Hip operation only a dream for Janet
2010-03-25
Lise Beyers
EVERY step is an agonising experience for Janet Greyling. And for her and her fourteen-year-old daughter, it is getting worse by the day as they struggle to survive on a state grant. Janet (47) has for the past five years been on a waiting list at Tygerberg Hospital for two hip replacement operations. And just as she was hoping that these critical operations might be drawing nearer, she has been informed that she will have to wait another eight years before funding for the prostheses (the metal joints) become available. In 2002 Janet was diagnosed with HIV. Immediate treatment started with ARV’s. Two years later she lost her job as a machine operator at Berg River Textiles. But that was only the start of her woes. “One day I went to the hospital for my ARV’s and suddenly I could barely walk. “I first had excruciating pain in my right hip and this progressed to the left hip. “I was looking for work, but could no longer do this, due to my condition.” It was then established that Janet is in dire need of two hip replacements. And now, five years later, these expensive operations are no nearer to reality. The reason for this, according to a medical practitioner, is that the government has cut back on spending for such medical necessities. When Janet was told in 2005 that she needed the replacements, she was 2204th in line for such an operation. Due to her circumstances she is now living on a grant for her and her daughter of only R1250 per month. “This barely lasts for two weeks. I have to pay rent, water and lights and necessities for my school-going child, before I can even put food on the table.” Janet is in so much pain that she has to be helped in an out of bed by her daughter, and even a slow walk of one kilometre feels like ten kilometres to her. “My daughter is battling at school, because she has to spend much of her time nursing me.” Janet has been told that if she could supply the prostheses, the operation would take place immediately. But at a cost of R25 000 each, this is an impossible goal for her.
More
News
|
