Secunda’s Allan Howell is back on track after back surgery
After back surgery in July, Allan Howell is back on the road as a tow truck driver for GTR.
After several months of recovering from back surgery, Allan Howell (37) is back on the road as a tow truck driver for Global Towing Recovery.
Howell 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.
For around a year and a half, Howell would experience tremendous pain and difficulty in walking and moving.
His medical insurance scheme would not cover the surgery as his injury was classified as an old injury and one he had before joining the scheme.
Numerous fundraisers were held to help Howell pay for the surgery privately.
Around R320 000 was raised, and through a second opinion with Dr Pieter Slabbert of the Netcare Pretoria East Hospital, Howell finally received the surgery he so much needed.
The surgery happened on July 29 and entailed two infused rods and four screws.
He was released from the hospital on August 6 and recovered for nearly 4 months before returning to work on November 4.
“Let’s go for round two but without the surgery,” said a laughing Howell.
All jokes aside, Howell said he feels like a new person and has a better outlook on life.
“It feels like I have a purpose in life and do things for myself without limitations. I would never have been able to do this on my own. I am forever grateful to Dr Slabbert, Nico Higgs and Marcha Strydom,” said Howell.
Howell can now move around without difficulty and has been in full swing since getting back on the road.
The only pain or discomfort he experiences is when the weather changes.
His mother, Riekkie, said, “Before the operation, he was depressed and did not see a way out. The day he came out of the hospital, he was already a new man.”
She said seeing him walk properly is the best thing that could have happened.
“He is now able to play with his daughter Riley, our dog and do garden work, which he couldn’t do before. It is a huge relief; he is my only child. God put everyone on our path for a reason,” said Riekkie Howell.
Although he has been given a clean bill of health and the procedure went well, Howell is due for a final check-up on January 26.
Until then, he must continue wearing a back brace while working and driving.
He thanked GTR, MCR, RE/MAX Homefinders, SSV Chambers, Walker Park Golf Club and the public for all the fundraising events and donations made towards his back surgery.
