A Ballito man faces early medical retirement and being confined to a wheelchair after being diagnosed with a rare and incurable neurological condition known for causing extreme pain.

Late last year, Henry Grobler (45), a husband and father of two young children, was diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS).

CRPS has been nicknamed the “suicide disease” in the United States due to its severity, ranking 42 out of 50 on the International McGill Pain Scale – worse than childbirth or the amputation of a digit without anaesthetic.

“A year ago, I was on top of the world. Now I am on morphine; it’s insane,” said Henry.

His ordeal began in August last year when he broke his toe.

“Two months later, while sitting on my couch, I felt pins and needles. Then the top of my foot caved in. I could not walk,” he said.

X-rays showed hairline fractures, with doctors expecting a six-week recovery. But by the end of October, his foot had swollen to double its size. Blood tests and ultrasounds failed to confirm CRPS, though nerve damage was detected. He was formally diagnosed in November.

“I instantly knew my life was going to change. I have been given a life sentence of pain, and my life will never be the same.”

Henry says he has been battling depression and agonising pain for a year. The condition is now affecting his right eye.

“I see red dots everywhere and my vision is blurred. I cannot read, and I am hypersensitive to light. It feels like a constant migraine,” he said.

An ophthalmologist confirmed he has just 10% vision left, with CRPS beginning to affect his brain and spread throughout his body.

CRPS is not covered by medical aid in South Africa because it is not classified as a chronic disease. The family has already spent nearly R100 000 on treatment.

Henry’s wife Mariska (37) has launched a BackaBuddy campaign to raise R150 000 for a spinal cord stimulation trial. If successful, further treatment and medication could cost up to R650 000.

“The bills are never-ending, and my husband’s disease is spreading. Henry has pain everywhere and he could end up in a wheelchair,” said Mariska.

Donations can be made at backabuddy.co.za/campaign/help-henry-heal-a-fathers-fight-against-crps.

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