Charlotte is a fighter

GLENWOOD'S Charlotte Heath is a true fighter.

Charlotte, a paraplegic who arrived at St Giles in May this year unable to stand and with minimal movement in her upper body, has been working out at the remedial gym at St Giles in an attempt to get her life back. Now, through her perseverance, she is able to stand up and walk with parallel bars in the gym. She also has movement in her arms and legs.

Charlotte's nightmare began when she went to the doctor with stomach cramps. The doctor couldn't find anything wrong and she was discharged.

“I went to go see a doctor at Hillcrest Hospital and I was booked in. Two days later I was in ICU and a day later I was on life support!” said Charlotte.

Tests were done and Charlotte was diagnosed with Porphyria, a rare disease that doctors knew little about. She was in hospital on life support for four months and was then moved to Entabeni's rehabilitation centre for three months. She then joined what she called 'the beautiful family' at Saint Giles.

“My husband Tyrone had to do everything for me, even brush my teeth. He is an amazing man, a gem in this life. My son Cameron has also been there on this long, hard, rocky road,” she said.

The former gym instructor and owner of the pub the Blue Turtle in Umbilo, said the hardest thing for her was not being able to communicate, which she said was worse than not being able to move anything.

” I could only move my head and eyes and I battled. It was very frustrating. Once I could speak, I could then deal slowly and surely with being paralysed,” she said.

She said she had come a long way at Saint Giles.

“Medical aid wouldn't pay for physio or gym, so I have come to Saint Giles as I need therapy every day. My hands are still not working properly and I still can't walk properly, however when I started, my hands were hanging and now I can lift myself up. My feet haven't connected as yet, so my toes aren't working. I am in recovery stages, so I am focused, positive and am fighting it and trying to be strong! An occupational therapist has made splints for my hands which I use two hours a day. I feel pain especially in my hands when it gets cold, otherwise I am coping!” she said.

Rory Hassall, manager of the gym, said he was proud of Charlotte and her progress.

“Charlotte's very positive attitude and commitment to therapy is part and parcel of how well she has done. She can walk short distances if assisted by someone and is becoming the poster child for success at our gym!” he said.