Woman survives three heart attacks and a stroke
Belinda spent a number of weeks recovering and undergoing rehabilitation.
Belinda de Beer, a 55-year-old local resident, was thrilled to have been able to spend the festive season and celebrate her birthday on Christmas Day with her family after having recovered from three heart attacks and a stroke that had her doctors fearing for her life.
In November Belinda was discharged from Netcare Krugersdorp Hospital after undergoing successful open-heart surgery and spending two and a half months in hospital.
Her treating physician, Dr Alexia Gugulethu Magubane, described her recovery as “something of a miracle”.
Belinda was admitted to the hospital’s emergency department after having suffered two heart attacks in September last year.
Her daughter, Ansja, said when she arrived home on that fateful day in September, her mother complained that she was tired and that her bronchitis and flu symptoms seemed to be flaring up again. Then she suddenly collapsed. Alarmed, Ansja called the emergency medical services.
Paramedics rushed Belinda to a hospital. However, no cardiologist was available to assist her, so she was transferred to the catheterisation laboratory in the hospital’s emergency department for an emergency angiogram investigation. While she was there she suffered a third heart attack as well as a stroke.
According to Dr Magubane, there was a complete lack of electrical brain activity for a few days following Belinda’s stroke.
“We were all deeply concerned about Belinda,” Dr Magubane said. “We treated her for the stroke and heart condition in the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit, and were relieved when she finally came out of the coma.”
Belinda spent a number of weeks recovering and undergoing rehabilitation and, once strong enough, could finally be operated on by cardiothoracic surgeon, Dr Ellias Zigiriadis. Dr Zigiriadis, fondly known as “Dr Zigi” to many of his patients and hospital staff, was able to successfully perform an intricate triple heart bypass operation.
“It was a close call and we are all thrilled that Belinda was able to go home and spend the festive season and her birthday with her family. I ascribe her recovery largely to her unbelievable fighting spirit, and the loving support of her family throughout this traumatic time,” Dr Magubane said.
Ansja said it was largely thanks to Dr Magubane and Dr Zigiriadis that her mother survived the ordeal.
“They were unbelievable. They explained everything clearly and honestly to us from the outset and every step of the way.”
Ansja said she had lost her father on 22 March 2017, which she believes affected her mother deeply, and gravely impacted her health.
Dr Magubane and Dr Zigiriadis also paid tribute to some of the nurses and staff at the hospital, who went above and beyond the call of duty to assist Belinda and her family.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at krugersdorpnews@caxton.co.za or phone us on 011 955 1130.I
For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister websites:
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages to let your voice be heard!
