RUSTENBURG HERALD - RUSTENBURG - On 7 July 2023, Meraai was found unconscious within the pool. CPR was started immediately and rescue services were called.
Within minutes the paramedics arrived and continued for around 45 minutes before she managed to get a central pulse. She was transferred to the emergency unit. Due to low blood oxygen, high carbon dioxide levels and low blood pressure, she was almost lost again. Her blood pressure went up to 60bpm. Prepping for transfer to Johannesburg started.
After two hours and 30 minutes, she arrived in Johannesburg, with a body temperature of 27°C. On 8 July, a CT scan showed a blockage in her right hip, blocking blood supply to her leg. Unfortunately her leg had to be amputated on the knee and a week later, another section above her knee. She was on a ventilator for three weeks in the CTICU. The MRI showed damage to her basal ganglia in the base of her brain which is used for co-ordination of movement of her entire body. After many miracles, thousands of prayers, Meraai survived. She was discharged from the hospital on 5 September.
She now recovers from home and receives regular therapy from a physiotherapist, occupational therapist and speech therapist. She also started the preparation (coning/shaping) of her amputated leg. She is still far from sitting, crawling and eventually walking, however she is reacting well to therapy and starting to gain back her strength bit by bit. It is still a long road ahead.
Contact: 082 355 8571, banking details:
FNB acc - 63011186269 (Leah-Marié Kruger), Back a Buddy: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/leah-marie-kruger-5690454918328122751.
