The glass is half full,,, I think?????

Hi my name's Ken Mead but most people call me Junior. I've had Vit for about 23 years it started when I was 14 and was first diagnosed as ringworm. It now covers about 35/40% of my body, I've had ever growing patches around my mouth for about 18 years which I camouflage. Over the last couple of years patches have formed around my eyes, on my ears, scalp and neck which I don't camouflage, these are only a problem in the summer or when I go on holiday if I'm not diligent with the sun block. I do get stares while out and often repulsed looks from members of the opposite sex, which often makes my heart sink, but I keep my spirits high through my Tai Chi practice. Tai Chi has been a life saver for me, helping me cope and understand myself while going through this Vitiligo transformation, which, like for a lot of you does get me down a sometimes. I was having a tough time of it earlier this year and consulted a few doctors about depigmenting my remaining colour, they advised me against it, they didn't recognize my distress, why would they, there's much more they should be applying their skills too, although they did offer me some UV treatment for which I would have to attend the hospital two or three time a week and would leaves me at a higher risk of skin cancer. I declined the offer. I'm currently at the top of my game regards Tai Chi, I recently received my Master Instructors grade and teach 20+ classes per week working with people from all walks (and sometimes wheels) of life. My confidence while teaching is great making my services much in demand. I do get funny looks from new students but they soon forget my colour imperfections once I've started taking them on a journey through their mind and body. I'm also a Reiki master, I've been told by my clients that my Vit makes me look more like a healer, what ever a healer looks like????.. I originally started Tai Chi and Reiki to see if they would help with the Vit, which I think they have. Vitiligo is said to be triggered by stress, Tai Chi and Reiki are great for reducing stress and calming the emotions. My Vit has not stopped but I do believe it has slowed which is now a dilemma as I'm sick of the slow transformation and just want to be one uniform colour, at this rate it'll be another 35 years before I achieve this. Hey ho, you never know there may one day be a permanent cure, then I'll have the dilemma of whether or not I want something that makes me so unique taking away. The glass is always half full, it sometimes feels that life just keeps trowing obstacles in my way; but the self understanding I achieve by overcoming these has shaped me to the person I am today, and I'm doing Okay. Merry Christmas Everyone. Ken Mead jnr.

Replies

DAVID December 17, 2009 at 6:43pm

I also found a similar interest that helps with the vitiligo. It is called tai weed.
Nadika December 14, 2009 at 9:56pm

Hey Ken !! I have had VIT for a year less than you have had. But mine started at 6 years.

For me - for now - the glass is NOT half full. Sorry !! If a permanent cure is found tomorrow - I will take it in a flash. I like to take VIT as a challenge. If a cure is never found - at least I will know that I tried everything possible to cure myself.

Great to have a Master of martial arts amongst us !!
Sarah M December 14, 2009 at 9:12pm

Inspiring ! especially ‘I'll have the dilemma of whether or not I want something that makes me so unique taking away’ WOW!
Really glad you've joined the site & Merry X-mas and a blessed New Year everyone!
amr assaf December 14, 2009 at 3:33pm

one word bro ..inspiring
i can feel and relate to every single word you typed , although my story is not similar but its something beyond words

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