First her right leg, now her left toes are gone (graphic content)

A disabled woman who lost her right leg in 2011 and all her left toes in September this year, needs financial help.

Jackie Robinson (54) from Bonaero Park lost her right leg in a car accident in 2011 and her left toes had to be amputated after a botched operation in September.

Robinson, who lives in a commune along with other senior citizens, went to Steve Biko Hospital for a vein narrowing in her left knee and ankle. A bypass was done through her groin.

Afterwards, she said she felt something was wrong with her toes. They were ice cold but the doctor said it was normal.

She said after a few days, she was diagnosed with gangrene.

She was sent home with blue toes and for three weeks after that, she was in and out of the hospital. They eventually amputated her toes.

Robinson’s pain medication, which has to be bought every month, costs R1 900 and she has no medical aid. She is also unemployed and struggling to find work because of her age and disability.

Robinson said if she went back to hospital, they would surely amputate her whole foot. She thus wants to see a plastic surgeon.

Robinson, who is in constant pain, said she used a bedpan and washed with a bucket, as she could not move around any more.

One of her friends in the commune helps her to get around and clean and dress her wound.

She said she is living the life of a hermit and could not even go out to sit in the garden for 10 minutes.

“On the up side, I do not have to cut my toe nails anymore,” said Robinson, who has not lost hope yet.

She asks anyone who can assist to call her on 082-423-1614.