I heard she's the daughter of my landlady's late brother, and that her mother brought her to her father's relatives because she was tired of taking care of her.
People just assume that because she looks extremely thin and weak, it must be HIV. You know how some people still associate HIV and AIDS with anyone who looks very sick.
My landlady is a nice person, but it doesn’t seem like she’s doing much for this lady beyond feeding her and waiting for whatever happens. The girl can’t be more than 32.
I’ve been thinking seriously about taking her to a hospital myself not the clinic I use, but another government hospital so she can be properly examined and tested.
The truth is, it could be HIV, but it could also be something completely different. Many illnesses can make someone look emaciated, and nobody should be labelled based on appearance alone.
And even if it turns out to be HIV, that doesn’t mean it’s the end. I’ve seen people who were in worse condition, got diagnosed, started treatment and bounced back. One woman at the clinic once showed me her “before” picture she was just skin and bones yet after treatment she looked healthy and strong.
This is why people shouldn’t wait until they are extremely sick before seeking medical attention. Early diagnosis gives a much better chance of recovery.
Unfortunately, many still believe HIV means death. It doesn’t. With proper treatment, people living with HIV can live long, healthy lives.
So back to this young woman…
I don’t know whether to ask Mama for permission and offer to take her to the hospital. Part of me worries about getting involved in a family matter that isn’t mine. But another part keeps thinking: what if she’s truly dying and nobody is doing anything?
It’s all hearsay but nobody knows her real status. She needs proper medical assessment. Maybe it’s HIV. Maybe tuberculosis. Maybe another infection. Maybe something entirely different.
Now I’m torn between minding my business and doing what feels right.
Would it be wrong to approach Mama, explain my concerns and offer to take the lady to a government hospital for testing and treatment?
I don’t want to overstep my boundaries but at the same time, I keep thinking:
What if this is one person I could have helped, but I chose to look away?
My landlady is a nice person, but it doesn’t seem like she’s doing much for this lady beyond feeding her and waiting for whatever happens. The girl can’t be more than 32.
I’ve been thinking seriously about taking her to a hospital myself not the clinic I use, but another government hospital so she can be properly examined and tested.
The truth is, it could be HIV, but it could also be something completely different. Many illnesses can make someone look emaciated, and nobody should be labelled based on appearance alone.
And even if it turns out to be HIV, that doesn’t mean it’s the end. I’ve seen people who were in worse condition, got diagnosed, started treatment and bounced back. One woman at the clinic once showed me her “before” picture she was just skin and bones yet after treatment she looked healthy and strong.
This is why people shouldn’t wait until they are extremely sick before seeking medical attention. Early diagnosis gives a much better chance of recovery.
Unfortunately, many still believe HIV means death. It doesn’t. With proper treatment, people living with HIV can live long, healthy lives.
So back to this young woman…
I don’t know whether to ask Mama for permission and offer to take her to the hospital. Part of me worries about getting involved in a family matter that isn’t mine. But another part keeps thinking: what if she’s truly dying and nobody is doing anything?
It’s all hearsay but nobody knows her real status. She needs proper medical assessment. Maybe it’s HIV. Maybe tuberculosis. Maybe another infection. Maybe something entirely different.
Now I’m torn between minding my business and doing what feels right.
Would it be wrong to approach Mama, explain my concerns and offer to take the lady to a government hospital for testing and treatment?
I don’t want to overstep my boundaries but at the same time, I keep thinking:
What if this is one person I could have helped, but I chose to look away?
God bless you Poster.
ReplyDeleteI will advise you to stay on your lane, pls don't interfere.
As much as i would have loved you to step in and help, pls don't interfere.
Why shouldn’t she ?
Delete@rose may people never interfere in matters that concern you even when it's glaring you need help. React to this.
Delete15:38 AMEN
DeleteThis is very difficult. I had a neighbor in the same situation. I expressed my concerns to my mum who encouraged me to go speak to her. In her house, i saw evidence from a picture that she was a graduate, she spoke well and carried herself well just that life had not been good to her at that point. In a very roundabout way, i bought up the issue of HIV. The way she reacted made me regret ever coming. She mentioned another sickness ( i cannot remember the name). I sha apologised and left. Barely 6 months later she passed and that was when i heard that it was actually HIV. The stigma seems to refuse to go away despite all the information available or maybe the info is not getting to the right people. Pls approach the family, shebi its just to go for checkup and find out .. , then you remove yourself. Then the family can be more informed and know what steps to take if they so desire.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you for this comment.
DeleteYou did well, 👍
DeleteThis is a dicey situation, how sure are you that the family hasn't taken her to the hospital? I will advice you not to involve yourself, it could even be a spiritual battle, don't go and add to your own problems sha
ReplyDeleteI am certain when you don't have money and a stranger asks how he or she can be of help to you, you're willing to state your needs to them . You don't want another person to even try to help. Why are some Nigerians like this? Highly self centered. The poster has sent this in because she has walked in these shoes. She will have better knowledge and experience on how to ask the necessary questions and give the help she can render that's within her capacity. She will know when to back down. Don't be wicked and cover it with spirituality, that's witchcraft.
DeletePls do as your heart tells you, I think God is directing you to help with knowledge you have.
ReplyDeleteYou are a kind hearted person ♥️ God bless & guide you as you do so.