GARDEN ROUTE | KAROO NEWS - Patients at Harry Comay Hospital in George regularly provide proof that tuberculosis (TB), a potentially deadly disease, can be beaten.
With World TB Day commemorated tomorrow, 24 March, Western Cape Health has released a media statement that shines the light on two TB patients who have completed their treatment at Harry Comay:
Borcherds resident Danwill Stefaan (29) is still very frail and needs assistance to walk, but he has come a long way. A month ago he was a seriously ill man, unable to walk or talk. "There is always hope. I am living proof," he says. Danwill had contracted TB of the brain.
"I was tired all the time and coughed for about three weeks. The ambulance came to pick me up and I was referred to Harry Comay Hospital," he says. He takes his medication every day as prescribed and says he is lucky not to have too many side-effects from the medication.
Another story of bravery and determination is that of Linzay de Vos (31) who is from Hillside in Beaufort West. She has also been at Harry Comay Hospital for a little more than a month.
"it has been a difficult journey, being away from my three children, but I do this for them and myself. I want to get better and return to them as a healthy mother," she says.
Her symptoms included fatigue, sweating at night and coughing. Tests were done after she went to her local clinic and it was found that she had multidrug-resistant (MDR) TB.
Linzay is very thin but says she has picked up 3kg since starting her treatment. She is also part of a group that walks and does exercise in the fresh air.
Linzay de Vos
Treatment
TB treatment might include lots of pills, some that might have side-effects. "It is your responsibility and your health – even if you struggle with the pills, there is a way to manage that," says Linzay.
There are currently 1 393 patients on TB treatment in the Garden Route district. “As we commemorate World TB Day we salute those who are currently fighting for recovery, who protect others by opening windows and covering their coughs and sneezes, and those who go for TB testing,” says Dr Lindè Marais of Harry Comay Hospital.
"TB is treatable, and we can stop it if everyone tests early and starts and completes treatment.”
Remember:
• Anyone can get TB.
• You can get free TB testing at your nearest clinic.
• TB treatment is provided free at clinics.
• Take your TB treatment as prescribed by your health worker.
• Protect others by covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze, open windows and let sunlight come through your house.
• Within a short time of starting your treatment, you are not an infectious risk to your family and friends any more.
Find more information about TB here.
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