Young woman appeals for financial assistance for chronic condition

An 18-year-old young woman who is battling with chronic constipation, is appealing for financial assistance to undergo an operation in South Africa.

Nothando Nkiwane has been suffering from chronic constipation since 2012 and is appealing for at least 50 000 Rands, to undergo the procedure.

Chronic Constipation results in difficulties in the passage of stool and infrequent bowel movement. This requires one to adjust their diet from solids to liquid foods.

The life-threatening condition has prevented Nothando from furthering her studies from Ordinary Level.

“This condition has left me traumatized and I feel like a burden to my family. I was supposed to proceed with school and do my Advanced Level, but my health does not allow me. I just sit and envy my age mates who proceeded further with their studies,” she said.

Nothando’s father Mr. Active Nkiwane said his family is not financially stable to provide for his daughter’s required daily meals, as most of them come at a very high cost.

“My daughter is supposed to have liquid foods in order for her to be able to relieve herself without pain. We need to give her milk regularly and fruits but all these are expensive. We are now forced to give her milk after two days, yet she should have this kind of diet regularly,” he said.

Nkiwane said her daughter’s system stopped “working properly” since the discovery that doctors had misdiagnosed Nothando in the early ages of her life, which is why she needs assistance to relieve herself.

“When she was in grade two my daughter got sick. I remember she could crawl and speak like a child but she got medical help and was fine. However, in 2012 she cried of stomach aches and the doctor misdiagnosed her and said it was an appendix problem. She was operated on but the pain was still there until we got to know that she suffered from chronic constipation,” he said.

Nkiwane added: “When doctors explained to us, they said there is a dead nerve in her system which has caused this severe constipation.”

Those who wish to assist Nothando Nkiwane can contact his father Mr. Active Nkiwane on 0772 385 217 or 0772 848 661. Those who want to send money can use Active Nkiwane’s CABS account number 9010268000, or alternatively send through to their Eco-Cash number 0772 385 217.