YOLO Actor John Peasah Battles Rare Stiff Person Syndrome After Four-Month Diagnostic Journey

Ghanaian actor John Peasah, popularly known as Drogba from the hit TV series YOLO, is currently facing a challenging health crisis due to a rare and debilitating condition. Despite numerous consultations and hospital visits, it took doctors four months to diagnose him with Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS), a rare neurological disorder that has significantly impacted his life.

In an interview with DJ Slim on Daybreak Hitz on Hitz FM, Peasah shared his difficult journey, explaining that despite the various treatments he underwent, nothing seemed to work, which prolonged the diagnostic process. He described how the realization of his condition only came after several frustrating months. “That is where they noticed that I’m suffering from Stiff Person Syndrome, and it took them four months to diagnose me,” Peasah said, reflecting on his ordeal.

Stiff Person Syndrome is a rare and complex neurological disorder characterized by severe muscle stiffness and spasms, primarily affecting the muscles in the trunk of the body. This condition often results in debilitating pain and can severely limit a person’s ability to move. Peasah’s struggle with this disorder has been compounded by the fact that the medications prescribed to him have been largely ineffective, causing drowsiness without providing much-needed relief from the constant pain.

Peasah’s condition was eventually diagnosed by his neurologist at the Bank Hospital, who was the first to identify the signs of SPS. However, it wasn’t until the doctors at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital confirmed the diagnosis that the full extent of his condition became clear. “My neurologist at the Bank Hospital was the one who diagnosed the whole thing for me. At the end of the day, Korle-Bu came up with the same thing,” Peasah explained, acknowledging the efforts of the medical professionals involved in his care.

In addition to his struggle with Stiff Person Syndrome, Peasah has also been diagnosed with sleep apnea, a condition that causes interruptions in breathing during sleep. This further complicates his health challenges, as he now requires a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine to ensure he breathes properly while asleep. “I realized that I was not having sleep apnea, but the sleep apnea was diagnosed recently, and I have to use the sleep pap machine because, according to them, anytime I sleep, I seize to breathe within thirty minutes, I can go off,” he shared, highlighting the severity of his condition.

Peasah’s experience has been particularly puzzling for his doctors, as Stiff Person Syndrome is more commonly associated with individuals who have a larger body size. However, Peasah’s case has defied these expectations, leading to confusion among the medical professionals treating him. “My own, I don’t know where it is coming from, so that is how come it confuses the doctors; they don’t know what is going on, and we know that Stiff Person Syndrome is very hard to diagnose,” he said, expressing the complexity of his situation.

Despite the challenges he faces, Peasah remains grateful for the diagnosis, especially acknowledging the efforts of a foreign doctor who played a crucial role in identifying his condition. “The disease is very hard to diagnose, and I’m just grateful they found out what exactly is wrong with me,” he said, appreciating the medical support he has received.

Peasah’s journey serves as a testament to the difficulties faced by those with rare conditions and highlights the importance of perseverance in seeking a diagnosis. His story underscores the need for continued awareness and research into rare neurological disorders like Stiff Person Syndrome, which can have a profound impact on the lives of those affected.

SOURCE; MYJOYONLINE.COM