DUNGA DERBY by Kerrie Alexander
EASING STEPS TO RECOVERY A simple stomach-ache turned into a life-threatening illness and months of recovery for Maryborough’s Anna Pittard.
The mother-of-four’s world was turned upside instantly; not being able to care for her children or go to work to bring in an income. However, some of that financial stress was taken off the Maryborough family’s shoulders when Rally for a Cause stepped in to help.
Anna’s story was nominated to the committee, and they
didn’t hesitate to assist.
So, to all those individuals and business that donate or sponsor the Dunga Derby, the RFAC biggest annual fundraiser, this is the amazing way your funds are making a difference. A total of just over $1.8 million has now been raised for the Dunga Derby, which has helped 140 local families and individuals affected by life-limiting medical conditions or who have had their lives turned upside down by sudden death or disability.
ANNA’S story S unday, November 1 was just a normal Sunday afternoon enjoying an afternoon beer and swim at a friend’s place. We returned home later, feeling great.
During that night I started getting stomach pains and just dismissed it as something I ate. Come Monday morning I was still experiencing discomfort which gradually got worse throughout the day and come 3pm, I struggled to pick my kids up from school and could barely walk by the time I got home.
My partner arrived at my house around 5pm and insisted he take me to A&E at the hospital. I was put straight through for further testing. I was then transferred to another local hospital for a CT scan and ultrasounds and once I was there, I was given antibiotics an ultrasound and sent home the next morning. On Tuesday, November 3, being Melbourne Cup Day, I attempted to go to work but was sent home due to being too sick. 26
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Two days later the pain in my stomach became so severe that I was taken to my local hospital again, but by an ambulance this time. Minimal tests were done, no scans either when I requested it, and I was told I was better off at home than in hospital as stress can cause pain. I was told to see a counsellor!
Unhappy with the outcome, I went to my own GP the same day and was given some pain relief and continued taking oral antibiotics. A week later I was still feeling terrible and in pain. I struggled to complete my shifts at work. So back to my local GP where he sent me for a CT scan, once the results came in, my Dr rang me, told me not to go to work but straight to hospital in which I was admitted with an infection in my stomach. I was started on intravenous antibiotics, and a stomach drain was put in four days later. I then spent three long weeks in hospital with a suspected