Actress and media personality Bahumi Madisakwane, daughter of Somizi Mhlongo and Palesa Madisakwane, has opened up about living with lymphoedema, a condition she was diagnosed with over a decade ago. Lymphoedema, as defined by Mayo Clinic, refers to tissue swelling caused by the accumulation of protein-rich fluid that the body’s lymphatic system usually drains. The condition most commonly affects the arms or legs, but can also occur in areas like the chest, abdomen, neck, and genitals. Lymphoedema can occur when the lymph nodes, which play a critical role in draining lymph fluid, are damaged or removed, often due to cancer treatments.
Bahumi shared her personal experience on social media, admitting that while posting about her struggles wasn’t easy, she felt it could help others. “To the posts I resist to post, but will if they’ll help even one person. Here’s a foot post for all you who hate feet. Today, the discomfort-turned-pain in my leg was severe… doing the best I can as we speak,” she wrote, bringing attention to the real pain she faces daily.
She went on to reflect on her coping mechanisms and how, for years, she minimized the pain to avoid burdening others. “In the moments I felt this pain, I kept quiet about it. There’s a trauma response I’ve had trouble breaking with regards to my leg (amongst other things) and it’s this: pretending to be fine when I most certainly was not,” she explained. Bahumi acknowledged that she often neglected her body’s cries for help, feeling a sense of responsibility to please others. “Sometimes, to prioritize what seems ‘more important’ at the time, you’re not your own doctor. If God brings attention to your health—emotionally, mentally, and physically—you shouldn’t feel bad/responsible for addressing your well-being. Take heed. Seek help.”
Throughout her post, Bahumi emphasized the role of faith in her healing process. “God’s grace is sufficient. I felt the pain, the frustration, the battle to ‘keep positive,’ but He really sees us. It’s easy to ask Him ‘why me?’ but after all the cute answers I’ve heard, here’s what I’ve partially come to: HE is my healer, my faith is in HIM. His time, His way, His grace, His direction, His love.” For Bahumi, her faith in God’s presence and love is unshakable, even in difficult times.
Her message concluded with a reminder to appreciate life’s blessings. “Gratitude. Be grateful for the rain, for the shelter, for the legs, for the sight, for the rest, for life… We all have things we’re struggling with, but just be grateful for what you have, and allow God’s grace for what you don’t. It’s all by the grace of God anyways.”
