Rikie Marx

I am a 56-year-old lady, teacher from Hoopstad in South Africa. I lost my voice in August 2017 without feeling ill or any fever whatsoever. I became short-breathed when trying to speak in class. It went on for about 3 months. It was quite challenging teaching Maths without a audible voice. I’ve spent time in hospital for tests, barium swallow test showed only one-third function of my swallowing tube. Also, no valve leading to my stomach and a hiatis hernia. I ended up having an operation done in Pretoria Unitas hospital on 22 May 2018. On 31 May 2018 I’ve been admitted to Rosepark-hospital in Bloemfontein. A emergency operation had to be been done by Dr. K. Troskie (specialist surgeon) as I had perforated stomach as a result of the previous ops.

Dr. Troskie had to fix the holes in 2 different operations 48 hours apart. Several holes in my stomach (half of my stomach had to be removed)as well as where the valve were operated on previously. I went into septic shock with several of my organs collapsed. (Sepsis and Surgery) No pulse, heart beat, breathing or vein could be found by the medical people that tried to help me at home. A group of medical professionals (and friends), together with my husband Piet Marx, started to pray to Jesus Christ to take over the situation. And as to be expected HE DID TAKE OVER.

I regained consciousness and could then by transported by ambulance to Bloemfontein. I spent 2 weeks in ICU and 2 weeks in a surgical ward. I had to learn how to do ordinary tasks like walking, standing, brushing teeth, bathing, holding a cellphone etc. My muscles collapsed during this period and I lost 10kg. I was very weak when I got home.

The recovery process takes a lot of time and patience!! I still experience muscle and joint pains. My mind seems to be cloudy as I am unsure of the smallest of things. Like doing a maths sum!! I could not even work out how old I am!!! I had to ask my friend to help me.

Driving is impossible except that I am afraid to drive again. Riding a small distance is devastating to my. I experience lots of cramps and muscle pains afterwards. It is already 9 September 2018 and I am getting anxious if I will ever be able to do stuff with confidence again. I had to apply for long incapacity leave at my school. I’ve discovered a lump in my tummy. Doctor confirms it can either be a hernia or a collection of infection again. It is too dangerous to operate soon. I am aware of this lump all the time.