Kurt Hartzenberg, 39, of Retreat, is trying to raise funds for an artificial limb after his left leg was amputated in July.
The UCT South African College of Music sound engineer’s wife, Renesha Hartzenberg, set up a BackaBuddy account at the beginning of November to raise R160 000 to buy and fit the prosthetic limb from a private health facility.
Mr Hartzenberg became a diabetic in his early 20s, and earlier this year, he developed a painful ulcer under his left foot. He saw a doctor who gave him tablets for pain, but even though the pain subsided, he started walking with a limp and was later no longer able to walk on his left leg.
A debridement of the wound followed at Victoria Hospital, but it wasn’t enough, and Mr Hartzenberg’s leg was amputated, first, below, and then later, above the knee.
“I am diabetic so I did not know much about living with diabetes, so I ignored it, and ignoring it cost me to where I am today,” he said.
“Losing my leg is a huge loss to me, though I am still trying to understand how I must feel.”
He returned to work last month, but he has to get a lift in because he can’t drive.
“I am enjoying being back at work again because while I was recovering, I went nowhere, just perhaps to the shop.”
As a sound engineer, he helps to prepare the Baxter concert hall for music students who use it every Tuesday.
Mr Hartzenberg’s wife is unemployed and the couple have three boys under the age of 10 with no medical aid.
The waiting period for a prosthetic leg from a state hospital could be anywhere from two to three years, said Mr Hartzenberg.
He said the past months had been tough, but he was grateful for the support from his wife and sons.
Mr Hartzenberg said he was now eating much healthier and was strict about taking his medication to control his diabetes.
“I would advise anyone to get something tested, stay healthy, and if you are eating unhealthy it will show in your medical charts,” he said.
To support Mr Hartzenberg, visit backabuddy.co.za and search for: “Help my husband get back on his feet.”
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