To find out what it is like living with hypertension, I interviewed my mother to learn about her experiences.

Hamese Hilda: According to your knowledge what is hypertension?

My mother: I was told by my nurse at the nearby clinic that “hypertension is a medical term used to describe high blood pressure, the two terms are often used interchangeably, but typically, the term “High blood pressure”, is used when referring to a blood pressure reading consistently above 140/90 mmHg.

Hamese Hilda: when and how did you know about your diagnosis?

My mother: I found out I had high blood pressure at the age of 45 in 2018, I realised there was something wrong with my health when I consistently started being sick, so I decided to go for a check-up at the nearby clinic and that’s how I found out that I’m diagnosed with High blood pressure.

Hamese Hilda: you mentioned that you decided to go to the clinic to check what was wrong with your body, can you please explain in detail the kind of symptoms you experienced.

My mother: I suffered from severe headaches; shortness of breath; nosebleeds; eye problems I also started to experience memory loss as I always forgot even small things. someone would tell me something now then boom after about 10 minutes I forget.

Hamese Hilda: I read somewhere on the internet that High blood pressure can be caused by certain factors including hereditary history so do you have a person in our family that has a history or is suffering from hypertension?

My mother: Yes, I believe I might have inherited this illness from my late mother who was also suffering from hypertension and eventually died from a heart attack.

Hamese Hilda: How did you feel immediately after receiving the news that you are diagnosed with Hypertension especially because your mother was also a victim of this illness?

My mother: Honestly everything just suddenly turned into an earth-shaking crust, I felt so scared and thought it was the end of my life.

Hamese Hilda: From the instructions to deal with this illness given to you by the nurse which one overwhelmed you the best?

My mother: What overwhelmed me more was the fact that I was forced to change my lifestyle choices, transitioning into a new lifestyle you are not used to can be very scary.

Hamese Hilda: What are the challenges that you face frequently living with Hypertension?

My mother: I would say that my biggest challenge is having to drink medication every day which is not something that I’m normally used to doing. Another thing is having to deal with two illnesses at the same time because I’m also suffering from asthma. I also experience hardships as I am unemployed and poor so travelling to a clinic which is far from my village is very costly and sometimes, I found out that there’s no medication at the clinic which requires me to travel again to the hospital that is very far.

Hamese Hilda: How did you finally adapt to living with your illness?

My mother: I just finally accepted that yes, I have Hypertension but that doesn’t stop me from living my life to the fullest, I believe that I’m going to live until I become an old lady and I’m going to see my children growing up and excelling in their prospective lives.

Hamese Hilda: What motivates you every day to overcome every obstacle and manage this illness?

My mother: I would say my family is my main support system they are the ones who always remind me to take my medications and we also exercise together; they make sure that I remain positive against all odds.

Hamese Hilda: What advice would you give to someone who has recently found out that they have Hypertension?

My mother: Put all your trust in God, remain positive all the time, know that it’s not the end of the world and hypertension is not a death wish but rather a blessing to always keep your health in check.

This piece was written as part of the Fundza Fellowship Programme.