After being told, three years ago, he had only three months to live following a severe heart condition, Nazeem Davids underwent several high-risk procedures at Groote Schuur Hospital that ultimately saved his life.
In gratitude, he returned to the hospital on Thursday 5 March to hand over 35 appreciation packages to doctors, nurses and support staff who helped him through his remarkable recovery.
Davids explained that his journey at the hospital started in May 2023 after suffering a mild heart attack.
“I was diagnosed with severe atherosclerosis (hardened arteries with a severe build-up of hardened plaque that restricts blood flow). It was so bad that they could not do a bypass or even insert stents. My arteries were too brittle and could rupture if they forced in the stents.”
He said his family was told to “prepare for the worst”.
“My wife was told to take me home and make me comfortable. The doctor gave me three months to live. My only hope was a new procedure called Rotablation (rotational atherectomy).”
This is a specialised, minimally invasive procedure for treating heavily calcified coronary artery blockages.
“Three months later, after a battery of tests, I was deemed a suitable candidate for the procedure and admitted. During the operation I suffered from a pulmonary oedema (excess fluid on the lungs, which leads to severe lack of oxygen.) My heart stopped for almost seven minutes.
“I woke up on a ventilator the following morning. After recovering from this anomaly, I felt better, because one main artery was cleared and a stent had been inserted, and the second artery partially opened,” he explained.
According to Davids, he was re-admitted in May 2024 for another attempt.
“This time the artery they were drilling ruptured and instead of an hour, the operation lasted for 5 hours to repair the damaged artery.”
After years of treatment and complications, he finally underwent surgery in June last year where they successfully cleared multiple arteries.
“In June last year, after most of my symptoms had returned, I was admitted for a fourth time. After three and a half hours four arteries were drilled clear and seven other narrowings opened with balloons. Through the mercy of the Almighty and the skill of the surgeons, Professor Farrel Hellig and Dr Jens Hitzeroth, I have not had any symptoms since then.”
Davids said the gift packs were to show appreciation to the staff.
“The cardiac clinic team at Groote Schuur Hospital is an amazing bunch of people. They are both professional and caring.”
Davids also shared a heartfelt message with the staff.
“Your daily job changes lives for the better. You give your patients a new lease on life. Carry on doing what you do. You guys are amazing. Your collective dedication and commitment changed MY life and I am forever in your debt.”
His wife, Moeshfieka, said the staff helped their family through some challenging times.
“In my opinion, cardiac ICU at Groote Schuur Hospital is world class and we are forever grateful to everyone there for their phenomenal work, their work ethic, their commitment and kindness. Our gratitude and appreciation are immense.”
