‘I cannot work anymore’ - Woman with multiple medical ailments pleads for assistance

Just a few years ago, Attanna Walker was a vibrant independent woman.

Her job in the customer service field was enough to make ends meet for herself and her son.

Appearing quite healthy, never did it once crossed her mind that a series of medical conditions would render her almost helpless.

Today, Walker is faced with an unfortunate dilemma, as she suffers from cerebellar stroke, tropical spastic paraparesis (TSP), high cholesterol, neurogenic bladder, hypertension, eczema and pulmonary embolism.

When she spoke with THE STAR at her home in Waterhouse, St Andrew, the unbearable pain her body has to endure was evident in her facial expression.

"From 1998, I had high blood pressure but it was controlled. But last year I had a cerebellar stroke and it affect my speech. My limbs are extremely weak so I can hardly move," she explained.

She said up to 2017 things were somewhat normal, until she began having intense pain in her legs. She initially thought long hours of standing because of her job was the cause.

"I was a single mom and a very hard-working person. I used to could do the best for my son. I worked in customer service and use to stand a lot and it was there that my feet started hurting me," Walker said.

"I went to the doctor but the pain medication wasn't working. I saw another doctor and he suggested I do an examination then see an orthopedic surgeon at UHWI (University Hospital of the West Indies). I did therapy for about a year there and then the pain stop."

Walker said although she wasn't feeling any pain, she realised that she continued to walk with a limp. She went back to the University Hospital of the West Indies where she was examined by another orthopedic surgeon in 2022. A series of blood tests were conducted, one of which came back positive for TSP.

"I was in disbelief and it was very hard to accept because I never expected to be in a position like this," she said.

"It gets worse and worse and there is no cure for it. It is very difficult to move around. I will move around but it is very painful, especially in my back. My legs are extremely swollen and I have to walk with a cane but I get tired very easily."

TSP is a chronic and progressive disease of the nervous system that affects adults living in equatorial areas of the world and causes progressive weakness, stiff muscles, muscle spasms, sensory disturbance, and sphincter dysfunction.

In rare cases, individuals with TSP also exhibit uveitis (inflammation of the uveal tract of the eye), arthritis (inflammation of one or more joints), and pulmonary lymphocytic alveolitis (inflammation of the lung).

'IT IS REALLY HARD'

Walker depends on her 25-year-old son mostly for assistance but said his salary is basically a 'hand to mouth' situation. In addition, he is set on completing his final year at college, which will result in him cutting his work hours.

"I told him to complete his final year but he says he is worried about how I will manage as his work hours will be cut. I want him to complete his fourth year. I don't want my illness to hold him back," Walker said.

The distraught woman is reaching out to the public for assistance.

"I cannot work anymore. I would appreciate any assistance I can get with food, transportation and medication. I am now at the stage where I have to wear adult diapers," she said, with sadness.

"I have a NHF card but it doesn't cover a lot of the medication that I take. I have several tests coming up. I have a meds that cost over $30,000. It is really hard."

Persons wishing to assist Attanna Walker may contact her at 876-871-6080. Donations may also be made to her NCB savings account number 305150371, Half-Way-Tree Branch.