I’m Matovu, and I want to share my journey with lymphedema. It all started way back in 2000 when I was just 13 years old. I began feeling a lot of pain in my groin area for several weeks. Then, one day, I woke up to find my foot swollen so much that I couldn’t even walk because of the pain. I tried using herbal medication, a mixture of clay and leaves, hoping it would help. Some people said I was bewitched, so I went to witch doctors who made cuts on my skin to drain the fluid out. But none of it worked, and my condition only got worse.
I went to different hospitals, but no doctor could figure out what was wrong. As I grew older, people in my community started pointing fingers, saying I must have done something wrong to deserve this, like sleeping with someone’s wife or being cursed. It was tough living among people who didn’t understand my illness, and the stigma was overwhelming.
Finding a relationship was tough because no one wanted to deal with someone with my condition. Despite these challenges, I’m grateful for the support and treatment I began receiving from the Lymphedema Warriors Association. My legs feel much better now they’re not as tight or heavy, and the swelling has reduced significantly.
I’m Matovu, and I want to share my journey with lymphedema. It all started way back in 2000 when I was just 13 years old. I began feeling a lot of pain in my groin area for several weeks. Then, one day, I woke up to find my foot swollen so much that I couldn’t even walk because of the pain. I tried using herbal medication, a mixture of clay and leaves, hoping it would help. Some people said I was bewitched, so I went to witch doctors who made cuts on my skin to drain the fluid out. But none of it worked, and my condition only got worse.
I went to different hospitals, but no doctor could figure out what was wrong. As I grew older, people in my community started pointing fingers, saying I must have done something wrong to deserve this, like sleeping with someone’s wife or being cursed. It was tough living among people who didn’t understand my illness, and the stigma was overwhelming.
Finding a relationship was tough because no one wanted to deal with someone with my condition. Despite these challenges, I’m grateful for the support and treatment I began receiving from the Lymphedema Warriors Association. My legs feel much better now they’re not as tight or heavy, and the swelling has reduced significantly.
I work as a boda rider in the market, and I can say that I’m more flexible and comfortable than before. The support and lessons I’ve received from the Lymphedema Warriors Association have been invaluable. They’ve taught me how to properly bandage my legs, the right exercises to do, and educated me about lymphedema.
Now, I’m ready share my experience to help others going through similar struggles. With the help of the association, I’m hopeful for the future, and I want to spread awareness and support those who need it most.
Join us in our mission to make a difference in the lives of individuals battling lymphedema and other chronic conditions. Together, we can create a future where everyone has access to the care and support they need to live their best lives
Our mission
To Advocate, Educate, and Support individuals affected with Lymphedema in Uganda.
Vision
To build a supportive community and better life for those affected by lymphedema.