Online Reporter
Robin Muchetu
A 43-year-old diabetic woman from Bulawayo is seeking US$400 to have her foot treated by a local naturopathy doctor. The woman, Ms Tsungirirayi Sibanda said she was diagnosed with a diabetic foot earlier in the year and it has degenerated to the extent of losing four of her toes.
Diabetic foot refers to a range of foot problems that can occur in people with diabetes, primarily due to nerve damage (neuropathy) and poor blood circulation. These issues can lead to ulcers, infections and in severe cases, amputation.
Ms Sibanda is currently living in Entumbane suburb where she is being cared for by her sister who is also unemployed and survives on menial jobs. Following her illness, she was deserted by her husband who moved out of their lodgings in Famona suburb
“This problem started five months ago as a small pimple on my foot and it quickly changed to a big sore and it is not healing. I sought help from faith healers as I assumed it was cancer but it seems like it is not changing. I have visited over 10 healers to no avail. I have lost 4 toes so far,” said Ms Sibanda.
She said she has gone all over seeking help from faith healers but there is no one who has assisted to improve her condition.
She has however tried naturopathy, a system of alternative medicine based on the theory that diseases can be successfully treated or prevented without the use of drugs, by techniques such as control of diet, herbs, exercise and massage.
“I recently visited a doctor in the CBD who deals with natural means to treat people and he requires US$340 to buy herbs that will assist in treating diabetes. He said it will assist in treating the diabetic foot. I am kindly asking for assistance to raise the funds to enable me to get treatment,” she pleaded.
She said she was informed by doctors at a local hospital that she needed to get the leg amputated as the problem was increasing.
“I went to UBH when the problem started and they said they would need to eventually chop it off. I have been diabetic since 2017 and I inject myself with insulin. I also have a challenge of securing the medications sometimes and I need help in that. Food is also a challenge,” she said.
Ms Sibanda stopped working after her leg started to give her problems and she was also deserted by her husband.
“I do not know where he is, he just left me when I started to get seriously ill. We used to rent an apartment in Famona suburb with our two children but he walked out on us and we do not know where he is. So now the challenge is that we have to pay rentals for that place as our property is still there. I would like to go back home one day when I feel better,” she said.
Well-wishers can contact Ms Sibanda +263 773872627
Londile Moyo