Family thanks Arwyp doctors and staff
Even when we were told to prepare ourselves for the worst, they were incredible
BERNADETTE and the De Gouveia family write:
At the end of November 2016 the world came crashing down on our family when my dad suffered a heart attack.
Luckily he had one of the best cardiac thoracic surgeons, Dr Willem Lodewyk Roos, working on him. My dad needed a few heart bypasses done as his diabetes had affected his arteries.
Dr Roos performed six heart bypasses on my dad. Yes, six. We also thought you could only do four.The op went well and Dr Roos did an amazing job. You are an angel. Thank you for saving my dad’s life!
Due to other complications my dad was in and out of consciousness. During his six-week stay in Arwyp ICU my dad had pneumonia, lung infections, blood infections, suffered multiple mini-strokes all over the frontal part of the brain, was on a feeding tube, had a tracheotomy done and was on a ventilator.
Dr Gerry Capatos, the ICU doctor, his team, Dr Moholo, Dr Mataliza, Natasha Lubis, Christa Erlank, Sue, Tebogo Mabuso and the counsellor Carmen were so caring through this whole ordeal.
Even when we were told to prepare ourselves for the worst, they were incredible. When we were at our lowest and things were not looking good, Dr Capatos told us we needed “patience”.
Boy, oh boy, you need a lot of it, as it is so hard going through seeing your dad, such a big strong man, fading away. Through lots of prayers my dad started improving slowly, one day up and one day down.
The nurses who looked after my dad were amazing. We had one setback and Jabu Mashabane sorted it out instantly. Sister Gesina Vorster, Sister Lettie de Bruin, Daniel. You all treated my dad so well, we have so much gratitude towards you all.
Below are the nurses who helped my dad through the ordeal. You were all amazing.
Kathy Mathibeng, Maggie Matlala, Ryno Norman, Ntombikhaya Daniso, Gesina Vorster, Nicolette Mangcayi, Jabu Kananda, Lettie de Bruyn, Shirley Mokgheti, Millicent Smith, Patricia Maja, Nokhutula Mnguni, Lucy Mhlongo, Sindile Dlakana, Sharlotte Mhlanga, Salome Seoka, Gracious Mudau, Londi Myeni, Angie Mojapelo, Clarah Chokoe, Mphumi Tsotetsi.
Jackson in casualty is incredible! He goes out of his way for every patient.
Nurse Sindile Dlakana, you were our rock through all of this. When we saw you with my dad we knew he would have a good day. Your passion for your job got my dad through this. I cannot thank you enough.
My dad is a champion, he fought to live and is recovering. His bedsores and leg (they cut him from his ankle up to the middle of his thigh to remove the vein) are healing slowly. He talks, walks and has all his memory and faculties. This was definitely one of God’s miracles.
Thank you to Arwyp, the doctors, nurses and staff. Please continue doing such a great job.
Just remember it is so traumatic on the family. Even though you may not be allowed to tell us what is going on, we sometimes need more support than the patient to get us through the most terrifying days.
For all our friends and family, thank you for your support, messages, calls and prayers – the power of prayer is incredible.
Just remember, patience. Where there is life there is hope, and science is not always right.
Wise words from wise people.
