From coma to recovery: Georgina’s brave fight against septicaemia
Founder of Just in Time Baby Sanctuary shares her harrowing health ordeal and appeals for help with mounting medical bills.
Georgina Caetano’s health took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with a life-threatening condition of septicaemia caused by an undiagnosed chronic kidney infection.
On the evening of December 11, the founder of Just in Time Baby Sanctuary had been feeling utterly exhausted.
Assuming it was the result of a particularly demanding day, she decided to retire to bed early, hoping a good night’s rest would rejuvenate her.
“I remember waking up around 02:00 feeling very nauseous, with an upset stomach and breathing difficulties. I was up the whole night trying to figure out what was wrong with me; however, my condition worsened, and at 05:00, I asked one of my helpers to call an ambulance, and I was rushed to the hospital.
“I was in a coma for four days. Doctors told me that if I hadn’t gotten to the hospital in time, I wouldn’t have made it,” says Georgina.
Doctors managed to stabilise Georgina’s condition, and she was discharged from the hospital on December 23, allowing her to spend Christmas with her children.
However, her recovery is still far from over, as the infection caused permanent damage to her kidneys, and her body has endured substantial strain. Doctors are still working to control her infection markers, and she is struggling with neurological symptoms, including tremors, balance issues and impaired vision.
Her journey to full recovery will be long and will require ongoing medical care, including consultations with a kidney specialist at the end of January.
“This experience made me appreciate life and those around me even more. I’m grateful to have another chance to live because being in a coma means I almost died. I’m grateful for my friends and family who took over everything when I was away. They ensured the kids and staff were copying emotionally and emotionally. They also welcomed donors and sponsors who came to drop things.”
In addition to her health challenges, Georgina is also under immense financial strain. Her medical expenses have already exceeded R200 000, with her insurance covering only R68 000. This financial burden is compounded by her commitment to running Just In Time Baby Sanctuary, a lifeline for vulnerable babies and children.
Her friends therefore started a BackaBuddy account to help her pay medical bills.
“I’m still waiting for my medical bills from the hospital. I’m not sure how much I owe them,” adds Georgina.
If you would like to contribute to Georgina’s recovery and continue the vital work she does for her community, follow this link: https://www.facebook.com/share/151UmMNJTu/.
