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'I am desperate, my daughter is in pain'

SUFFERING: Boitumelo Motsisi of Mohlakeng, Randfontein, suffers from lymphoedema, but was also diagnosed with elephantiasis. The teenager needs extensive treatment in order to lead a normal life Photos: Bafana Mahlangu
SUFFERING: Boitumelo Motsisi of Mohlakeng, Randfontein, suffers from lymphoedema, but was also diagnosed with elephantiasis. The teenager needs extensive treatment in order to lead a normal life Photos: Bafana Mahlangu

A Mother's hope to get proper medical treatment for her lymphoedema-stricken child was almost derailed after doctors told her there was nothing they could do for her 13-year-old.

This worsened the child's condition, leaving Mapule Motsisi, 45, a mother of five, in anguish.

Motsisi's daughter Boitumelo was initially diagnosed with elephantiasis at birth and has lived with excruciating pain ever since.

"I am desperate, my daughter needs help. I have been to every doctor and I get the same answers every time. I feel her pain and want her to be like other children," said Motsisi.

"My daughter yearns to lead a normal life. Sometimes she stays home for the whole week because the leg would have locked, limiting her movement."

Motsisi says her daughter has also become aggressive because her peers make fun of her because of her condition.

Concerned residents ofMohlakeng on the West Rand, have started an initiative to take Boitumelo to a private hospital.

In October last year, the teenager went for an assessment at Sunninghill Hospital in northern Johannesburg, where she was attended to by Dr Dirk le Roux, a specialist vascular surgeon.

Le Roux said the teenager suffered from lymphoedema which had a component of elephantiasis.

"Its a rare condition and the results are quiet unsatisfactory when you operate," Le Roux said.

"She needs intense physiotherapy and compression garments, which is a common treatment for lymphoedema."

Boitumelo's leg has grown twice as big as when this writer last saw her.

Dr Allison Dendy, a physiotherapist, diagnosed her with Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber syndrome, which she said was a malformation of the venous and lymphatic system.

"Instead of flowing down it goes in circles," Dendy explained.

"This is a complicated case. She is in a lot of medical trouble. She needs a lot of help. Apart from the leg, Boitumelo has developed a bulging stomach with visible signs of being malnourished."

Dendy said treating the malnutrition was the starting point. She said tests were needed to determine if her condition was contributing to her malnourishment.

Dendy said Boitumelo would have a greater chance of living a normal life if there is full commitment from her mother or guardian when it comes to following treatment at home and going to doctors' appointments.

She is also in need of various tests to properly diagnose her because she may have more than one condition. After that, treatment options could be considered.

Local ward councillor Kgomotso Mogapi said she would commit herself to taking Boitumelo to doctors' appointments. She would also help her get to a local clinic to get dressings on her leg.

Email: mahlanguba@sowetan.co.za

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