In the face of life’s toughest trials, the human spirit’s capacity for resilience and optimism shines brightest. When adversity strikes, it’s easy to succumb to despair, yet many find strength in embracing a positive outlook.
This remarkable ability to stay hopeful and proactive amidst hardship not only transforms personal challenges into triumphs but also inspires those around them.
BATTLING ADVERSITY
Forty-five-year-old Abdurrahman Faris@Abdul Faris bin Haji Abdul Mutalif, a former DJ with Radio Television Brunei (RTB) affectionately known as DJ Fauzan, has faced a series of health crises that would challenge anyone’s spirit.
Diagnosed with diabetes at just 23, his struggles didn’t stop there. By May 2020, he confronted the devastating news of kidney failure, and in June 2021, he lost his sight.
Yet, in the face of these monumental adversities, the 45-year-old has not only persevered but thrived, maintaining a remarkably positive outlook on life. Recently, the Bulletin had the privilege of speaking with Fauzan about his extraordinary journey. Reflecting on his early twenties, he shared how his penchant for sugary, high-carbohydrate foods led to his diabetes diagnosis.
“I loved sweet foods and drinks during my time at UBD (Universiti Brunei Darussalam),” he recalled.
“My friends noticed I was losing weight rapidly, and I was often fatigued and drowsy.”
During a trip with RTB’s Pelangi FM to Langkawi, Fauzan became very ill, and upon returning to Brunei, a medical check revealed dangerously high blood sugar levels. The diagnosis came at the peak of his career, when he relied heavily on fast food and instant noodles for convenience.
“My condition was the result of years of poor eating habits.”
Despite being prescribed oral medication rather than insulin, Fauzan experienced severe side effects, including constant fatigue and diabetic blisters. His journey from these grim diagnoses to his current, upbeat attitude is evidence to his resilience and positivity.
At just 26, Fauzan was at a staggering 140 kilogrammes (kg), with a waist measurement of 45 inches.
Determined to change his life, he embarked on a rigorous four-month diet programme, shedding over 50kg and stabilising at 70kg. Yet, Fauzan’s journey towards health was fraught with missteps.
“I mistakenly believed that losing weight meant I could return to my old eating habits,” he admitted.
“I didn’t realise that my diabetes was still very much present.” His misunderstanding was compounded by a misguided approach to fatigue.
“Whenever I felt exhausted, I thought more sugary drinks would give me energy,” he explained. “While travelling, I often relied on fast food and sugary snacks, worsening my diabetes and overloading my kidneys.”
His health took a further nosedive with a diagnosis of kidney failure in 2020.
“I had been experiencing symptoms as far back as 2016 – persistent fatigue and recurring dry kidneys – but I didn’t connect the dots until it was too late,” he reflected. Hospital admissions followed, marking the beginning of a new chapter of health challenges.
The situation grew even direr by June 2021 when Fauzan lost his sight. “The loss of vision was the result of prolonged diabetes complications,” he said. “Despite surgery, the damage to the nerves in my eyes was irreversible.”
Facing these cascading health issues – diabetes, kidney failure, and blindness – left Fauzan feeling engulfed by darkness and despair.
“The news was overwhelming. It felt like my life was ending,” he confessed. However, Fauzan chose to confront his fate with unwavering positivity.
“I’ve long listened to religious lectures and attended leadership seminars on maintaining a positive attitude. Now, more than ever, I’ve had to put these teachings into practice.
Although it’s incredibly uncomfortable, I must come to terms with and accept my condition.”
Embracing his new reality, he continues to find strength in his beliefs and past learnings, using them to navigate life’s profound challenges with resilience and hope.
FROM IGNORANCE TO AWARENESS
“In my day, we had no social media to raise awareness about diabetes, high blood pressure, or kidney failure. We thought these were diseases only affecting older people. I never imagined I’d face diabetes so young,” said Fauzan.
He emphasised that awareness is important today, as more young people are diagnosed with non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
“There’s no excuse for members of the public to not be aware of these things and to not have an understanding of NCDs. It’s becoming more prevalent now due to the popularity of fast food and sedentary lifestyles, with mobile games and sugary drinks contributing to the risk.”
He also stressed the importance of a strong support network, stating, “Family and friends are vital for emotional support. There are times when even a positive attitude needs a boost from loved ones.”
Fauzan also envisions more dining options for those with specific dietary needs, hoping for restaurants that cater to diabetic and kidney failure patients.
“For anyone facing NCDs, embracing a new normal is essential. Adjust your lifestyle, follow medical advice, and choose to live joyfully despite the challenges.”
CHOOSING HAPPINESS
The 45-year-old reflected on his journey with a mixture of uncertainty and hope.
“I don’t know what the future holds,” he admited, “but I believe my story can inspire others to remain positive. You can choose to be happy even with diabetes and kidney failure rather than succumbing to misery.”
He believes a positive outlook requires a strong support network, emphasising, “I’m fortunate to have my mother and wife as my caregivers. Their unwavering support has been crucial in maintaining my optimism and well-being through these challenges.”
This week, alongside his wife Siti Hasanah binti Haji MatBakar, he celebrates receiving a new home at the Kampong Lugu National Housing Scheme (RPN) – a symbol of his enduring hope and determination.
In his new home, Fauzan has adapted to his surroundings with impressive independence.
“I’ve created a system to navigate the house without relying too much on my wife,” he said. “I can move between rooms and access the kitchen and toilet with ease, using my sense of spatial awareness.”
He also expressed gratitude towards the Government of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and the Ministry of Health for their support, noting that the care and accessibility to medical professionals have exceeded expectations.
“Their provision has been excellent, with prompt access to doctors and nurses via WhatsApp, reducing hospital visits.”
Fauzan shared that since starting peritoneal dialysis, he has managed to control his diabetes and maintain normal blood sugar levels through lifestyle changes.
Looking ahead, he hopes for a kidney transplant and advancements in medicine to potentially restore his sight. He also aspires to rejoin the workforce and contribute to his family’s well-being, despite currently relying on government support.
On his new home in the RPN Kampong Lugu Housing, he expressed pride and satisfaction, noting how the house has been adapted to his needs.
He also hopes future housing developments will include features for accessibility, such as ramps and holder supports in bathrooms for those with disabilities and the elderly.
