The day he walked out of hospital was a joyous one for Western Cape Basotho Chief Thabang Sebetoane.
On Monday 24 March, he waved the Nurture Worcester Hospital staff who nursed him back to health goodbye, after he was left unable to walk and talk following a stroke in February.
The healthy 49-year-old was caught off guard when he suffered a stroke while jogging along the Robertson Road.
His doctor confirmed he had a stroke and he was referred to Nurture Worcester for physical rehabilitation.
“I am so grateful to be standing here,” he said just before pressing the bell patients about to be discharged ring. “After the stroke I was unable to walk or even turn around in bed. My speech was affected and people couldn’t even understand what I was saying.”
After spending 54 days in a wheelchair his doctor told him there was hope he would be able to walk again, based on having stated his desires from the outset.
“I wanted them to help me walk again. Here I am, standing on two feet. It is difficult being in a wheelchair as one has to ask everyone for help. I am so grateful to all my doctors, carers and everyone at the hospital – from the cleaners to the kitchen staff – for helping me to get back on my feet.
“My partner, Zanele Tabata, stood by my side.
“I want to encourage everyone who goes through something like this to not lose hope.”
Hanrico Steyn, Nurture Worcester Hospital’s manager, said Sebetoane’s testimonies during group sessions also encouraged other patients.
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