FOR the past 19 years, I’ve had to go to hospital every month for a check-up. I see the thalassaemia, ear, nose and throat, and gastroenterology doctors. I’ve had doctors examine me and receive blood transfusions so many times I’ve grown immune to the process.
If you look at my physical appearance, you’d say I’m normal. But I’m not. I’m a university student but I have to skip classes a lot, and I have been doing this since I was in kindergarten. I also have a few types of medicines to take. I get tired easily because I don’t have enough red blood cells in my body. I have to admit that I and many who are in the same boat as me are being seen as lazy and irresponsible by those who are not aware of our condition.