Demi needs your help for crucial procedure
This procedure, comprising two phases, will cost Demi's single mother around R170 000.
Hoërskool Florida learner, Demi Schroder recently took to the internet after discovering that she would need to undergo a crucial procedure for her overactive bladder.
The 16-year-old Demi has had bladder problems since the age of ten. Her bladder would leak and get infected very easily. Even though the medication prescribed when she was first diagnosed was effective, the problem reoccurred a few years down the line.
“The pill I used for a couple of years was no longer effective and I had to undergo all sorts of tests all over again. But they didn’t seem to find the cause. We did find out that my bladder can only hold 223ml of fluid while a normal bladder can hold up to 500ml. It also doesn’t ‘know’ when to hold and when to release, and that’s a problem,” Demi said.
She always has to wear protection such as panty liners, and can only shower. She cannot take a bath because the soap, shampoo and bubble bath instantly cause a bladder infection. Demi is unable to participate in any sports or activities requiring her to move around a lot.
After various tests, her urologist, Doctor Corné van Graan, suggested a last resort – an interstim sacral neuromodulation procedure. This is better known as a ‘bladder pacemaker’.
This procedure, comprising two phases, will cost Demi’s single mother around R170 000. During the first phase she will have to carry an external, temporary unit for two weeks to determine whether it is effective. If she seems to be a candidate for the pacemaker, the second phase will entail implanting a permanent pacemaker below her skin.
Even though they have collected just over R10 000 through her BackaBuddy page, they still have a long way to go towards reaching their objective.
Luckily, this goal-driven teen refuses to let this condition get the best of her.
“I keep myself busy by focusing on my school work and my art. I’ve started my own small business, basically selling a little bit of everything. I’m also a proud agent for JBD Jewellery and enjoy selling their products. And this is only the beginning as I have so many business plans for the future,” Demi said.
By remaining positive, Demi believes everything will work out as it should, and she is looking forward to having a normal bladder in the near future.
If you would like to contribute or find out more, contact Demi’s mother, Thea on 079 877 7352 or visit the BackaBuddy page.
