KOTA BARU – Obesity and a host of other health problems have severely affected the quality of life of a 40-year-old woman living in Taman Desa Rimbunan Peringat here.
Rosmarina Che Ghani, who weighs 150kg, said her size and swollen feet make it difficult for her to move about.
She said health problems arising from her weight saw her slipping into a 12-day coma last December.
“Obesity has caused me to suffer various diseases, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and chronic asthma, making me dependent on medication,” she told reporters at her home today.
“Due to being overweight, I have to walk slowly and hold on to the walls in the house, and I can do only light chores.”
She said it never struck her that her weight would have such an impact on her life until she was rushed to Universiti Sains Malaysia Hospital in Kubang Kerian and placed in intensive care after she fell into a coma.
The episode has made her determined to lose weight and focus on attaining good health.
Rosmarina said she is required to attend appointments at the hospital.
“Usually, in a month, I have two appointments, but due to financial and transport issues, I often have to change the dates, or not attend at all.”
She said her health woes forced her to stop running a small-scale food business three years ago.
Life became even more difficult when her husband, Ahmad Dusuki Aziz, 40, was let go from his job as a factory security guard last December.
“However, I am grateful for the RM250 cash assistance from the Welfare Department. It goes towards my medical expenses, and helps cover the cost of commuting to the hospital,” said Rosmarina.
She hopes to get an electric wheelchair to increase her mobility, as well as a bed, as she now sleeps on a chair.
Those who wish to ease her burden can channel donations to her Bank Simpanan Nasional account at 0301441000154726. – Bernama, February 10, 2021