Living with Elephantiasis

Elephantiasis is not just a physical burden to live with but is also psychologically damaging. It can be physically painful and disabling, which reduces the ability to lead a normal life.  A serious complication of elephantiasis can be obstructed blood vessels, which limits the blood supply and causes the skin to become infected and gangrenous (end.org). Many suffers have difficulty finding jobs because of their decreased mobility, and become depended on family members. Those suffering from Elephantiasis struggle with depression because of low self-esteem from the embarrassment of their massive and asymmetrical body parts, and from the social stigma of not being accepted by society. Treatment is a long, expressive process with no guarantee for success, many suffers can not afford treatment options and must continue to live with Elephantiasis. 

 Toga Story of Living with Elephantiasis

http://youtu.be/DPldQtf7_MU

References 
http://www.end.org/whatwedo/ntdoverview/lymphatic-filariasis
https://oneinsevenpeople.wordpress.com/2012/01/25/lf-lack-of-sex-role-reversal-and-social-stigma/#more-485

Affects of Elephantiasis on the Whole Body System

The Body Systems

Elephantiasis directly effects the lymphatic system, which affects the circulatory system, immune system, and the muscular system. Lymphatic system is a subunit of the circulatory system, the immune system travels through the circulatory system, and the muscular system is dependent on the circulatory system to function. The immune system causes inflammation and scar tissue to form; the inflammation leads to excessive swelling causing a lack of blood flow increasing the chances for infections and death of tissues. The circulatory system has to work harder because an obstruction of blood supply leads to tissue damage because tissue can’t receive oxygen or lose carbon dioxide. The muscular system is affect because the inflammation causes induration which is the hardening of muscular fibers.











References 
http://www.bio.davidson.edu/courses/immunology/students/spring2006/heeren/eleph.html(text)
http://www.ehow.com/about_6549063_muscular-system-work-circulatory-system_.html(text)
http://science-art.com/image/?id=4432&m=24569&pagename=Interaction_of_human_body_systems#.VFbryiiI3WE(Picture)