Hoedspruit teen recovering after surgery complications
Troy Matthysen's condition has improved after surgery for brain fluid leakage caused complications from a rare disease.
16:25
Troy Matthysen, 17, is currently out of danger following a brain operation to stop cerebrospinal fluid leakage after contracting meningitis. He remains at Unitas Hospital in Pretoria, where his condition has significantly improved.
With the new medication and a different physician, Troy has shown significant improvement. He has started eating and keeping food down, and he is in high spirits, focusing on his recovery.
Full story in next week’s Hoedspruit Herald.
16:00
LIMPOPO – Although Troy Matthysen (17) underwent surgery at the Unitas Hospital in Pretoria to address brain fluid leakage, his health remains precarious.
Troy has been battling Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma (JNA), a rare disease affecting adolescent boys, since 2021.
His condition worsened when meningitis caused brain fluid leakage.
“Troy did well in his operation, but unfortunately, there were complications. The operation was very long, and it left quite a big scar. They are going to operate again, this time under his eye,” Troy’s father, Jeff, told the Herald on Monday.
“Troy is currently (Monday) in theatre for a problem with his stomach.” Doctors had to operate due to bowel complications from medication.
“They said they would sit with me and discuss the next procedure. Unfortunately, the fluid is still leaking.”
Read more: Hoedspruit teen fights rare disease
Jeff explained that Troy needs to recover from the first operation before undergoing the second.
“He needs to get healthier and better first; otherwise, he will not survive the second operation.”
“He is in a lot of pain, but he is talking. The challenge currently is to keep the pressure off his brain. This required doctors to install a CSF leak drainage system in his spine to prevent pressure on the brain. Troy is at high risk for a stroke.”
Reach Out accumulated the necessary funds for Troy’s operations and recovery. However, Jeff had to take out a R510 000 loan to help cover the recovery costs.
Gerhard Rautenbach at Reach Out said they are starting a fundraising campaign to help Jeff pay the loan.
For more information, contact Rautenbach at 082 076 0694.
Jeff expressed his gratitude to Reach Out and Jahara Rehabilitation Centre for their support.
