I had never thought that I would be effected by Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) or what some Thai people call Phum Phuang Disease. I used to have a normal life, just like anyone else. I was healthy and could do my daily activities without a problem. I could go to the temple, study or travel aboard whenever I wanted. Never once crossed my mind that I had to come face to face with SLE. Today, I am writing to share with you, my story.

      As mentioned earlier, I thought that I was fit and healthy before discovering that I had SLE. I was never allergic to the weather. I was never admitted to a hospital. I was able to do heavy exercises. I took care of my health quite well. I did not drink alcohol. I did not smoke. I did not like to eat fried foods. I made sure to have the five food groups, especially fruits and vegetables. I exercised regularly. I did not sleep late. I didn’t have any signs that I was unwell at all. 

      My biggest regret was not to do my annual physical check-up regularly. In my mind, I was fit and healthy always.  I was never ill, even with small things. Therefore, I neglected the check-ups.

      I did not know the symptoms I felt was a sign of any disease. My feet were swollen, but I thought it was because I stood for too long. My hair fell out, but I thought it was because I took showers with hot water. My skin was red and I easily got burned when I got back to Thailand but somehow I thought it was just me not being used to the weather. Apart from the above, I also had the following symptoms:

• lethargy

• low grade fever 

• fatigue

• foamy urine

• frequently had cramps

• trigger finger 

Everything did not occur all at once. It all started when I was 26 and it went on for several years. The symptoms I had started with having low fever for about a week. I took paracetamol, but it did not get better. Then, I started feeling weak and had shortness of breath. That was when I consulted the doctor. The doctor found many bruises on my skin. My feet were also very swollen. For further diagnosis, the doctor asked me to have a thorough blood test and urinary test and that was when I found out that I had SLE.

What was the most serious symptoms? How was it?

      It all began when I started having fever for many consecutive days. I then had difficulties breathing but did not go to the hospital. Instead, I just took paracetamol and waited for my next follow up appointment which was not too long away. Eventually, my breathing difficulties got worse and I had to rush myself to the hospital. As soon as I got there, the doctor ordered an x-rayed for my lungs and found that there were traces of fluid present in my lungs causing an infection due to the fever. 

     After being in the hospital for 2-3 days and receiving antibiotics, my symptoms somehow did not improve. The doctor then performed lung endoscopy and lung biopsy for further diagnosis. Later that night, I went to the bathroom and I could not breathe. I had to press the emergency button to get the nurses’ attention and was transferred to ICU. I was put on a respirator, but I still could not breathe and was then finally intubated. 

      I was told that while I was unconscious, my breathing became a challenge. My lungs were totally destroyed as they were infected with two different viruses. All the medicines that the doctor in the hospital could give were already given to me, but I still did not respond to the treatment. I did not get any better. I had puncture marks from intravenous infusions in both hands, both feet plus my groin. I still did not get better until my mother inquired about Cell Therapy. 

     After my first Cell Therapy infusion was done while I was unconscious. I started to get better after the second infusion. I became conscious two days after that. My symptoms improved to the extent that I was able to be discharged from the hospital. However, I still needed help from a respirator. The doctor said that I would need it for at least 3-6 months. While I was in ICU, the doctor actually had to give me muscle relaxants so that my body did not reject the treatment that was planned. Due to that, I could not walk or be self-reliant. It was like being paralyzed. Someone had to carry me and I had use a wheelchair. I was a little depress at the beginning but I know that I can get through this.

How did you find out about Integrative Medicine?

     I got to know about Integrative Medicine through my mother. Her friend who is a doctor told her about the treatment (Integrative pathway), but she did not seriously look into finding more in-depth information until I was seriously ill. That was also when we started to consider all types of treatment methods to save my life. I then made the decision to go ahead and started with the Integrative treatment pathway because there was no other choice. The doctor at the hospital told me that there was no hope left and I should prepare myself for the worst. 

      But all that aside, I found out that I do have a choice. I was given Mesenchymal Stromal Cells therapy when I was in ICU. I then slowly got better and was able to go home. I then continued my treatment at Absolute Health Integrative Medical Center with Dr. Chatchai and his team which included Dr. Nicholas who provided rehabilitation therapy using Chiropractic techniques. Other then that, I also did several other treatments such as:

• Quantum Treatment using QRS 

• Adjusting the body’s balance and reducing the pain using Quantum Physics; 

• Haematogenous Oxidation Therapy (H.O.T) to increase the oxygen and disinfect the body

• Chiropractic therapy to help with my walking 

In general, I did whatever it takes to get me better as advised by the doctors.