15/06/2017
And so CONNECTIVE THERAPY became news!
My Story:
Emergency Services Chaplaincy and Trauma Support asked Chaplin Joyce to make contact with me when my husband had a major back operation at Wilgers Hospital and I had to go for tests at Unitas Hospital. The past three years has been very difficult for us with constant and big medical challenges we had to face. We were really feeling very dispirited and frail.
Joyce contacted me on Thursday and requested if she might give us a visit to give me support, as it came to her knowledge, that I am having a really rough time. I invited her to our home, as my husband was just discharged from hospital.
Joyce came to our home, even though we live in Hartbeespoortdam, on Friday afternoon and spoke to me and my husband. She was like a friend from start. She left late on Friday night after a wonderful evening and the assurance that she is only a phone call away.
On Saturday morning when we woke up, my husband was covered in blood. I called the Neurosurgeon and he said that I must bring my husband to hospital without any delay. I panicked and called Joyce and informed her about the crisis. When I arrived at Wilgers Hospital, Joyce was already at the hospital waiting for us. I was really feeling so relieved!
While I was busy with the admission of my husband, Joyce stayed with my husband. The Neurosurgeon informed us, that my husband will be going to the theatre at 14:00, for an emergency operation. Joyce stayed with me all the time, until she was satisfied that I am fine.
My husband was in hospital for 5 days and was then transferred to Intercare Hospital, Hazealdene, for rehabilitation. He was there for one week. In this time, Joyce stayed in contact with me and helped me to adopt to the trauma, life style changes and challenges we had to now face. In the weeks that followed, I saw Joyce weekly for Trauma Therapy.
Joyce also helped me through my gastroscopy and now I am on the Lifestyle Program to help me to eat mindfully, loose weight sustainably and to prepare for the surgery on my Hernia.
In general, I feel a lot more in control of my life, again. This is a luxuary I never thought I will have again!
Joyce has a passion for her work and never hesitated to offer help. Since we met Joyce our life has really changed. We are more at ease and look differently at challenges. We are confidently and hopefully preparing for our challenges. I now recommend Joyce to all my friends.
Melody Pieterse