Chronicle Editor
Robin Muchetu, Senior Reporter
A TWENTY-YEAR-OLD girl, Londiwe Ndlovu is appealing for financial assistance to the tune of US$11 000 for an urgent spinal operation.
She is suffering from a condition called Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis and is supposed to have an urgent corrective surgery in Harare.
Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine that most often is diagnosed in adolescents. Most cases of scoliosis are mild, but some curves worsen as children grow. Severe scoliosis can be disabling. An especially serious spinal curve can reduce the amount of space within the chest, making it difficult for the lungs to function properly.
The medical centre gave a detailed quotation of the estimated cost of the life-changing operation that needs to be deposited before the operation can be done.
Theatre fees have been pegged at US$5 436, drugs and sundries at US$3 624, while one night in the Intensive Care Unit will cost US$500. For two nights in the High Dependency Unit, she needs US$640, and four nights in the ward will cost US$800 giving a total of US$11 000.
“Please note that this deposit does not include external service provider costs like blood transfusion, laboratory tests or X-rays. This deposit is not the final bill. You will be notified on the final account after discharge based on actual usage during the procedure,” reads the quotation.
The medical centre also highlighted that payment for the operation is required at least 48 hours before the date of operation and an external float of US$300 is required for blood tests, X-rays, ambulance and scans that might be done during the procedure.
Should the patient require physiotherapy as part of nursing care, the family will have to pay extra costs.
Children who have mild scoliosis are monitored closely, usually with X-rays, to see if the curve is getting worse. In many cases, no treatment is necessary. Some children may need to wear a brace to stop the curve from worsening. Others may need surgery to straighten more serious curves.
According to an online medical site, Mayo Clinic symptoms of scoliosis may include uneven shoulders, one shoulder blade that appears more prominent than the other, uneven waist, one hip higher than the other, and one side of the rib cage jutting forward.
With most scoliosis cases, the spine will rotate or twist in addition to curving side to side. This causes the ribs or muscles on one side of the body to stick out further than those on the other side.
Londiwe’s mother Ms Sindisiwe Ncube said her daughter experiences chronic pain because of her condition.
“Currently Londiwe suffers from chronic back pain, numbness of limbs, cramps in her legs and experiences shortness of breath. Some days are hard for her and she has to rely on medication to get by.
“Londiwe is restricted to walking short distances and is not advised to do any form of sports. Surgery with a spine specialist in Harare could mean a future free from pain and disability for Londiwe, she would like to live a healthy life and pursue her dreams. Your help would make a difference in her life,” said the mother.
Those who wish to assist Londiwe can contact her mother Sindisiwe Ncube on +263 77 701 7654 or deposit money in a Nostro Account ZB Bank Account Number 4304-390720-409. — @NyembeziMu
Online Reporter