Alberton teen overcomes life-threatening health crisis, aims for comeback

Triston Engelbrecht (18) has emerged from the shadows of a life-threatening health crisis, ready to face the world once more.

Recently discharged from the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital (Bara), this talented matric learner and rugby player from Alberton High School is on the road to recovery, demonstrating immense strength in the face of adversity.

After undergoing splenectomy surgery on October 3, Triston has made significant progress in his recovery. He still adheres to a strict treatment plan, preventing blood clots and assisting with the build-up of pressure inside his blood vessels. Triston’s overall health is stabilising.

In April, his doctors discovered the young man had blood clots between his spleen and liver, causing a hepatic vein obstruction that prevents blood from flowing out of the liver to the spleen.

After multiple tests and scans, his doctors confirmed that his spleen was half dead and had cysts in it from all the blood clots in the portal vein.

“The doctors said I have splenic infarcts, meaning part of my spleen died due to getting no blood. They couldn’t send blood flow through because of the skin infarcts. It was a risky procedure,” said Triston.

Triston was then put on steroids to help with the autoimmune hepatitis in his liver.

Generous contributions

Despite all the tests, scans and surgeries Triston endured, the primary cause of his medical issue remains unknown. He is still under doctors’ supervision and will return to the hospital in two weeks for them to run tests.

“The doctors suspect that whatever is making Triston sick might be something he was born with or bilharzia [fresh-water parasitic worm] he got through fishing,” said his father, Jacques Engelbrecht.

Bara finally put Triston on a treatment plan after a lengthy time, with the doctors indecisive, and the medication costs about R3 000 monthly.

“I’m on chronic medication for the rest of my life. I get blood thinners and pills to help with the pressure build up in my vessels and veins,” said Triston.

Jacques has been instrumental in advocating for his son’s health.

Jacques reached out to the community in April through the Alberton Record, seeking financial help to alleviate the family’s mounting medical expenses. The community’s generosity helped ease the financial burden.

Instant change

Triston’s medical journey began on September 21 last year, when he collapsed at home. He was getting ready for a work trip to Bronkhorstspruit when he began to feel sick.

He said it was a Thursday morning. He got up and went to Meyer’s farm to work with his boss. They returned to prepare for their work trip.

“This was after I recently injured my diaphragm during a rugby practice. While I was packing, I had some pains in my diaphragm and decided to take pain blockers. A few minutes later, I started having bad pains in my stomach and started feeling nauseous,” said Triston.

He ran to the bathroom and started throwing up, but the pain worsened. He then lay down, thinking he would feel better, but he didn’t. His dad then called an ambulance, which rushed him to hospital.

Jacques recalls the moment with a heavy heart, “Triston had never been sick a day in his life. He was always active, and then, in an instant, everything changed.”

After being admitted to the Thelle Mogoerane Regional Hospital, Triston had emergency surgery for a perforation in his bowel and perforated ulcer.

He was readmitted to the hospital on October 20, when he was diagnosed with more difficulties. He was then moved to Bara on October 27 for urgent medical attention. Triston has been since treated at Bara.

A new normal

The aspiring rugby player said his illness has significantly impacted his life. Once an active and energetic individual, he now struggles with fatigue and limited mobility. His diet has changed dramatically, and he must adapt to a new normal.

“I used to be very active. I would go to my rugby practice, return, and go straight to the gym from six to nine. Whenever my friends invited me out, I was always available. On top of this, I lost a year of studying. The last time I was at school was last September before I got sick.

“Now, I can’t do any of the things I used to do. My body tires when I’m busy with something for over 30 minutes. I can’t stand for too long,” he added.

Triston said his doctors gave him hope that he could play rugby again because he’s still young and has a high chance of his body recovering from the surgeries.

“I chatted with one of my doctors, asking if this was the end of my rugby career. He said many professional rugby players had spleen surgeries and continued playing rugby.”

Triston said everything he went through made him strong mentally.

“The doctors would make me numb during surgeries, but I still felt everything my body went through. No medication helped me escape the pain my body went through.”

Focus on the future

Triston’s medical journey is far from over. He will return to the hospital on October 18 for further tests, and his treatment plan will continue to evolve.

As he looks to the future, Triston remains focused on his goals, including completing his matric and potentially returning to the rugby field.

His story is a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to overcome adversity. His bravery and resilience are a beacon of hope for those facing similar challenges.

Medical terms explained

Splenectomy surgery: A surgical procedure to remove the spleen typically performed to treat various clinical conditions like hematologic disorders, trauma and certain cancers.

Autoimmune hepatitis: A liver disease when the body’s immune system attacks the liver.

Cysts: Abnormal sacs of fluid that can form anywhere in the body.

Diaphragm: A muscle that helps you inhale and exhale. This thin, dome-shaped muscle sits below your lungs and heart.

Spleen: A small organ inside your left rib cage, just above the stomach.

Splenic infarcts: Occur when the blood supply to the spleen is compromised, resulting in tissue ischemia (less-than-normal amount of blood flow to part of the body) and eventual necrosis (the death of the cells in body tissues).

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