Woman feels ‘trapped’ inside her broken body

Mdantsane resident, struggling with a range of health conditions, is desperate for assistance

For seven years, 28-year-old Ziphozihle Tomsana has suffered from a range of illnesses that have left her unable to work and having to wear adult nappies on a daily basis.

The young Mdantsane woman said she felt trapped in a body she did not recognise.

Tomsana is unable to control her bladder, she has a retroverted uterus and an inflamed liver, and suffers from piles, heavy bleeding, major depression and anxiety.

As a result, she has not been able to keep a job.

Tomsana said her health deteriorated after she gave birth in 2014.

“I had an existing bladder condition from the age of six but after I gave birth to my daughter my life took a turn for the worse.

“I developed Fitz-hugh-curtis Syndrome, vasovagal syncope, a stomach ulcer, chronic constipation and constant itching.

“I have frequent appointments with a neurosurgeon, psychiatrist, psychologist, urologist, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, and a gynaecologist.

“I am taking so much medication — which aggravates my constipation — that I have lost touch with reality,” Tomsana said.

She has gone to hospitals outside the province in a desperate plea for help, but to no avail.

The Nelson Mandela University graduate, who completed her human resource management course in 2014, said she felt trapped and helpless.

“I am a very energetic and active person at heart. I see my friends who I graduated with moving on and making a success of their lives.

“But I am trapped. I am not living but surviving.”

Her daughter lives with her father, while she and her grandmother live together, surviving off their disability grants.

“Everything is a struggle. At times we don’t have electricity or food in the home.

“My disability grant cannot stretch the whole month between doctors’ visits and taking care of my child.

“I grew up with an absent mother and I do not want the same thing for my daughter,” she said.

Tomsana said she could not afford basic equipment that would make her life easier.

“A doughnut cushion would help me sit comfortably because at the moment I cannot sit up straight.

“A lumber pillow would help me sleep. I sleep a maximum of three hours a day, I have constant back pain.”

Apart from her daily health struggles, she also survived a traumatic childhood.

“I was sexually assaulted when I was five years old and have lived a life of trauma since then.

“My father died when I was 10 and my mother has a new family,” she said.

With the range of illnesses affecting her lower abdomen, womb and spine, she said doctors had suggested that her womb be removed — but feared surgical complications.

Tomsana said her conditions had worsened during her stay at Cecilia Makiwane Hospital in Mdantsane.

Provincial health superintendent-general Dr Rolene Wagner confirmed Tomsana was known by Frere urology and CMH gynaecology clinical teams.

Wagner confirmed that Tomsana had a bladder abnormality, which was diagnosed at six years of age, and that she had fallen pregnant with the underlying condition.

“Clinical options have been discussed with the patient after relevant investigations. The patient attended the hospitals in the recent month and was attended to by two specialists — at CMH an obstetrician, and at Frere a specialist urologist.”

She said the department was willing to engage, treat and support its patients.

“Our patients are also welcome to seek second opinions and we will willingly share information with any such colleagues, as requested by the patient,” Wagner said.

Tomsana’s Mthatha-based attorney, Abongile Dumile, said they had taken a legal route and had requested Tomsana’s medical records from the department but were being given the run around.

I see my friends who I graduated with moving on and making a success of their lives. But I am trapped. I am not living but surviving