400kg Edenvale man moved to hospital

Corrie le Grange, 60, who gained 200kg in just a few months, lives in Edenvale, on the East Rand. His life is currently in danger, as his kidneys are said to be failing, Bedfordview Edenvale Newsreported.

“In three months my grandfather went from being a normal-sized man to this. People think it’s an obesity problem, but it’s a water retention problem,” said a concerned relative.

Le Grange was diagnosed with ascites about a month ago. Symptoms include abdominal swelling, edema – swelling of the feet – a serious skin condition and severe water retention.

Because of his condition, home treatment would be too much of a risk to Le Grange’s health.
Granddaughter Cherise Pretorius said Le Grange no longer “ate normally” but continued to gain water weight because of the disease’s escalation.

He can only eat a small amount of food daily and can only stomach fruit. Pretorius said her grandfather’s suffering has put a strain on the family – especially Linda McKenzie, a member of the Community Police Forum (CPF) attempted to make arrangements for Le Grange to be treated from home. Due to several risk factors, however, Le Grange was not able to be treated at home. her grandmother, Shammy Rademeyer.

“He suffers a lot and is in need of medical care urgently. It has not been easy for us. I suffered from cancer myself and have exhausted the medical aid,” Pretorius said.

Yesterday afternoon a neighbour offered to transport Le Grange to a hospital. Edenvale Fire Department and paramedics were also at the scene.

However, a number of private medical institutions refused to take him in because he did not have the required R100 000.

Late yesterday it was established Le Grange been transported to the Johannesburg General Hospital.

– Caxton News Service