Young woman from Standerton Hospital pulled her up by the shoelaces to lead a fulfilled life
Her uncle was the driving force in encouraging her to obtain a degree, even though she studied nine years instead of the four years.
Sister Nthabiseng Euphamah Mamahlodi at Standerton Hospital could possibly have run a number of the gamut of illnesses when Budd-Chiari syndrome was diagnosed in 2016.
Her specialist indicated that this condition, among other medical conditions, is likely to put her at risk of contracting the coronavirus.
The syndrome specifically refers to the blocking or narrowing of hepatic veins by a clot, resulting in blood backing up into the liver, causing it to grow in size.
Sister Mamahlodi leads a busy life with her involvement in issues relating to women and at 32, Nthabiseng has no intention of stopping her quest for knowledge.
She studied for a BTech-nursing degree, has a certificate in child psychology and is currently registered for public health.
Her future aim is to obtain a doctorate in nursing.
Nthabiseng has two brothers and one sister, her mother is also in the nursing profession at Bethal Hospital.
“My father died in 2007 due to cardiac respiratory problems,” she said.
Her uncle was the driving force in encouraging her to obtain a degree, even though she studied nine years instead of the four years.
An illness prevented her from going at full throttle.
“Physically, I could no longer do certain activities due to swelling of my legs, I gained weight excessively and people would ask me if I’m pregnant and how far,” she also said.
“Some assumed I bleached my skin, but I had jaundice.
“Emotionally, I was not coping and had the daily fear of dying.”
Nthabiseng is on antidepressants to this day, but some days she does not have to take them.
She mentioned that she hid the fact of her illness at work until she began feeling sick quite regularly at work.
“I hid it because it made me look weak and depression is stigmatised.”
As many times in life, a mentor emerged who contributed to her attitude to life.
“Ms Conny Ntsane, chief director at the provincial office, helped me enormously to present myself publicly,” Nthabiseng said.
Nthabiseng loves studying online courses, reading books and enjoys travelling.
She moved to Standerton last July just after minor surgery on her thigh to remove a lump.
“I was afraid to work at the hospital since I am at high risk, but took a chance during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“God however, pulled me through.”
Family commitments play an important role in her life.
“If you come from a big family, you have to help those younger than yourself.”
Her feet is firmly on the ground as regards her finances and getting into debt.
Nthabiseng mentioned the possibility of putting others first that could lead to burnout.
This single woman met another mentor, a Dr Arnold Lawrence from Pretoria, who treated her for trauma and ended up assisting her to learn to say no, and not do things that do not concern her, as well as to follow her passion.
“I want to be a public speaker and share my experiences with others to help those with mental health problems,” she concluded.
