A rare disease…   Where do I begin? Sometimes life forces us to live with our pain. No matter how many times you can smile on a random day, there is still that sad part of you that is hidden deep within. You learn to live with the pain simply because the world keeps moving. You go on living your life as if everything is normal but truly speaking, that is isn’t the case. It’s RARE.   The fact that I am able to put down my experience in writing of a part of me that I wouldn’t h

My name is Yuvti Rampersad. I am a dentist by profession. At the age of 27 I was suddenly diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease called Dermatomyositis.  Doctors cannot pinpoint what causes dermatomyositis and there is very little medical research on it. I went from not being able to lift my hands above my head to being unable to walk within the span of a week. This disease is so rare that it is estimated that 1 in 100 000 people will have it.   Dr. Rampersad Dermatomyositi

Background and Life Before Illness I was a healthy, independent, and active woman. I lived and worked in Johannesburg, was employed as an accountant, and led a full and joyful life. I exercised regularly, socialised, entertained friends, attended church, and managed my home without difficulty. I experienced no significant health problems and lived without physical limitations or chronic employment. I began experiencing pins and needles in my hands and feet, skin rashes, and