The Sunday News
Sandisiwe Gumbo , Sunday Life Reporter
A 37-year-old man from Silobela in the Midlands Province endured a harrowing five-month ordeal after a thorn was lodged in his eye last November.
Martin Sibanda, with a voice still tinged with pain, recounted the excruciating experience.
“Last year in November, I was driving our cattle in the evening when I accidentally stepped on a thorn tree.
“It bounced back to me and a thorn lodged into my left eye. The pain I felt was so severe, it made me throb. I rushed to Loretto Hospital where they referred me to Gweru Provincial Hospital.
“They failed to give me immediate medical assistance, hence they booked me.”
Sibanda’s journey for treatment was fraught with challenges as he struggled to find the necessary medical assistance.
“With the little money that I had, I rushed to Nkayi District Hospital to get assisted as the pain was very severe.
“I exhausted my money and had to stay at home, with the thorn still in my eye. I was always in bed and could not do anything, I could not work for the money needed for my surgery,” he explained.
The physical and financial toll became overwhelming for Sibanda, leaving him unable to fend for himself.
“I could not tolerate the sun and wind. Headaches attacked me on a daily basis,” he said highlighting the impact of his condition.
In a stroke of luck, Sibanda received a lifeline from a relative in South Africa who connected him with individuals willing to support his medical journey.
“I have a relative in South Africa who went through different medical experiences, he was once involved in a car accident.
“He connected me with the likes of Ezra Tshisa Sibanda, who assisted me to go to Richard Morris housed at the United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) from Silobela.
“He funded my operation,” Sibanda expressed with gratitude.
He underwent surgery two weeks ago and was discharged on Tuesday (16 April).
After undergoing the much-needed operation, Sibanda continues to recuperate facing the challenges of post-surgery recovery.
“I cannot work, but I’m grateful to have received assistance. I still have to bear the pain from the operation, but I’m relieved the thorn has been removed,” he shared.
Although he is still in pain, he says he is recovering and winning back his sight.
As Sibanda concluded, he mentioned that he still has outstanding medical expenses at the hospital.
He said he would be grateful for assistance from well-wishers. They can get him on his cellphone number +263774388605.
