At 64 years, her brighter days were ahead but unfortunately on the 18th September 2016 Auntie Gladys breathed her last breath at 2:34 PM local time. She passed into eternity.
How did this happen?
In 2015, precisely February 2015 Auntie Gladys complained of knee pains. We thought it was just some arthritis pain so she took normal pain killers to make the pains go away. After 2 months and still not subsiding, we decided to get a thorough medical assessment. After the medical assessment, it was recommended both of her knees have to be replaced with the right knee the most damaged. We accepted the doctors’ recommendations and in November 2015 Auntie Gladys had her first knee operated upon by a renowned orthopaedic specialist from London England.
Auntie Gladys recovered after 14 days and started walking and working. She was very happy with what was done and wanted her second knee to be done as well for full & total recovery.
In 2016, we decided to allow her some time to heal and then go for the second surgery. And in July 2016 Auntie Gladys indicated she was ready for the second surgery. We contacted the specialist and he agreed to perform the second surgery in September. All fees and charges were paid for and on 1st September 2016 her second surgery was scheduled.
We spoke with Auntie Gladys on the 31st August, 2016 and she was very happy that she was going for her next surgery and hoping she would come out stronger and better to be able to do more than before. She was looking forward to bigger and better things after her surgery. She wanted to spend more time with her grand kids and also help in supervising other ongoing projects that the kids were embarking upon.
On the 1st September 2016, her second knee surgery was done and it was successful. According to the doctors the surgery went well and expected her to recover in 5 days. But after 5 days we realised she was still not fully recovered because she had an extended bowel. The doctors did more test and realised she had developed an intestinal gangrene due to a perforation of the intestines. Which had nothing to do with her knee surgery.
Upon recommendation from the doctors, we agreed to a second surgery to resection her gangrenous intestines. According to the doctors she had a laparotomy and resection of the gangrenous part of the bowels and was sent to the ICU for monitoring and check up.
Her condition improved and deteriorated after some days. After 4 days, we realised she couldn’t produce urine and hence requested a dialysis. An attempt at dialysis sent her blood pressure crushing down and hence the dialysis was aborted.
She was then put on life support and after 10 days she started producing urine and other vital stats improved. We thought Auntie Gladys was coming along and will pull through. In the morning of the 18th September 2016 the nurses thought she was coming along well so they took the life support and oxygen off from Auntie Gladys. But unfortunately, on the 18th September 2016 at 2:34 PM Auntie Gladys breathed her last breath and went into eternity.
As much as we are grieving and are in pain, we are also thankful to the Almighty Lord for His provision. For giving us such a wonderful mother and a humane personality who was an embodiment of Christ in us.
She touched and blessed many and her life will not be forgotten.
We take consolation from Job 1: 21…………. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised. (NIV)