Madam – Real life savers!
Our little boy was fighting for his life earlier this year, at the Mediclinic Private Hospital in Newcastle. He experienced a range of complications which spread so fast as a result of septicaemia. Also known as blood poisoning.
This occurs when a bacterial infection, namely strep or staph, enters the bloodstream through the lungs or even something as ordinary as a scraped knee.While we are uncertain of how he got the initial infection, what followed were 7 operations on his knee and later spread to his hip, he was put on oxygen as a result of pneumonia which developed into a suspected epyema from pus collecting in his spleen and lungs.
He also developed a bleeding gastric ulcer in his tummy and lost a significant amount of blood from the ulcer and therefore received 7 blood transfusions in total. A small abscess was also later found on his upper leg. He was in hospital from 24 July until 22 August, two weeks of which was spent in ICU.
I want to thank all the medical staff involved for saving my son’s life as well as those assisting in his recovery.
I’d like to begin with the doctors who took such great care of him, namely Dr. Nico Van Der Wald, our orthopaedic surgeon, who was also the main doctor caring for our son. You were always one step ahead of this infection and I knew from the moment you asked if you could pray for us – he was in good hands! Thank you! – Dr E. Govere, our paediatrician. Dr R Lutchman, our anaesthetist. Dr A Harilal (GP) Dr D Maimin (GP) and Dr Sundas who did his heart echo.
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Dr F Van Niekerk (our home GP) who also came to see him in hospital. These doctors couldn’t have done this without the professional and caring nurses and sisters in ICU and ‘A’ ward. A special thanks to Mrs Elaine Beeselaar and Sister Martie Jooster. We want to thank the sonar and x-ray technicians at Dr. Van Veijeren & Partners for the kindness shown, especially when he had to go in that big MRI machine or when he had to lay very still for his bone scans!
For his recovery in-hospital we would like to thank Anel Potgieter (medical orthotist), Cornette Meyer and Wendy Hsio (physiotherapists with big hearts)
All the staff at the Mediclinic from admission to discharge were wonderful. Even the cleaning and kitchen staff, became close to our family. I need to give a special thanks to Spunita Vergottini Morgenrood at reception and Craig Hunter, who kept us updated during his time in surgery.
I cannot possibly thank everyone individually. But a very special thank you to my parents Marinda and Jeff, my brothers Ray and Len, Yvvy and Jaden Du Toit. Cathy Cavanagh for late night chats. Laura-Jane Hunter, who was at my side for most surgeries. Lizzy and Steve Wiggins for travelling so far to be here with us. Thank you -Deo Victoria church family, namely Alicia Bosch, Mary-Joy Louw, Maresa van der Walt, Gerrie Steenkamp and congregation for your prayers and visits.
Of course we thank our heavenly father for hearing those prayers. Thank you to all the staff and management at the African Sky Hotel – Special thanks to Nicole Kruger for driving me to the hospital in my hour of need. Thank you to our directors for their patience and understanding, as well as to the general staff for their continued prayers and words of encouragement.
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The medical bills were significant. And, like angels, good friends reached out and to us! We’d like to thank our long time friends at Veros Blue Star i.e Sanlam. Helen Martin (our Financial Advisor) and Philippa Wooley (Helen’s PA) who helped us with the entire ordeal.
Helen and Philippa have done our life insurance, pensions and other financial policies for about 15 years and I cannot thank you guys enough!
Our son is on his way to a complete recovery and is doing well at home! He has already graduated from a wheelchair, to crutches and a cast and is now only walking on his own in a leg brace – which is sure to come off in March 2020!
To all those who helped us – Sometimes words aren’t enough – but our love and appreciation is immeasurable!
Tanya du Toit
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