade eu era portadora de endometriose profunda. more >
Maria, Norway
When I first started studying, I found it hard to make time for cooking and physical activity - I was so focused on doing well in school that I dedicated all my time to my studies. And then when I did allow myself some time off I spent it in bed, watching series and eating chocolate, or having some wine with friends. Which was great in the moment, but I quickly noticed how my condition was deteriorating. Over Christmas, I went skiing with my family and was out of breath almost as soon as we began. That’s when I realized that I had to take better care of myself. While it was hard to get back into shape, once you create a routine for yourself it becomes very simple. Now, I crave a work out when I have spent an entire day sitting at my desk. It’s a great way of letting your mind relax, and having your body be tired for once rather than your brain. It’s also one of the easiest things you can do to avoid many NCDs. Working with the GCM/NCD integrated support team, I’ve also seen how important explaining stories like mine are to help Ministers outside of health (such as urban planning, trade or transportation) understand how creating spaces to exercise or healthier food environments are also part of the story to make these healthier choices possible. I still have my daily intake of chocolate (no one’s perfect), but now I compensate with exercise and healthier food. Staying healthy doesn’t have to be difficult, you just have to figure out what works best for you! more >
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Inspire others by telling us how NCDs affect you. more >