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Azlina Alias suffered from undiagnosed rheumatoid arthritis that caused chronic pain and swelling for decades, which eventually made her bedridden. She found solace and a new passion for painting, which helped her overcome depression and fear. She discovered a new purpose in life and learned to cope with her condition through medications, a healthy diet, light exercises, a positive mindset, and pursuing her artistic passion.
“Don't give up. It is tough but you are stronger than you think. There will be light at the end of the tunnel.”
My name is Azlina Alias. I am a mother of 3 boys who loves painting. I used to be a Cake Artist and was an educator before that. Since I was a teenager, I had swelling and pain in my joints. But doctors always brush it off as 'normal' aches and pains, as I was an active athlete. They said that the pain I was suffering from was due to my training. I stopped going to doctors in my 20s and tried alternative treatments. The pain and swelling stayed with me until I reached my 40s and made me bedridden. Still, doctors could not diagnose me until 2017. It affected me so much that I could not work to earn a living. It took away my confidence, and depression, frustration and fear gripped me.
My family, medications, healthy diet, light exercises and a positive mindset help me to cope with my condition currently. I also found a new passion, painting! You got to do what you are passionate about and try to share to as many people as possible. You can follow me on IG @luk_lukartz to see my paintings.
I’m thankful to God that all these trials had taught me to have a different perspective of life. I have met so many wonderful people and I am a lot stronger and wiser. It allowed change and growth in me. *Azlina was featured in a video produced by SGH, Department of Rheumatology and Immunology: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOCQVrmGc0M