A 26 year old young man, close to my heart has recently affirmed the danger of self diagnosis that seems to be rampant these days.

For over a year now, he’s been having “stomach” issues – later told he had symptoms of ulcers which he took as bible! 6 months ago, he begun having severe pain bouts that completely paralyzed him for hours. When he visited me about a month ago, him and his uncle told be about his condition. I was flabbergasted to hear how long this had been going on, and that he’d been going to clinics in Kampala. I encouraged him to get health insurance (which he’d never had and thought was a waste of money) and seek proper diagnosis and treatment. I shared the merits of insurance and taught him that even if you don’t get sick, physical check-ups are very important and necessary especially as we grow older. Needless to say, a stitch in time, indeed saves nine.

It was discovered that his one kidney had gone bad and needed to be removed. Surgery was scheduled for last Friday, however it didn’t happen. You see, during the final preps they found his only functioning kidney was working at only 40% because of an infection and his blood pressure was a staggering 204/140 – when a health number is 120/80. This young man was on the verge of a stroke and didn’t even know it!!! Now, he’s waiting for that blood pressure to normalize and infection to heal before surgery can happen.

I can’t imagine what another month would have meant – all I can say is please, please, please – make it a point to go for an annual physical check-up, exercise and eat well. When you aren’t well – seek medical care. You only live once – work hard to live a healthy and responsible lifestyle – starting today!