Long-time Newcastle resident, Wynand Coertzen finds himself contending against a medical battle to save his legs and his very way of life. However, it is a battle that requires the assistance of the local community.
In recounting his experience, Wynand shared that his ordeal began 12 years ago when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Although he faced this battle with courage and emerged victorious, the treatment took a toll on his kidneys, causing them significant strain and leading to further health complications.
“I started dialysis for my kidneys back in 2016, and adjusting to sitting four hours a day for it, took strain. Fortunately, my minister came to talk me through my difficult time, and I was able to accept having to go for the dialysis,” he said.
While getting his mind back into the right space, Coertzen’s health continued to decline, eventually reaching a point where his heart came under immense strain, leading to the onset of heart failure.
“I was given medication which helped bring my blood pressure down, but my heart was not working properly anymore and was losing its functionality. After seeing a local doctor, I got into contact with a cardiologist in Johannesburg in 2022, and he said I must come in for surgery for a balloon stent to help my heart. But I wanted to be there for my youngest daughter’s wedding and assured that I would come in as soon as the wedding was done,” explained Wynand.
After the wedding, his daughter, Karin Potgieter, explained that her father was hospitalised for three weeks and was in a coma due to his heart condition.
With his heart failing, a diagnosis of kidney failure, and the added challenge of diabetes, Coertzen had hoped that once he awoke from the coma, doctors would be able to perform the necessary heart surgery to improve his heart’s health.
However, the medical team was unable to perform the surgery, as it was discovered that he had peripheral artery disease. This condition occurs when narrowed arteries reduce the blood flow to one’s arms or legs. If this condition impacts the legs, they do not get enough blood flow to keep up with the demand and this causes leg pain when walking. The narrowed arteries also put further strain on his heart, due to reduced blood circulation.
As an outdoors person, Wynand said this impacted him immensely. “I love going for walks and being outside, and often after our family went to church on Sunday mornings, I would ask my wife to pack a picnic basket for us and we would travel to the mountains in Winterton or somewhere and have a picnic,” he explained.
Confronting this new medical issue alongside his kidney failure, Wynand is now facing a significant challenge.
Without the necessary balloon stents, he risks losing both his legs due to inadequate blood flow. “The medical aid only covers R61 000 of the total amount, but the procedure will cost approximately R250 000. We are going a rollercoaster ride at the moment due to our emotions. My parents are living with my family and I as they cannot look after themselves,” explained Karin.
With the risk of losing both his legs and the potential for his health to deteriorate further due to heart failure and kidney issues, Karin has set up a BackaBuddy account to raise the necessary funds for her father’s procedure, and she is urgently appealing to he community to assist her father in order for him to enjoy his golden years with his children, grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
By supporting this cause, the Newcastle community has the opportunity to make a profound impact on the life of Wynand Coertzen and his family.
Now, the question remains: will Newcastle step up to ensure that 76-year-old Wynand Coertzen can enjoy his golden years to the fullest with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren?
If anyone would like to assist, you can contribute to the BackaBuddy account by clicking here – Wynand Coertzen. For more information, Good Samaritans can also contact his daughter, Karin Potgieter, on 064 657 7424.
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One Response
Wynand I pray that your prayers are answered