At just 10 years old, Duanne faced the daunting challenge of spastic paraplegia and stunted growth due to TB of the spine, and because of these setbacks, he was only in Grade 1. On admission to St Joseph’s on October 17, 2023, he could barely walk 20 steps and was dependent on the nursing team for most of his daily activities. Duanne’s initial days were filled with difficulty—adjusting to a Halo pelvic frame, taking TB medication, and overcoming physical discomfort. He found it difficult to wear clothes that fitted over the frame and often wore a hospital gown.
He initially used a urinal as the frame was too heavy, had to adjust to a new way of sleeping and taking TB medication every day. He was reticent, had a low mood, and did not interact well with the other children. Duanne had a feeble appetite and was not gaining weight. He was placed on supplements and was dependent on the staff for all his medical and hygiene needs. A second surgery was performed when the pins came loose, and the frame needed adjusting.
After a while, things started to improve. He started becoming more familiar with the children and staff, and although he remained quiet, he went to school and started interacting more. He became more independent. He was able to use the toilet on his own and walk more comfortably, and whilst staff still assisted with his medical and hygiene needs, he was able to do more by himself. Although he still had a poor appetite and was not gaining weight, he was more active and was playing more with the children. After months of rehabilitation, Duanne underwent a successful spinal surgery and returned to St. Joseph’s in August 2024, frame-free and walking on his own.
With the dedicated care at St. Joseph’s and the support of compassionate individuals like you, Duanne’s story has taken a turn. The occupational therapists, physiotherapists, child & youth care workers, and a dietitian worked closely with him, helping him to gain strength and confidence after surgery. He received individual and group based occupational therapy whereby tasks were ergonomically adapted and graded to enable function and facilitate optimal participation in daily activities. This was essential as his halo traction frame impeded participation in scholastic tasks – his seating and tasks were adapted to allow him to learn despite his mobility limitations.
He particularly enjoyed the skills development group, especially baking activities and making pizza. Activities were set up in an ergonomic manner to allow him to participate in group activities with his peers. He even made pizzas for the patients in his ward and served it to them on a trolley.
This newfound independence enabled him to start going home for weekends and holidays, which assisted him emotionally and motivated him even further.
Today, he is more active, playful, and full of hope for the future. Duanne was discharged on 27 September 2024.