Thiara Begum

In 2006, shortly after giving birth to my son, I was diagnosed with Pompe Disease, a rare progressive metabolic disease. This led to the break-up of my marriage and depression.

In 2006, I began using a wheelchair whilst outdoors. I was also using sticks and a walking frame.
Even before the diagnosis and particularly when I was pregnant, I was struggling to climb the stairs and get up from the floor. I think I knew that something wasn’t quite right. After my son Adil was born I found things very hard both physically and mentally. I suffered from post-natal depression. Eventually I found a childminder for Adil for a few hours which gave me a break.

Over the years I have tried my best to give my son the best childhood I could, but this was not easy. As time has gone on, my health has continued to deteriorate. I never thought of myself as “normal” and I had no self-confidence at all. Day after day I would continue to fear for my future, as I knew that I would continue to get weaker.

Furthermore, I felt that because my family had been so protective of me, I had never gone out of my “comfort zone”.

I have had muscle weakness in my legs for many years and although I struggled to stand up, at one time I was able to walk holding onto things. However, I was not given the opportunity to have a go in case I fell, and instead things were done for me. I feel that this had a real impact on my health and as a result I became weaker much quicker as I was not using certain muscles.

In my opinion, sometimes, parents although well-meaning, can actually be hindering and / or making things worse.

In 2011 I came to the NMC for an assessment and I now receive regular physiotherapy and hydrotherapy which really help alleviate some of the symptoms of my condition. By 2012 I started using a wheelchair indoors as well.

In 2014, I met a lady called Sue Barker, at a fun day in my local park. Sue runs her own business under the umbrella of a local company called “Forever Living” which specialises in Aloe Vera. I was attracted to her stall and went over for a chat.

After talking to her I decided to try the products. She visited me at home and after taking the products I felt amazing. I used to have to go to bed for 2/3 hours each day. Now I don’t need to and I feel more alert, alive and active. Having benefitted from the products myself, I decided I wanted to take the opportunity to help others too.

So, with the help and support of my new husband, I now have my own Forever business and I have achieved beyond my imagination.

Thanks to Sue, I have turned my life around. I am no longer confined to four walls. My confidence and skills are growing every day and instead of fearing my future, I am looking forward to it.
Just because you have a long term condition it doesn’t mean you can’t do something.