The story of Sekai

A 24-YEAR-OLD woman from Chihota is in need of help after her fingers and feet were amputated.

Sekai Paraffin (24) of Chivakwe School in Chihota was injected and given antibiotics in July this year at Harare Central Hospital after she suffered from gangrene.

“I felt sharp pains in my neck and I started vomiting. I had a running stomach the whole night and my temperature went up,” she said.

Sekai’s brother who works at Zimplats Mine was the one who ferried her to the hospital so that she could get medication,

“I was given (sic) injections and cotrimoxazole but I was very weak,” she said.

Tracy Maunganidze (Sekai’s sister) (39) has since taken Sekai in.

She revealed that they even resorted to other ways of assisting her.

“We were encouraged to visit prophets. They also failed and told us that they had given up on her,” said Tracy.

Sekai’s condition deteriorated and Tracy took her to Kadoma Hospital,

“My feet and hands turned black and they were numb,” said Sekai.                                                             

She was admitted at the hospital but they transferred her to Harare Hospital where their worst fears were confirmed.

“We were told that she had Gangrene and she had to be amputated,” said Tracy.

Gangrene is a serious and potentially life threatening condition that arises when a considerable mass of body tissue dies (necrosis).

 This may occur after an injury or infection, or in people suffering from any chronic health problem affecting blood circulation.

The prime cause of gangrene is reduced blood supply to the affected tissues, which results in cell death.

“We were worried that she was going to be amputated and refused but after we learnt that she was going to lose her life we consented,” said Tracy.

Sekai’s nine fingers and her feet were amputated.

She is only left with an index finger.

“I am a fighter and I know that I can pass through anything in life,” said the single mother of one.

Philip Muzambi (48), Tracy’s husband said they were doing everything to help Sekai,

“It is difficult to move her around and we are appealing to anyone who can help us get a wheelchair,” said Muzambi.

Sekai also requires daily wound dressing and Muzambi said it was difficult to get her to the local hospital which is located 10 kilometres away.