Dialysis patient not deterred
PARKTOWN – With seven subject certificates and trophies in hand, Big Nox shares how she keeps going.
Support and positive vibes have kept a young dialysis patient at Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital going.
Seventeen-year-old Grade 12 learner Noxolo Dladla fondly known as ‘Big Nox’ was congratulated by the hospital in Parktown for her achievements.
Noxolo, who has chronic kidney disease shared that she started undergoing dialysis five years back. “The journey wasn’t an easy one for me at all because I never understood what dialysis was and why I had to do it until the doctors and my mother explained it to me.
“I was scared when I first did dialysis because my lifestyle and diet changed. The first dialysis I did was peritoneal dialysis, I had an infection for two weeks and it was painful. I changed to haemodialysis.”
The young heroine added that what encouraged her to keep going was, ‘the support I got from my mom, siblings, the doctors, nurses, teachers and other children. My mom is always my number one supporter in everything. Also, having a positive mind helped. School also pushed me along and distracted me from negativity’.
Having recently received seven certificates for various subjects, two trophies and a medal, Big Nox said this means so much to her because despite having to attend dialysis three times a week and sometimes getting admitted then missing school, she still achieved great results.
Noxolo’s older sister and caregiver Nonhlanhla Mayisela shared that the journey of helping Noxolo is an everyday learning experience for her. “She’s the strongest girl I know. Every time she dances, I get the fear that she might hurt herself where the permcath line is. But she laughs at me and tells me that she won’t.
“Noxolo has taught me how to be positive all the time and how to be brave in anything. People living with chronic kidney disease must always be positive and enjoy life. They are the strongest people ever and the bravest.”
A few weeks back the hospital’s doctors surprised Big Nox with a dress, make-up artist and car to take her to her matric dance.
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