Gcilima woman, Zodwa Mkhize who has a rare health disorder, Fibromyalgia also known as Fibromyalgia Syndrome, wishes for a Good Samaritan to help her son, Nzuzo Shezi get a job and for a wheelchair-friendly home as she is unable to walk.
The disorder is a long-term condition that causes chronic pain, fatigue, cognitive symptoms, lower abdominal pain or cramps and depression.
The condition is commonly found in women and is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors such as psychological stress, trauma and certain infections.
Last week, Mkhize was interview by 1KZN TV where she pleaded with the health department to assist her in getting the treatment she requires after being sent in and out of hospitals, as her health is worsening.
Initially, Mkhize was told that she is one of four people in the country who has the condition, as it is commonly found in Western countries and there is no treatment.
In 2006, Mkhize had pain in her legs, but she could still walk using crutches. She consulted doctors and visited Port Shepstone Regional Hospital for a diagnosis. However, she was told that nothing showed up in her examinations and blood tests.
“In 2009, I could no longer use crutches and my lower body was weak. I was then given a wheelchair. My condition keeps getting worse every day and I am now bedridden, I cannot sit up on my own. Doctors said my spinal cord is weak and can no longer support my body. I wear diapers and Nzuzo helps me bath and change.”
Mkhize said she is in constant pain and medication is not helping. She added that she was taken to Albert Luthuli Hospital in 2015, the-then Premier Senzo Mchunu visited her home and requested that more tests be done and that was when she was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia.
“I was given a date to return to hospital, however, I was unable to. My biggest wish is for Nzuzo to get a job so that he can support me and for doctors to discover what treatment is needed for my condition. I am suffering and I feel that I am a burden to my family.”
Mkhize said it has been suggested that she be taken to a care home, however, Nzuzo feels that it will not be up to standard compared to the care he is providing for her.
“He doesn’t want me to live away from him, he says he would rather take care of me until my last days on this earth. Another challenge we are facing is that we do not have a home of our own.
“My son and I are living in our family home and it is not wheelchair-friendly, whenever I need to go to the clinic or hospital, he has to carry me on his back, take my wheelchair to the main road before I can sit and wait for transport,”Mkhize explained.
She said she hopes a Good Samaritan can help her by building a wheelchair-friendly home. She said she appreciates the calls and attention she has received from the community who read her story on the 1KZN TV social media page. Some have offered to donate money to buy nutritious foods, diapers and pain medication. However, Nzuzo has not yet received any job offers. To get in contact with her, call 0649722145.
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