Muchaneta Chimuka
A Kuwadzana man suffering from a chronic inflammatory bowel disease is appealing for financial assistance to meet medical expenses, which include lifelong medication and regular blood transfusions.
Mr Fungai Munyedzi (53), of Kuwadzana 2, Harare, was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in 2015. The condition causes persistent bleeding from the rectum, making it difficult for him to work, travel or socialise.
The former hotelier, who used to work in South Africa, said his illness had left him unable to work and struggling to afford treatment.
“I used to work in South Africa as a hotelier, but since I was diagnosed with this condition, I have been bedridden. Half the time, I am admitted to hospital and need blood transfusions,” he said.
“I require two pints of blood every three months. Whenever I eat, it takes less than five minutes before fresh blood starts coming out through the rectum. Even when I am stressed, the bleeding can occur involuntarily.”
Mr Munyedzi said doctors had recommended surgery, but he was currently relying on medication to reduce the bleeding.
“I do not travel much because I cannot control the bleeding. People in the community may not understand my condition and are often surprised when they see what is happening,” he said.
“It is difficult to explain it to everyone, and the condition has brought a lot of stigma into my life. I need more than US$1 000 a month for medication and blood transfusions. My whole body is in pain, and I also have children who need to be fed.”
Mr Munyedzi said he takes more than 12 tablets daily, including medication to reduce the bleeding and treatment for high blood pressure.
At times, the bleeding becomes so severe that he fears fainting when using the toilet, he said.
He produced medical records, including doctors’ notes, diagnostic documents and a breakdown of his prescribed medication.
According to his medical notes, he must not miss medication because doing so could trigger severe bleeding and worsen the condition.
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation and ulcers in the lining of the colon and rectum.
Symptoms may include bloody diarrhoea, abdominal pain and an urgent or frequent need to pass stool. Severe or prolonged disease can also lead to fatigue, reduced appetite and unintended weight loss.
The exact cause of ulcerative colitis is not fully understood, although immune-system dysfunction and genetic factors are believed to play a role.
Symptoms may flare up periodically, and some medicines can worsen the condition in certain patients.
Diagnosis may involve blood and stool tests, as well as a colonoscopy or other endoscopic examination with tissue biopsies.
Those wishing to assist Mr Munyedzi can contact him on his EcoCash number, +263 782 680 558.
