Woman with Rare Autoimmune Disease Defies Doctors’ Prognosis and Celebrates Life
Kheesa J, a woman diagnosed with scleroderma, a rare autoimmune disease, has defied the odds and is living a fulfilling life seventeen years after being told she only had five years to live. In an exclusive interview with Insider, Kheesa shares her inspirational journey and how she has embraced every moment since her diagnosis.
Kheesa’s ordeal began in 2005 when she noticed swelling in her body and experienced achiness. At first, she attributed it to the physical strain of moving furniture during her divorce. However, the symptoms worsened, and she struggled to climb stairs, ultimately resorting to taking the elevator. It was on her birthday, when she realized her new shoes no longer fit, that she decided to seek medical attention.
Unfortunately, her initial doctor’s appointments yielded no concrete answers. Kheesa was dismissed and told she may be depressed or had excessive salt intake. Determined to find answers, she persisted until she found a doctor who noticed her purple hands and referred her to a rheumatologist. It was through this intervention that Kheesa was diagnosed with scleroderma, a condition that causes the skin and organs to thicken.
The news from her doctors was disheartening. Kheesa was informed that there was no cure for her condition and that her life expectancy was limited. However, she refused to accept this fate and sought out a new specialist who provided a more compassionate approach. Though the prognosis remained the same, Kheesa’s outlook on life underwent a transformation.
During a chemotherapy treatment session, which coincidentally fell on her birthday, a nurse expressed sympathy for Kheesa’s situation. However, this encounter shifted her perspective. Kheesa realized that undergoing treatment meant she was still alive and resolved to make the most of every moment. She began planning elaborate birthday parties and creating unforgettable memories with her daughter.
Today, Kheesa’s oldest daughter is nearly 18 years old, and her existence has been a source of motivation and strength for Kheesa. Despite living with scleroderma, she continues to cherish each day and has learned to advocate for herself when doctors dismiss her concerns. Kheesa’s story serves as a reminder to appreciate life and live each day to its fullest, as tomorrow is never promised.
Kheesa’s journey with scleroderma has taught her the importance of resilience and seizing opportunities. She hopes that her story will inspire others facing difficult circumstances to embrace life, despite the challenges they may encounter. Kheesa’s positive outlook serves as a beacon of hope for those navigating their own health journeys, proving that there is life beyond diagnosis.
In the face of a rare autoimmune disease, Kheesa J has defied all odds and continues to thrive. Her story serves as a testament to the power of the human spirit and the resilience of the human body. Today, Kheesa lives a fulfilling life with her two daughters, appreciative of every moment she has been given.