Ill Secunda-mom’s weight climbs to 46kg

Every part of her body aches and she is permanently cold because she is so painfully thin.

September 29, 2020

Arisja Misselhorn 2 minutes read

SECUNDA – Every day in Ms Katinka Steyn’s life is a painful struggle to survive. A large part of her daily routine centres around what food she will be able to eat – and keep down, and the array of medicine she needs to take to get through another day and to gain weight.

Ms Steyn (41) is currently at home after another long stint in hospital in Pretoria.

Ridge Times previously reported on Ms Steyn who, in a sudden onslaught of illness, lost more than half her bodyweight in a matter of about six months.

She then barely weighed 38kg and was in the Eugene Marais Hospital.

“I now weigh 46kg which is a milestone for me. Every day is a struggle to gain weight and to eat. I have no energy and I am in constant pain. My hair is falling out. My doctor explained that the road to recovery is still very long,” she said.

Every part of her body aches and she is permanently cold because she is so painfully thin. Even the hugs from her children must be given very delicately.

This is difficult because Marinda (8) and Boeta (5) are just so happy to have their mommy back at home. Ms Steyn uses a walker and wheelchair to move around.

“My whole life has been turned upside down within a short period. I am still reeling about how I was one minute still focusing on the problem with my left leg and the next minute I am fighting for my life,” explained Ms Steyn.

“I sometimes think of giving up, but the Lord and thought of my children pull me through. It is so hard to stay positive,” said Ms Steyn, while wiping away the tears.

She initially struggled with her leg and a painful condition called cellulitis, a bacterial infection under the skin. The infection ate away at the flesh on her upper left leg to such an extent that she needed a skin graph in April.

She weighed a sturdy 87kg in December when she went to the casualty ward of the Mediclinic Highveld in Trichardt in December.

She thought it was her leg acting up, but was soon rushed into theatre for a ruptured ulcer.

Recent tests in the Eugene Marais Hospital revealed that the bottom half of Ms Steyn’s stomach is covered in sores and an operation will not be advisable. She is on a lot of medication, including extremely expensive syrup that she has to drink daily.

Her husband Manie pays about R2000 per month for this syrup alone. Although the Steyns do have a basic medical aid, it does not cover the medicine and the numerous procedures such as all gastroscopies Ms Steyn have to endure.

Then there are the costly supplements as well as various other expenses that the Steyns cannot keep up with. They asked the community for help with finances and also with prayers.

They thanked everyone who has already helped them thus far with prayers, finances, support or friendship. You can deposit money into the account of H.Steyn, Capitec Bank, savings account nr 1717691151. For more information, contact Mr Steyn at 082 492 9608.