One of Potchefstroom’s dedicated frontline workers and first responders, Aldus Smith, is in need of the community’s assistance in his fight with a serious back injury.

Smith underwent two major back surgeries this month and is scheduled for his third surgery tonight at 19:00 (Tuesday, March 31). The medical costs are also ballooning to over R 100 000, which his medical aid does not cover.  

He sustained the back injury two years ago in the line of duty during a resuscitation attempt on a patient. Smith is well-known for having a calm presence on accident scenes and going above and beyond to save the lives of others.

Smith had to undergo a major back operation on 14 March, during which a neurosurgeon, Dr. Masedi Mohale, performed a laminectomy, discectomy, and nerve decompression on the lumbar spine between L2 and S1. What was expected to be a routine recovery in high care quickly escalated when he reacted poorly to anaesthesia, resulting in an unplanned four-day stay in ICU.

Other complications arose such as a straw-coloured fluid that began leaking from the surgical would. His medical team confirmed that it was a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, during which a second operation would be needed to repair the leak.  A cerebrospinal leak is where the fluid surrounding the brain or spinal cord escapes through a tear.

The second procedure went well, but medical costs escalated. The first operation amounted to R 217 000 and the second to another R 87 000. Expenses not covered include hospital admission, anaesthesiology, blood tests, imaging, and essential recovery equipment such as a back brace. The leak resurfaced, which now necessitates a third operation.

Aldus’ wife Annika has stated that his medical team lead by Dr. Mohale has been exceptional throughout the numerous challenges.

A Back-A-Buddy account has been created to assist with Smith’s medical expenses. Members of the community can donate on the link above.