Help Secunda’s Allan Howell live without pain

Allan Howell (36) urgently needs back surgery.

He unknowingly injured his lower back (L4 and L5) a few years ago in an accident. At the time, he was treated only for injuries to his shoulder, legs and jaw. His back went unnoticed because he experienced no pain.

Although Howell has a medical insurance scheme, it will not pay for the surgery because the injury is classified as an old injury and one he had before joining the scheme.

The insurance pays only for his doctor’s visits.

Over the past year, the injury has worsened, with Howell experiencing tremendous pain and difficulty walking and moving. He also suffers numbness and a loss of feeling in his legs.

A local doctor referred Howell to specialist Dr G Engelbrecht in Witbank, who, through an MRI and thorough examination, found Howell had a bilateral L4 fracture with L4 on L5 grade-one atypical forward slippage of the vertebra.

He also diagnosed Howell with obliteration of intervertebral disk space with bone-on-bone contact, compression of the discs and nerve damage.

Howell needs urgent surgery to prevent further long-term damage and possibly the loss of mobility. He works as a tow truck driver for GTR MCR, and the work is strenuous, involving lifting, pushing and pulling.

Howell said it is a daily struggle getting out of bed and performing his duties while still having to provide for his daughter (10) and mother, a pensioner.

“The slightest movement hurts my back. Even driving over a speedhump or through a pothole is painful,” said Howell.

He said that combined with the numbness in his legs, he has also lost control of his bladder.

Howell’s mother, Riekkie Howell, has to help him get out of bed daily.

“It is difficult for me to help him; he is not the lightest person,” said Riekkie.

She said it is hard to see him suffer with this condition.

“If I could give him my back or legs, I would. He still has his whole life ahead of him and has to provide for his child.”

Howell said he feels useless and frustrated because he cannot be an active father and play with his child. Instead, on weekends, when his daughter visits, she has to help him.

“Even going to the mall is a struggle for me. I cannot sit or stand for too long,” said Howell.

Besides the toll on him physically, his condition also affects his work as a first responder because he struggles to get in and out of his vehicle.

Riekkie said they are grateful to his colleagues, who understand his condition and help him as far as they can, even arranging an upcoming golf day fundraiser.

Howell needs R470 000 for the operation, excluding medication and aftercare treatment.

There is a trust account open for Howell, and a call goes out to the community to help donate towards his surgery.

The golf day fundraiser will be at the Walker Park Golf Club on February 22. Businesses, golf players and the community are welcome to join this four-ball scramble drive.

It costs R10 000 to sponsor a tee box, green or other areas and includes a four-ball entry and two golf carts.
This is a marketing opportunity for sponsors, and they are responsible for their marketing material. Once payment is received, the areas will be allocated.

This fundraiser works on a first come, first serve basis.

Sponsors on the first nine holes must be ready at 08:30 and those on the back nine at 10:00.

Players can register at the club for R350 per person.

To book your tee-off time and space, call Annemarie Third on 017 638 0060/1.

Banking details:

SSV Attorneys

Absa Bank

Account number: 407 038 5040

Branch code: 632 005

Reference: H371, with your company name/golf day.