Vusumuzi Dube
Robin Muchetu, Senior Reporter
CALVIN Moyo the 21-year-old giant who was diagnosed with acromegaly fell into a fire a fortnight ago and is admitted to Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo where he is getting medical attention.
Calvin, who is epileptic fell into a fire while at his rural home in Nkayi District in Matabeleland North Province and sustained injuries to his leg and hand. However, since he was admitted to the hospital, he has received initial treatment and is said to be refusing further assistance by the hospital staff. His mother Ms Sifiso Moyo confirmed that he was injured two weeks ago.
“He fell into a fire and burnt his leg and hand. He was at the local shops where people had lit a fire to keep themselves warm. Unfortunately, he suffered an epileptic fit and fell into the fire and the woman he was sitting with ran to call the men who were nearby to carry him off the burning coals.
“I went there last week and brought him to the hospital where he started getting treatment. I am not sure what procedures will be done but he will be here for a little while as they treat the wounds. I was also informed that he needs treatment for his acromegaly and he will not stop growing if he is not treated for it. So, I am sure he will be treated for this condition at Mpilo, I am yet to hear,” said Ms Moyo.
An earlier prescription for medication by a local doctor, saw Calvin being told to secure Cabergoline 0.5mg which must be taken twice weekly for three months, for which Ms Moyo was charged $65 for a month’s supply and $1 494 for the Octreotide 20mg for three months again at a local pharmacy.
“I managed to secure one month’s supply (July) of medicines prescribed by the first doctor who saw him and he has been taking them. The doctor had said he must take them for a period of three months but due to lack of funding I have not secured the rest of the medication,” she said.
Ms Moyo also said reports from Nkayi were that Calvin had started being violent.
“My brother informed me that Calvin had started being violent, I am not too sure where this is coming from, but they are saying he has started being aggressive, something he never used to do,” she said.
She added that he had started refusing treatment at Mpilo and doctors were worried that his wounds would continue to deteriorate as they were already septic. Hospital officials informed Ms Moyo that there was an option of getting more advanced dressings for his wounds that would not require everyday care but it was costly and unavailable at the hospital.
“He is complaining that the wound is painful but does not want anyone to touch it so it is a challenge. I have tried to talk to him also but he keeps saying he will get it dressed tomorrow and days are moving,” she said.
Ms Moyo was further informed that his continued refusal of treatment was going to increase his vulnerability since he was epileptic, suffering acromegaly, a large physical size, and other hormonal issues.
The hospital recommended that the mother sources silver nitrate which could be used to treat him, however, it is costly but less traumatic for him since he was refusing that his wound be cleaned.
However, ethically, a patient is not forced to accept treatment and the mother has been encouraged to persuade him to get treatment for his benefit. — @NyembeziMu.
Online Reporter