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I am a diabetic, Type 2, and visiting my doctor in 2019 for my six-monthly visit was like another death sentence being passed onto me. My kidneys were functioning at a dangerous level of 55% and if I was not careful, I would need kidney dialysis. My doctor looked me straight in the eyes and said, “I am not going to tell you what to eat and I am not going to send you to a dietitian. You, my dear, are going to listen to what your kidneys have to say about the food you eat. If you feel pain after you have eaten something, you write it down on a Never Eat This Again-list and never eat it again. Do you understand me?” I gulped and nodded. What else was there to say? I was totally devastated.

She gave me a new prescription for medication to assist with the functioning of my kidneys, mentioning that she wasn’t sure if my medical scheme was going to approve it. She reasoned it was worth a try, and if it wasn’t approved, I had to go back and she would see what else she could do. I am sure she said this with fingers crossed behind her back, hoping for the best.

But Bestmed, my medical scheme, did approve my medication. No questions asked. And I started my treatment. Six months later, after dedicated hard work and the correct medicine, I got the best news of my life. My renal function had increased to 73%. My HBA1C decreased to 5.5%. My cholesterol overall decreased to 2.7%, therefore, my risk for heart disease had gone down by 100%! Was I happy? I felt like Superwoman. To top it all, I had already lost 24kg at that point and I am still going strong!

My death sentence had turned into a life sentence; one I am glad to serve as it will just result in a healthier me!

Thank you, Bestmed, for being there when I needed it the most; for making sure I get my medicine when it is time to refill my prescription, and for improving my quality of life. It is still a long journey I must travel going forward, but it is worth every step with a medical scheme that truly cares.

Article by Alta Steyn: Bestmed Project Coordinator