A 50-year-old family man who was diagnosed with kidney failure two years ago has to undergo dialysis every second day at Winelands Kidney & Dialysis Centre and is battling an emotional and financial strain that is starting to take its toll.
André Arnolds has lived in Macassar for most his life, where he also attended school, and currently works at a local hardware store in Strand. The father of two daughters, who is also a grandfather, recalled that in 2021 he was initially diagnosed with high blood pressure before doctors found a kidney problem.
“The damage to my kidney was at an advanced stage,” he said.
“At the time the doctor motivated for my enrolment in a programme that assists kidney patients with treatment, especially patients without medical aid. I successfully registered and since then I was put on dialysis.”
That was two years ago, and over the past few months his situation has become more serious due to a severe infection.
“I have to go to the Centre for Dialysis every second day for at least four hours, and beyond that I am on a lot of medication, all of which I am being billed for,” said Arnolds.
“It’s been a difficult journey so far and it has affected my day-to-day life. I can’t spend much time with my family and my work is also being affected as I can’t put in the hours I used to. My whole life has been turned around and it’s not getting easier.”
Arnolds said every aspect of his life now comes with complications, even when travelling he has firstly to organise dialysis at a given health facility before any planning can take place. His family time has also been affected, eating habits have changed and his social life has severely restricted.
“And throughout this time I am stressing about the medical bills, as I still have to pay for all the medication and doctor consultations,” he said.
“What I need is a kidney transplant and at the moment I am on a waiting list. There’s no indication yet how long I will have to wait, we’re just taking it one day at a time.”
If anyone in the community wishes to assist Arnolds with the financial impact of the treatment he is undergoing, contact him via email at arnoldsa577@gmail.com or Whatsapp the number 060 980 8656.
