Cambodia: Socheata Ky regains hope through rehabilitation

A painful condition

30-year-old Socheata Ky lives in Kampong Cham, Cambodia. For several years, her life was marked by intense pain and a gradual loss of mobility.

It all began in 2013 when she felt a sharp pain in her left toe, which then spread to her knees and elbows. Her joints quickly became inflamed and swollen, making every movement difficult. Eating and drinking were a struggle as her throat was also swollen and painful.

Her health deteriorated rapidly. Surviving on nothing but small amounts of rice porridge, Socheata lost a great deal of weight. Her knees stiffened over time, and she eventually became unable to walk. She was entirely dependent on her family for simple tasks such as moving around, getting dressed, or going to the bathroom. Her father had to carry her.

“My life had deteriorated so much that I asked my parents to give up on me,” she recalls.

After several consultations at various hospitals, doctors diagnosed her with rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic autoimmune disease that causes severe pain, inflammation, and joint stiffness.

Life-changing rehabilitation with HI

Socheata’s mother, who works at Kampong Cham Provincial Hospital, heard about HI’s physical rehabilitation center through her colleagues, where Socheata was then taken on as a patient. She first attended in 2019, but the Covid-19 pandemic delayed her treatment. Once the restrictions were lifted, she resumed her treatment.

The specialist teams put together a program tailored to her needs: rehabilitation sessions, corrective plaster casts to reduce knee contractures, and exercises to rebuild her muscle strength.

The team provided her with a wheelchair and a pair of adjustable knee orthoses, which she wore as night splints.

Thanks to this regular support, Socheata is making progress she no longer thought possible. She is able to sit up again and has regained some use of her hands.

“A miracle has happened for me since I arrived at the rehabilitation center and my life has completely changed,” says Socheata.

Moving forward step by step

Socheata is fully committed to her rehabilitation and follows her physical therapists’ advice closely. Every day, she does her exercises and wears her orthoses.

Her aim is to one day be able to stand up and walk again.

“I often pinch myself to make sure I’m really recovering from the worst ordeal I’ve been through in recent years,” she says.

She also hopes to find a job again in the future so that she can thank her parents for their unwavering support throughout her journey.

HI’s vital role

Thanks to HI and its partners, people like Socheata can benefit from specialist care, adapted assistive devices, and long-term support, enabling them to regain greater independence.

Grateful to those who make this work possible, she has a message for donors:

“Thank you to everyone who supports people with disabilities through HI. I wouldn’t be where I am today without this help. I hope you will continue to support others like me in Cambodia.”