Transforming Pain into Purpose: Arushi Lohiya’s Inspiring Journey with Fibromyalgia

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Meet Arushi Lohiya. A trailblazer since her early days, Arushi’s journey was nothing short of extraordinary. From excelling in academics to being a national-level sports player, she danced effortlessly between her two passions – marketing and sports. Her dream job in sports marketing, working with renowned brands like ESPN, Coca Cola and Kingfisher and mingling with Bollywood and sports celebrities, was like living the life she had always dreamed of.

But life has a way of taking unexpected turns, and in 2012, Arushi’s world came crashing down. Diagnosed at a tender age of 22 with Fibromyalgia, a debilitating chronic pain condition, her existence took an unforeseen trajectory. Suddenly, pain became her constant companion, infiltrating every fiber of her being. The excruciating agony left her unable to sit or stand for more than a few minutes, forcing her to spend her days confined to her bed, bound by crepe bandages supporting her weak muscles.

For someone who had been a workaholic from her college days, the transition from a thriving career to a life bound by physical limitations was nothing short of heart-wrenching. The life of parties and social events gave way to the solitude of four walls, and the emotional turmoil was akin to grieving the loss of a loved one. Denial, anger, and eventual acceptance became the stepping stones on her path to rebuilding her identity from scratch.

While the world around her continued to function as before, Arushi had to craft her life afresh. “ I have somehow made peace with current situation through remotely working from home as a freelance marketing, branding and social media strategist for the past 8 years”, tells Arushi. Before the advent of COVID-19, flexible work-from-home arrangements were scarce in India. Arushi persevered, determined not to let her active mind stagnate despite the physical constraints. However, she encountered resistance and discrimination from people who struggled to understand the juxtaposition of her physical limitations and mental agility. “Due to excruciating pain, I cannot sit or stand for more than 15 minutes and I am forced to spend my days lying down prone confined to my bed. I do virtual meetings while lying down and have an intern help me type out e-mails”, she elaborates.

Undeterred, Arushi found solace and strength through her social media presence. She candidly shared her experiences, using her platform to spread awareness about living with Fibromyalgia. Through poignant poetry and meaningful posts, she connected with individuals worldwide, fostering conversations about this often-misunderstood condition. This passion for advocacy birthed the genesis of her NGO called ‘India Fibromyalgia Foundation’, providing a safe haven for people to openly discuss their journey with Fibromyalgia.

In a society where physical ailments are often treated as taboos, Arushi strives to change the narrative. Her vision is a world where Fibromyalgia patients do not just grapple with their internal battles but also find compassion and understanding in their families and communities. With a supportive and understanding family behind her, she knows the privilege of having a strong cheerleader by her side. ” I am aware that everyone is not as fortunate as me in terms of having an understanding and supportive family. The NGO also stands as an emotional support system for those who lack understanding from their loved ones”, says Arushi.

Each Fibromyalgia case is unique, with patients facing different sets of symptoms, making it a complex and challenging condition to tackle. While the journey towards a cure is in its nascent stage, Arushi dreams of a world where emotional battles are addressed with as much importance as physical ailments. Breaking down societal barriers and destigmatizing Fibromyalgia is at the heart of her mission.

Arushi Lohiya, a beacon of resilience and courage, continues to inspire countless lives through her journey from corporate corridors to the realm of advocacy. Her metamorphosis from a corporate star to an empathetic advocate has not only created a supportive community but also paved the way for open dialogue about living with Fibromyalgia. In her endeavor to make the world a more understanding place, she exemplifies the power of turning adversity into a catalyst for change.