A life saving operation

By: Chante Eygelaar

Chante Eygelaar Short URL: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/a-life-saving-operation

Personal message

During 2014 I had just turned 16. I stared experiencing headaches it soon became permanent. I was hospitalized for meningitis. An EEG scan showed abnormal brain activity with possible epilepsy, I have been treated chronically since. An MRI of the brain came back normal. Only later when neck pains started I was sent for a neck MRI. This is where they picked up the anomaly in my spinal cord. The final diagnosis was a Syringomyelia (Syrinx).

I needed a stent to drain the fluid.

It is highly risky procedure. To add to the rarity of my condition: syrinxes are said to be caused by “trauma, tumours or craniosurvical junction abnormality”. None of these causes apply to me.

Medication doesn’t cure it, it only alleviates the symptoms . The problem is that instead of growing longitudinally like it normally does, mine is growing laterally making it more dangerous.

My symptoms progressed: chronic headaches, permanent back & neck pains, pins & needles in my extremities permanently. Dizziness & memory loss manifested due to side affects of the medication.

In 2017, my father lost his job and our medical cover. It took me 1 year to get my own. Due to my pre-existing condition I have a 12 month waiting period. Because I have a pre-existing condition there is no certainty of what my medical aid will cover in relation to my pre-existing condition. The operation is due to take place whne my medical aid cover kicks in, which is in June. At the moment I need to prepare for the operation if it has to take place before then as it could be triggered at any point. I currently still have 1 month to go. My current medical won't cover my procedure before the waiting period has passed due to anti-selection.

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