Upload
others
View
8
Download
0
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
My TB Journey
Diagnosed with Active pulmonary TB in 2011
Completed 11 months of treatment in 2012
Experienced side effects such as:
Nausea, rashes, stomach pain, diarrhea, thrush, fatigue etc.
At the clinic where I was finally
diagnosed
My final sputum sample, much
love for the therapeutic packaging
Common Topics
• Questions and complaints about side effects
• Confusion about diagnosis
• What to expect during and after treatment
• Sharing their diagnosis in the hopes of finding others who are
experiencing the same thing.
• Sharing experiences and looking for support with stigma and
depression
• Questions about self care: diet, vitamins, exercise etc.
January 24 at 10:47pm
Hi guys, my story is that I became sick in November 2016, but only got
diagnosed with active pulmonary active TB and pneumonia in April 2017 after
finally reaching breaking point.
I finally finished treatment in December last year and am finally on the mend!
I guess I was too scared to even look up support groups like this during
treatment for fear of what I might find.
But now on the other side it's so important and validating to know that there is a
whole community here who supports people through their journey back to health.
I'm still struggling with mental health issues as a direct result of being sick for so
long and the feeling of powerlessness that comes with facing this illness, so am
reaching out to gain support from people who have themselves experienced the
isolation that comes with a severe illness.
Sending out love and positive vibes to everyone on their journey
• There is no shame about complaining when things are tough!
Expressing feelings, even the negative ones, is a vital part of building a
better response to TB.
• Shame and stigma are a difficult part of the TB journey.
Reminders (even though it may seem obvious) that the patient's
health; both mental and physical are important, not just killing off the
contagion, send an empowering message.
• TB can effect every aspect of a person's life.
Continued recognition of this empowers the patient and helps to fight
the isolating tendencies of this disease.
Empowering Messages for Patients:
TB Photovoice: Online Support and Resources
Teresa L. Rugg
TB Photovoice, Director
Snohomish, WA, U.S.
TB Photovoice
Nakuru, Kenya
TB Photovoice Project
Themes included:
• Treatment side effects
• Importance of family support
• Access to food
• Persistence
• Impact on work
See all of these stories and photos on Facebook, TB Photovoice
Main Issues Discussed on the TB Voices Forum 2017
• Celebration/acknowledgement of milestones in life and in their treatment
• Practical tips to keeping up good nutrition and finishing treatment
• Supporting the daily grind of TB treatment
• Exchange of ideas concerning side effects of TB treatment
• Facing the stigma together
• Advocacy opportunities
• Education sharing
So, here I am climbing a moderately sized mountain a month ago (5 months post treatment).
I felt so energetic and strong and was no slower than my fit companion.
For those still suffering, you will get better and feel like you once did. Stay strong. XXX
Ifraf – TB Survivor
TB Photovoice: Resources
Postcards for patients and families, contact Teresa, [email protected]
Online Resources:
• www.tbphotovoice.org
• TB Voices Forum on Facebook
• TB Photovoice Facebook page
TB Photovoice Media Response Program
Since mid-2016, we have:
• Published more than 100 online educational
comments to over 75 U.S. news outlets
• Written dozens of Letters to the Editor and
contacted journalists covering TB cases
• Contacted dozens of Health Departments
providing support materials, including
postcards that share about our TB Voices
Forum and TB Photovoice website.
TB Support Platforms to Share
• TB Support-Private Community on Facebook (FB)
• TB Support Group - Advice, Sharing and Info about Tuberculosis on FB
• TB Voices Forum on FB
TB Photovoice: Online Support and Resources
Teresa L. Rugg
TB Photovoice, Director
Snohomish, WA, U.S.