- Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome
- Interviews
Venesia's interview
How did all start?
All my Life I have battled with health, weight, blood pressure. I remember once having to go for tests when I was young and the nurse told my dad according to the test. I haven't ate in a week. They could not find the problem. Blamed it on puberty and that I was growing. Then they said it was an stomach ulcer and the list goes on . Finally In 2015 my body could not take it anymore and my weight dropped very lower, I was weak I could hardly walk from the bathroom to my bedroom and I was 26 years old. They found out my liver was enlarged as well. Went from hospital to hospital and dr to dr and test after test for 6 months on end. I was sent to Bloemforntein in South Africa and met a surgeon there. He sent me for test and another CTA scan with oral contrast. He reviewed my test and found out I had SMA Syndrome. He scheduled me for a laparoscopic duodenojejunostomy 04 December 2015. I battled to eat for a while after the op as my intestines where very sensitive. But I healed well and the pain got better. But there was still something that wasn't right! I went for more tests and they discovered that I also cant get Gluten. Its now 2018 and I am doing very very well. My weight has gone up from 42KG to 53KG and I am well. By managing my diet strictly helps alot. There will always be done days but stay positive you will get through them.
Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?
A long time almost my entire life 26 years . But 6 months when I was 26
For what medical specialties have you been treated? What has been the most useful specialty for your?
I have been treated for Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome, celiac disease, IBS and Gastritis
What has been the most useful thing for you so far?
The operation I went for and the change in diet. No Gluten
What have been your biggest difficulties?
Keeping pain at bay and keeping energy levels up. Keeping your mind postive
How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?
My family and friend have been very supportive! They have also told others about SMA syndrome thus spreading the knowledge about an misunderstood syndrome
What things have you stopped doing?
Eating the incorrect food
What do you think about the future?
I am positive about my future and look forward to helping others get through this syndrome
So far, which years have been the best years in your life? What have you done during them?
2017-2018 My health has been at its best and I feel like myself again
What would you like to do if you didn’t have your condition?
I would have loved to live a healthy life from small and enjoyed life more.
If you had to describe your life in a sentence, what would it be?
Challenging but blessed
Finally, what advice would you give to a person in a similar situation?
Keep telling your Doctors to test you and get second opinions. Listen it you inner voice you know what your body is telling you and how you feeling . Lastly never give up lets beat SMA Syndrome!!
