I am reaching out to you today with a heavy heart and a deep sense of urgency. I have been struggling with severe hypertension since 2021, and despite my best efforts and consultations with countless medical professionals, my condition has worsened significantly over the past three years. This is a humble plea for support as I seek to access the care I need from some of the world’s leading experts in hypertension.

A Journey of Struggle and Pain

It began in 2021 when I first experienced troubling symptoms: persistent headaches, chronic fatigue, and a sense of dizziness that I could not shake off. After a visit to my physician, I was diagnosed with hypertension. At first, it seemed manageable with medication and lifestyle changes. However, what started as a manageable health issue has escalated into a full-blown medical crisis.

Over the past three years, my condition has progressed to stage three drug-resistant hypertension, a severe and life-threatening stage of high blood pressure that does not respond to conventional treatments. I have sought help from seven different physicians as well as visited a Hypertension Clinic, consulted a Cardiologist, and even seen two Nephrologists. Despite adhering to all medical advice and the rigorous courses of medications prescribed, my condition has only worsened. I am now on a staggering regimen of 7 different antihypertensive agents of which the side effects are unbearable and the medications have all failed. My blood pressure still cannot be controlled.

My BP readings are alarmingly high, averaging around 190/112, with my highest recorded reading reaching a critical 248/171. These numbers are a constant reminder of the severe state of my health and the urgent need for advanced medical intervention.

The Personal Impact of Hypertension

Hypertension runs deep in my family. In 2016, my mother suffered a severe brain aneurysm as a result of the same condition that now affects me. Although she survived, she faced a long and painful road to recovery, requiring full-time care and relearning basic skills such as walking and talking. Her struggle has been a constant reminder of the devastating effects of uncontrolled hypertension, and it has only fueled my determination to fight this disease with all my might.

Every week, I find myself in either the casualty department or the ICU. In the past 18 months, I have been hospitalised a total of 48 times. Each visit brings its own set of challenges and uncertainties, and the frequent medical crises have taken their toll on my physical and emotional well-being.

My Greatest Wish

Through all of this, there is one hope that keeps me going: the dream of walking down the aisle with my daughters. This vision of a joyful future is my motivation in the darkest times, a symbol of the life I hope to still live despite the challenges I face.

The Financial Challenge

I have tried every possible avenue for treatment. I have worked with Biokineticists, consulted traditional healers, participated in occupational therapy, and adhered to a strict diet, including cutting out alcohol. Despite these efforts, my critical health cover with Bidvest Life will only provide financial support in the event of renal failure, a heart attack, or another form of critical illness. Unfortunately, my current situation does not meet the threshold for critical illness coverage. 

Their cost benefit analysis being they would rather treat the result of the disease than spend the necessary funds to ensure these drastic things don’t happen to me. This is my health and future I’m fighting for.

I have seeked advanced treatment, and consulted with 2 specialist Doctors in the United Kingdom, and more recently had a retired hypertension Dr from the United States, who have looked into my case and gone through all the tests and looked into all my current treatment. They have both confirmed the seriousness of my illness and have agreed that Renal Denervation would help in controlling my sickness.

I will be meeting Professor Erika Jones from the Groote Schuur Hospital in Capetown on the 9 September 2024, with my surgery scheduled in late September.

Unfortunately, although I have medical aid, the short falls of this procedure will amount to over R250 000.00; unfortunately with having no extended family, this makes this amount unachievable especially due to the fact that I am self employed and have financial responsibilities including my mum etc.

A Humble Request for Support

I know that asking for help is a significant step for me, especially because I have always strived to handle my own challenges. But right now, the burden is too great for me to bear alone. Unfortunately I have no extended family, with my mom requiring constant care, and my dad being passed, you are all I have in my life to ask.

If you are able to contribute to my cause, any amount will make a difference, regardless of the amount. Your support will not only help me cover the cost of seeing these renowned specialists but will also give me hope for a better future.

Donations can be done using the below information:

Account Holder: Jay Medical

Account Type: Savings Account

Discovery Bank

Branch Code: 679000

BIC/SWIFT: DISCZAJJXXX

Account Number: 11750235099

OR USE THE FORM AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE TO GO TO THE PAYMENT GATEWAY.

My Deepest Gratitude

I am profoundly grateful for the love and support I have received from all of you throughout this journey and to those who have already extended an arm to me, I will forever be grateful. It is with a heavy heart and a hopeful spirit that I make this appeal. Your help could be the key to accessing the advanced care I need to manage my condition and achieve my dream of walking down the aisle with my daughters.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Your help means more to me than words can express.

With heartfelt thanks and appreciation, 

Jay