VIMLA REDDDY – MEDICAL & PERSONAL STATEMENT

Background and Life Before Illness

I was a healthy, independent, and active woman. I lived and worked in Johannesburg, was employed as an accountant, and led a full and joyful life. I exercised regularly, socialised, entertained friends, attended church, and managed my home without difficulty. I experienced no significant health problems and lived without physical limitations or chronic employment.

I began experiencing pins and needles in my hands and feet, skin rashes, and breathing difficulties. I consulted my general practitioner, who reassured me and prescribed medication for symptom relief. At the time, I did not recognise the severity of these symptoms and proceeded with the second vaccination.

Following the second dose, my symptoms worsened significantly. The pins and needles intensified, rashes spread to other areas of my body, my joints became painful and swollen, and I developed increasing numbness and weakness. I returned to my GP and was referred to Johannesburg Hospital for further investigation.

Diagnosis and Medical Decline

After extensive testing, I was diagnosed in January 2022 with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). I started on Cyclophosphamide chemotherapy, administered monthly, with regular hospital visits for monitoring and blood tests.

Despite the treatment, my condition continued to deteriorate. I experienced increasing muscle weakness, numbness in my hands, impaired coordination, and difficulty performing basic daily tasks such as cooking, washing my hair, and typing. As a result of prolonged illness, hospital admissions, and physical decline, I lost my job in 2022 due to absenteeism and reduced functional capacity.

Hospitalisation, Organ Failure, and Near-Fatal Event

On 30 November 2023, while receiving chemotherapy via intravenous drip, I suffered acute heart failure, accompanied by lung failure. I collapsed during treatment and was later informed that I had clinically died and was resuscitated after approximately eight hours.

This was a profoundly traumatic and life-altering event. I survived, but with lasting physical and emotional consequences.

Following this incident, I was discharged on 06 December 2023, though my health remained fragile. My creatine kinase (CK) levels were dangerously elevated, prompting increased steroid therapy and further immunosuppressive treatment. I was also referred to physiotherapy to relearn basic motor functions such as walking and hand coordination.

Ongoing Complications and Disability

In September 2023, prior to the cardiac event, I underwent cataract surgery due to vision impairment related to prolonged illness and medication use. Unfortunately, my vision did not fully recover, and I now require corrective lenses.

In October 2023, due to my declining health and vulnerability, I relocated to Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, to live with my mother. I am unable to live independently and rely heavily on family support, both physically and financially. I later began receiving a disability grant, which provides minimal relief given the extent of my medical needs.

Healthcare System Challenges After Relocation

After relocating, I attempted to continue my treatment at Northdale Hospital. However, due to resource limitations and administrative delays, I was repeatedly redirected between hospitals. Greys Hospital was unable to accommodate timely appointments, and Greys Hospital advised that they could not continue my treatment due to financial constraints.

By June 2024, my condition had worsened significantly, resulting in hospital admission from 27 June to 12 July 2024, with symptoms including severe muscle weakness, swollen joints, widespread rashes and hives, and iron deficiency.

Further testing led to an additional diagnosis of Antisynthetase Syndrome. I was placed on Rituximab chemotherapy, which was later discontinued due to limited effectiveness, and subsequently transitioned to weekly Methotrexate injections.

Current Medical Status

At present, I remain on:

• Weekly Methotrexate injections

• Preventative TB medication

• Regular Vitamin B6 injections

• Monthly dermatology follow-ups

• Orthopaedic treatment for joint and cartilage damage

Despite extensive treatment, I experience significant side effects and limited symptom relief. I suffer from chronic pain, fatigue, emotional distress, and loss of independence. My physical appearance has changed drastically, including hair thinning and skin changes, which has further impacted my mental health.

Psychological and Emotional Impact

I no longer live the life I once had. I am largely housebound, emotionally distressed, and socially withdrawn. The cumulative effect of chronic illness, disability, financial hardship, and repeated healthcare system challenges has been devastating.

My life changed permanently following subsequent autoimmune disease onset. I continue to seek appropriate medical care, recognition of my condition, and accountability within the healthcare system. I am currently pursuing a vaccine injury-related claim in the hope of obtaining necessary support and relief.