Hoërskool Die Fakkel learner with multiple sclerosis needs your help
Her daughter started to become tired and sleepy and at one point she went blind, although her vision later returned.
THE mother of a 17-year-old Grade 12 learner at Hoërskool Die Fakkel is pleading for a good Samaritan to help her daughter who suffers from multiple sclerosis (MS).
She said her daughter, who was a top 10 learner, started to feel tired and sleepy and at some point she went blind, although her vision returned at a later stage.
Because of this episode, she dropped out of her top spot at school.
They took her to a medical centre where an eye specialist advised the family to take her to a neurologist.
“That’s where we found out that she has multiple sclerosis in April this year. Her medication is so expensive, especially because my husband and I are unemployed.
“My in-laws are helping out and paying towards the medication, which costs up to R8 000 a month. We simply cannot afford it. I have tried phoning around asking for help in vain. I don’t have anyone besides my husband and my in-laws.
“My daughter is full of life and in good spirits to carry on with life. But without her medication, I’m afraid she will go into depression,” explained the tearful mother.
She also mentioned that her daughter is starting to lose feeling in her right hand and often loses her balance.
Any good Samaritan who wants to help can contact the mother on 083 945 4584.
What is multiple sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a potentially disabling disease of the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system).
In MS, the immune system attacks the protective sheath (myelin) that covers nerve fibres and causes communication problems between the brain and the rest of the body.
The disease can cause permanent damage or deterioration of the nerves.
Signs and symptoms of MS vary widely and depend on the amount of nerve damage and which nerves are affected.
Some people with severe MS may lose the ability to walk independently or at all, while others may experience long periods of remission without any new symptoms.
There’s no cure for MS. However, treatments can help speed up recovery from attacks, modify the course of the disease and manage symptoms.
What causes multiple sclerosis?
The cause of multiple sclerosis is unknown.
It’s considered an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues.
In the case of MS, this immune system malfunction destroys the fatty substance that coats and protects nerve fibres in the brain and spinal cord (myelin).
Symptoms may also include slurred speech, fatigue, dizziness, tingling or pain in parts of the body and problems with sexual, bowel and bladder function.
Can you die from multiple sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis is not a death sentence and life expectancy is normal or close to normal for most people with MS.
It is a chronic disease that can be managed, but there is a small percentage of people with severe MS who will die from complications.
Additional info: www.mayoclinic.org
