Chronicle Editor
Ashley Phiri, [email protected]
MR Endrot Mguni (57), a devoted family man from Gwanda, is fighting a relentless battle with arthritis, which has ravaged his hips and shattered his independence.
What began as a manageable ache in 2010 has escalated into a debilitating condition, crippling his daily life and ability to provide for his loved ones.
Once a thriving gardener, Mr Mguni’s vibrant lifestyle has been reduced to a mere memory. He can no longer tend to his garden, jump, run, or even sit comfortably. The constant pain and limitations have taken a toll on his emotional well-being.
“I feel helpless and rely on my children for survival. At the moment, I survive on groceries that two of my grown children send me. Of course it’s not easy to be entirely dependent on my children and I wish to work for myself so that I don’t feel so helpless. There’s a big community dam and two irrigation gardens close by, I used to grow veggies and a few other crops but now I can’t,” he said.
Mr Mguni says he yearns to regain self-sufficiency, to work and provide for his family with dignity.
“I think every man takes pride in providing for his family. Before this, I could do any activities involving hard labour. I had a thriving garden, which used to supplement my family’s income. Presently, I can’t work on my garden, I can’t jump, run or sit with my feet astride. My back is always painful, I’m now limping, I can’t carry heavy things or even walk long distances. I yearn to be the provider that I was before,” said Mr Mguni.
The financial burden of double hip replacement surgery, pegged at US$5 000 at a local private hospital is insurmountable for him.
The cost will cover implants for both hips, anaesthetics and admission. Since both hips cannot be operated on at once, the surgeries will have to be done at different times.
Despite specialist consultations and hospital visits, the advice to rest and avoid exacerbating the condition has only fuelled his frustration.
“When I first experienced hip pain in 2010, they thought it was arthritis/posteriosis. I was given tablets and it subsided for a few days. I later started to feel some pains when I walked long distances or carried anything more than 10kg. The pain grew gradually. In 2022, I visited the hospital again.
“An X-ray was taken and it revealed that it was arthritis on my hip and I now need hip replacement. I was then referred to a specialist who assessed the X-ray and confirmed that hip replacement needed to be done. He did quotations for treatment, which were far beyond my reach; I can’t afford US$5 000. I tried Karanda Hospital, but I didn’t get much help there,” he said.
Determined to reclaim his life, Mr Mguni is reaching out to health foundations and well-wishers for financial assistance to undergo the much needed hip replacement surgery.
His plea is simple: “Help me walk again, help me work again, help me regain my independence.”
Mr Mguni’s son, MacMillan, says he wants his father to get better as it is painful to watch him struggle to do the things that make him happy.
“My father has always been a happy man. Growing up, he was the happiest when he was working in his garden. It’s painful to watch the garden so unproductive because he can no longer work in it. I’m calling on well-wishers to help get my father on his feet again,” he said.
To help Mr Mguni, well-wishers can contact him directly on +263 77 454 4567. MacMillan Mguni ZB Bank Account: — 4630243281405-USD, 0774544567- ECOCASH.
Online Reporter