How I survived Big Pharma, but Grandma didn't

Being in the human rights movement for over 20 years is more than a title, its a calling

On our way to a public hospital, Grandma and me

When I insist know the medical treatment (medication or procedure) before you or your loved ones accept it, here's (some of) why I continue to say research all medical treatments. (This post was written quickly in 2019 and I may update it…).

Personal Experience 1

The doctor who diagnosed my rare form of leukaemia sat across my parents and I and with a sneer said "Well, there's no cause or cure. You have a few good years left." I never went back to this doctor. Not only was he wrong, but to demotivate me, and devastate my parents, was unforgivable. Surely he learned some psychology? He also never told me anything about severe side effects of" toxic 'meds' he prescribed. Sometimes I'm tempted to pop him an email and say hello, here I am, despite your doom prediction. But I'm past that. I needed to learn. The sheer will to live, the ability to question everything, and the power to challenge authority are a motivating force.

Personal Experience 2

During my struggle with this life-changing beast, another doctor continued to prescribe one of the few 'treatments' available. It was not safe and barely effective. It was torture. I was told there was no cause and no cure, remember? But we can talk about that another time... In fact, we must. I am now 100% in remission.

The first time I took these ‘meds’, I passed out cold in our lounge. Heart palpitations made me feel like my chest was going to explode. I also passed out in the toilet the next day and almost cracked my head bouncing off the wall. Luckily, no concussion or blood. I was not allowed to lock the door afterwards. I didn’t argue. I understood.

There were other horrible side effects. Like many of these:

• palpitations

• fatigue

• headache,

• weakness,

• stomach pain,

• upset stomach,

• nausea,

• vomiting,

• loss of appetite,

• dizziness,

• rash or itching,

• runny or stuffy nose,

• sore throat,

• numbness or tingly feeling,

• back pain,

• vision problems,

• ringing in your ears.

• unusual bleeding or bruising,

• swelling of the ankles or feet,

• rapid or difficult breathing,

• stomach or abdominal pain,

• unusual tiredness,

• a change in the amount of urine,

• pink or bloody urine,

• vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

I can't tell you how my family suffered along with me every single day. From the ‘meds’ to the medical procedures. My dear grandmother was not told. She raised me. We could not risk the shock. If you didn't know me, you would think I was fine. I am a warrior. But I was not well. There were days I could not move, walk or speak.

Slowly, my whole life changed. I realigned who and what is important. I rediscovered and followed more purpose. I make no apologies for my painful and exhilarating journey. There was a lot of support, for which I am grateful. But there were also people who did not understand, or care. And I'm fine with that too. Filters are good.

When I told my new doctor I suspected these drugs cause heart stress, she laughed it off, saying I research too much. Who doesn’t? I immersed myself into medical sites, journals, and patient experiences. What I was going through was not normal. It affected the quality of my life badly. A few years later, she told me I was right, and said she took all his or her patients off that medication and swopped to another (also dangerous) one. No apology. At whose cost? Thankfully, my heart still works, big as an ocean and just as deep. Were the 'limited' treatments between a rock and a hard place? No. There is no profit in cure. I figured it out eventually. There was a cause. And real medical treatments were available that I was refused. Point blank.

I threw these toxic meds away one night. They sailed over a balcony and fell with a satisfying clatter. I started refreshing myself on alternatives. My Grandma was a genius on natural medicines. Almost everything she taught us, like about the power of turmeric, nigella sativa and honey, had a basis in science. I took my power back. How WONDERFUL it was to sit across this doctor when my results came back, and I was in remission. They could not explain it and looked a little disappointed. “There is nothing wrong with you” they said. “I know” I said. And I thanked God for my life…

Personal Experience 3

I was prescribed an antibiotic a few years ago. These drugs are notorious. And, as has been scientifically proven, over prescription has lead to less efficacy. Do the research. I felt like I was going to die. I researched. Turns out this poison carried a 'black box' warning. I sent the doctor the information. The doctor never replied. But from what I know, there are some pharmaceutical companies who reward some doctors for prescribing their toxic nightmares. Do the research. I ended up being raced to hospital with my heart rate and BP dropping rapidly. I never went back to this doctor. Would YOU? For the flu? PS: Don’t ever take the flu shot. Do the research!

Love of my life, Zohra Bibi Samud. May she rest in peace, Ameen.

THE BIGGEST LESSON

When my beloved grandmother lived with us for a few months before going back home, and her transition to God; I was responsible for ensuring that she ate and took her hospital medication. She hated those meds and I hated giving them to her. So it was often a negotiation. "Ok at least take half instead of one, Nanima." There was one tablet she told me she did not like. She could not explain why. In this time, my kind, wise, brave, hardworking and fun-loving beloved started losing her memory. Gradually, she could not remember her age, forgot sometimes where she was, or would ask for shoes she wore when she was much younger. I can't tell you how much that hurt. We were patient, but heartbroken. I was her anchor to life as she was mine.

It was only after her passing that I researched the medication she did not want. Statins. One of its major side effects is amnesia. It also causes heart damage and muscle wastage. While I had researched the heart and pressure meds that forced her to sleep and go to the loo several times a day, I did not research the cholesterol medication. Were it not for my failure, she could have held onto her memory, her dignity, and looked after herself. The last time I saw her was at her home. She was so relieved to see me, that she smiled with tears. She knew who we were. I spent a week with her, and I wish more than anything that I had stayed longer or that she came home with me. Patience with our elders is our blessing and duty. I can't say more about this time, its painful, over 3 years later. But I live with the guilt. I should have done the research. I should have listened to her. She trusted me.

Yes, I have met many wonderful medical professionals who don't talk down, or needlessly operate, or prescribe toxic poison. Those who took care of me, who I shared kindness and laughter with. I was even invited to speak at a hospital event. There are many doctors and nurses who are honest and say that certain medications or treatments should be banned, but it's all about money. Many are afraid to speak out, out of fear they will face disciplinary action, be fired, or worse... All part of why I research common sense (suppressed) alternatives, and practice immune health.

Why am I sharing this? I don't need to relive this chapter, I've made my peace. But I don't want you or your loved ones, or anyone to suffer. Stand your ground. Ask questions. Research. Challenge yourself. For yourself, and your loved ones, and for all of humanity. Big Pharma is a ruthless enemy. We must become radically healthy.

I survived! And how much I have done with my life ever since, I am most grateful for. I wish ALL of us health, dignity, freedom, and personal sovereignty 🙏💜✊

At court defending the homeless from persecution

Edit: Every medication that I took in this time had a side effect that I was then prescribed another medication for. These medications had their own serious side effects. Often these medications were from the same company. More soon…

Me flying an aircraft with a dear friend on my birthday one August long ago

Shabnam Palesa Mohamed is an activist, journalist, and lawyer - with over 20 years of combined experience in human rights work, socio-political analysis, public speaking, mediation, and the arts. She is based in South Africa, Africa, Planet Earth.

Twitter: @ShabnamPalesaMo Telegram: t.me/SPMmedia