hat began as a typical day, quickly spiraled into a life-threatening ordeal, with minimal chance of survival. I was a healthy, energetic person, but during the weekend of March 19, 2011, I started experiencing severe flu-like symptoms. Assuming it was a bad case of the flu, I went to a walk-in clinic, and was prescribed medication for pink eye.

Within a few hours, my symptoms worsened dramatically. I developed high fever, severe skin rashes, and my eyes became painfully swollen. At the hospital, doctors diagnosed my condition as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (SJS/TEN). SJS is a rare and potentially fatal reaction to medication, infection, or unknown origin. Both are forms of the same rare, and life-threatening disease, involving the skin, mucous membranes and internal organs. I had developed a severe reaction of unknown cause, which lead to Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS).

Upon admission to the ICU, my condition rapidly deteriorated. My skin blistered and peeled off, over 30% of my body. This advanced to covering over 90 % of my body. The pain was excruciating, comparable to severe burns. My mucous membranes also affected, made it difficult to eat, drink, or even speak. My body burned itself from inside out. I looked like I was dipped in a pot of hot oil.

The medical team worked tirelessly to manage my symptoms and prevent secondary infections, due to the extensive skin loss. Life-saving interventions were initiated, along with regular debridement, removing the dead skin and to promote healing. My eyes were fused shut, requiring constant care to prevent permanent damage, because SJS/TEN can cause severe ocular complications.

After weeks of intense treatment, my condition began to stabilize. However, the road to recovery has been long and challenging. Though discharged from the hospital, my journey was far from over. My once smooth healthy skin was now marred with scars and discolored patches. The sensitivity and fragility of my skin required continuous care and protection.

I faced significant physical, psychological and emotional challenges as well. This traumatic experience left me deeply scarred emotionally. My self-esteem plummeted because of visible changes in my appearance. Thank God, with the support of my dear husband, Joseph, my family, and friends, I began to navigate the complexities of my new reality.

Determined to reclaim my life, I embarked on a rigorous journey. Currently, I still suffer from numerous long-term effects. However, physical therapy helped me regain strength and mobility, while regular visits to rheumatologists, dentists,dermatologists andophthalmologists ensured adequate care of my musculoskeletal and oral health, skin and eyes. Counseling addresses the psychological impact of my ordeal.