On the 16th of July 2001, at 04:00am, my family and I disembarked from a flight from New York after spending six months in France, England, and America. That same evening at 23:00, I operated my first trauma case in the main theatre at Vincent Pallotti Hospital.
It is said that successful beings have a purpose, a vision, and a plan for their life. It certainly helps to have these in place. But then. Then life happens…
An unexpected health event touches close to home, shatters your confidence, makes you realize that life is fragile, and reminds you that you live to die. A pandemic of extreme proportions brings your life to a standstill, wipes out your retirement savings and plans for the future. It upsets your seemingly stable world and challenges you to the core of your being. Different choices must be made. You see opportunities and meet other challenges. A close family member is diagnosed with cancer. An elderly parent presents with health challenges.
These are the personal stories of almost everyone these days. Not to mention world events beyond our households unfolding every day.
And yet, we continue to dream, build and look positively to the future because such is the human spirit: one of courage, built on dreams, hope, and a vision for the future.
As Covid ended, I hit the pause button. While endeavoring to continue serving my patients to the best of my ability, I took time to rethink, regroup and plan for the future. It takes time to plan a better, different future while remaining true to the purpose and values that form your foundation. Those who have walked, ran, tottered, stumbled, and crawled with me on my journey for the last 22 years know that I am uncompromising in my patient care and my availability to serve my patients to the best of my ability.
This process has resulted in restructuring the practice and reinventing our systems and processes. The core practice team of Sr Beryl Mouton and Amori, and I is still intact. We have all been faced with many personal challenges since 2019. We have grown as a team while remaining committed to the practice values.
Building a team to walk the journey with one is tricky. Not everyone dares to climb mountains. Not everyone has the loyalty, commitment, and value system that meets your expectations. Nevertheless, we must build on the foundations of the last 22 years while planning for the future. This will take time.
Making an appointment
Consultation appointments can be made telephonically, on WhatsApp, or by email. Consultation links are available on our website and social media platforms.
Telephonic consultations are available for existing and new patients for specific procedures.
In-person consultations are available every week at each of my practices, depending on the urgency of your concern.
I am dedicated to my consultation process, as this is how we forge a relationship of trust and partnership and build a relationship with your health and well-being at the center of it.
“Thank you for supporting us on the journey planned for the next fifteen years. We hope that you will enjoy the ride. We plan to remain true to our principles while improving our commitment to patient care.”– Dr Struwig
Communication and availability
You have direct access to me through our WhatsApp number at all times. While we request that the number be used for emergencies between 18:00 and 06:00 every day, all queries and concerns can be directed to me on WhatsApp. This forum allows for direct and immediate contact and resolution of your problems.
Administrative queries and concerns are best emailed to Amori at her email address. Still, she does respond to all administrative questions and concerns on WhatsApp.
Emails are a cost and time-practical contact point. All emails are forwarded directly to Amori, who will ensure they are referred to the correct person in the practice and attended to efficiently and effectively.
We have one central telephone line that connects all three practices. Therefore, you only need to phone one number, and our reception team will be able to connect you with any other team member, regardless of the practice they are working from every day.
I can reach any of my practices within 45minutes of travel time, and I visit each of my practices at least once every week.
Availability, accessibility, and assistance remain the essence of who I am and what I offer as your plastic surgeon.
Sharing information, inspiration, and humor
This is the foundation on which we build our future.
Our new website is live and presents information in an easy-to-understand format. The website is supported by our social media platforms.
Please visit these regularly to access the newest articles, information, and happenings in the practice.
Our newsletter will resume from this edition, and you can look forward to finding it in your inbox several times a year. If you have particular topics you would like me to discuss, ideas you want to share with me, or tips and tricks you like us to share with you, please email me.
My five tips for preparing for your surgery
Information: Know what your procedure entails – the surgery, the planning, and the recovery. What do you need to do before and after surgery to ensure that you recover?
Organise: Organise your life, work, and household so that those dependent on you are cared for.
Optimal health: Ensure you are in the best physical and psychological condition (mind and body) before surgery. Follow a healthy diet and make sure that you sleep enough.
Trust the team: If you decide to proceed with surgery, trust the team supporting you before and after surgery: follow their advice, and ask them for clarity.
Accept discomfort: Accept that some discomfort will be part of the process, but remember that this is temporary.
My five tips for recovering from your surgery
Follow a healthy diet: You must eat enough protein and hydrate adequately.
Keep moving: Gentle movement is essential after surgery. You might have to restrict your exercise, but you can keep moving. Gentle walks are perfect.
Pain medication: Use your pain medication if you need it. You are not “tough” if you don’t use pain medication. Well-used pain medication can accelerate the healing process.
Adequate sleep: The importance of sleep for recovery is underrated. Make sure you get 7 to 8 hours of sleep for recovery.
Patience: Recovery and healing take time. It cannot be rushed.
