Rudy Takes Control (Patient Journey Series #2)
Every day, our patient services team hears stories from our community about what it’s like to live with pemphigus and pemphigoid. From getting diagnosed to finding the right doctor to thriving post-treatment, many patients express similar frustrations. And yet, there’s a common hope that runs through many of the stories we hear at the IPPF.
Each week through August and September, we’re featuring a story that highlights a specific part of the patient journey. OUR HOPE is that by sharing stories from our community, more patients and caregivers will realize they are not alone.
Our second story in the Patient Journey Series comes from Rudy Soto:
My journey with pemphigus foliaceus (PF) began in 2009; however, my symptoms began in 2008. I have been in remission since 2016. It has been a long journey, and I have encountered many bumps and detours along the way. I would not have reached remission without the support from my wife, Jennifer, of 26 years, my family and friends, and the IPPF.
When I was diagnosed, I asked many questions and felt alone. Why me? Is it contagious? Is it fatal? I felt deeply depressed and didn’t want to socialize with others in order to avoid the questions, stares, and worries about what people were saying about me. Unfortunately, I missed many of my daughter’s high school soccer games because of this.
Two years after I was diagnosed and on oral medication, my wife found the IPPF online. She noticed that there was a conference in San Francisco and wanted to attend. I was hesitant due to the lesions on my face. I didn’t want to be around strangers, but she convinced me to go. It turned out to be a great experience, and I discovered that I was not alone. There were other patients that shared the same feelings. Some had already reached remission, and some were looking for more information like me.
While I was at the conference, I met a man from Hawaii who also was diagnosed with PF. We talked for hours, and I still keep in touch with him. When the conference ended, I was grateful that my wife encouraged me to go. I have now attended five patient education conferences, and I learn something new each year. After San Francisco, I realized I needed to control my disease and not allow my disease to control my life. “Can’t grind me down” became my personal motto. I try to do everything that I used to do before being diagnosed with PF, though I am careful.
The IPPF has made a huge impact on my life. Staff members have provided me with information, and I was able to connect with a peer health coach (PHC). My PHC became a special person that I was able to count on. She offered words of encouragement and let me know I was not alone—she would be with me on my journey to reach remission. It was because of this experience that I decided to help others in the same way. I wanted to share my story, offer helpful ideas and encouragement, and make an impact on someone’s life.
I reached out to the IPPF about becoming a support group leader in order to help others. This has made an impact on my community and raised awareness. And when I reached remission, that didn’t mean my work with the IPPF had finished. It meant I needed to work harder to continue raising awareness about pemphigus and pemphigoid. You are not alone. Continue to fight the fight and control the disease. Do not let the disease control you.
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Check out the rest of the Patient Journey Series:
- Week 1: Halima’s Diagnosis
- Week 2: Rudy Takes Control
- Week 3: Mei Ling Pays It Forward
- Week 4: Kathleena Finds Strength as Both a Patient and a Doctor
- Week 5: Fred’s Perspective: Connecting with Other Patients
- Week 6: Toby’s Luck