Online Reporter
Muchaneta Chimuka
H-Metro Reporter
AFTER defaulting on his anti-retroviral therapy for EIGHT months, in favour of herbs, a man developed a drug-resistant tuberculosis which has badly affected his lungs.
David Mandiwenga now relies on breathing from an oxygen mask.
“It is now seven solid months while I’m glued to a hospital bed,” he told H-Metro.
“I cannot be discharged because if I go home, I will die.
“After all, there is no electricity (at home) to pump oxygen into my body,” he said.
He said his wife deserted him after his health deteriorated.
“My wife simply walked away as she failed to cope with my condition.
“I have six children, and they have stopped attending school due to my financial battles.
“I used to work as a tailor but right now there is nothing I can do as I’m trying to manage my health,” he said.
Mandiwenga is appealing for a portable oxygen tank that he can use while he is mobile.
“I’m appealing for a portable oxygen tank that I can use even when travelling, which is solar-powered since electricity can be a challenge.
“So far, my health has improved, I’m religiously taking my anti – retroviral drug and TB medication, but the only dilemma is the oxygen to save my life.
“Every second when I hear people talking about power cuts by heart bleeds and it affects me mentally because I fear for my life,” he said.
He encouraged people who have chronic illnesses to adhere to their medication to avoid developing drug-resistant diseases.
“My health condition started to deteriorate last year after I thought of stopping my ART and opted for herbs.
“Several scans were done and doctors realised that I had developed blood clots in my lungs and, in a bid to treat them, I experienced severe nose bleeding. I lost weight and right now, I require a blood transfusion.
“Before this, I was totally fit, and I regret making this grievous mistake, which has proved to be costly,” he said.
He is appealing for US$1,600 for the solar-powered system, oxygen top-up, and medication.
He said NatPharm recently assisted him with oxygen concentrate after hearing about his story on social media. “Well-wishers can assist with the solar-powered kit such that I can constantly receive my oxygen,” he said.
