In under one week 600-pound Marissa Nelson will be admitted to the Eric Williams Medical (EWMSC) where she would undergo an intense weight loss programme by a team of specialised doctors.
Once the weight is shed, Nelson would have two surgeries done by the country’s leading gastric bypass surgeon, Dr Dilip Dan.
Also her bedroom would be repaired, tiled, painted, furnished and air-conditioned in the coming weeks.
The commitment was given to Nelson yesterday by Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh, who visited her Johnson Street, Valencia, home with Social Development and Family Services Minister, Cherrie-Ann Crichlow-Cockburn, and Toco/Sangre Grande MP, Glenda Jennings-Smith, to render assistance.
Last Tuesday, the 32-year-old woman pleaded with Government to intervene and provide specialist medical care, urgent medication and a 24-hour caregiver in the T&T Guardian and on CNC3 television, which led to an outpouring of support.
Nelson suffers with lymphoedema, which has left her limbs enormously swollen and overweight.
For the past four years Nelson has been confined to her bed because of her medical condition and weight.
She lives alone and depends on the generosity of her neighbours and her 68-year-old mother, Sylvia, who is an amputee, for assistance to do the simplest of chores.
Deyalsingh and Crichlow-Cockburn thanked Guardian Media Ltd for bringing Nelson’s plight to their attention.
Overjoyed by the news, Nelson said after nine years of pleading, help had finally come her way.
“I am really happy and excited for all the attention I have received. I think I made history. It’s a bit overwhelming. Where there is life there is hope.
“I know this is not going to happen overnight but I am willing to do whatever it takes to get my life back and health back on track. It has been long overdue. I don’t intend to spend another ten years here while my life is just wasting away,” Nelson said.
Deyalsingh said having spoken to Chief of Staff at the EWMSC Dr Andy Bhagwandass, the ministry was prepared to put together a team of doctors, including Dr Dan, to help Nelson’s health improve.
Deyalsingh said the team of doctors would be from San Fernando General Hospital, EWMSC and Sangre Grande Hospital.
“Before we can do surgery we have to assess you medically. We are going to put you on a weight lost programme. We are prepared to make a special bed for you in Mt Hope and once you can come down to a certain weight and is fit for surgery we will start a two-part surgery on a gastric bypass.
“We are prepared to do all of that. So you have the whole Government behind you.”
Deyalsingh said that would be a permanent solution to Nelson’s weight battles.
From next week, Deyalsingh said Nelson would be medically assessed following which doctors would put her on the programme.
“Once she starts to lose the weight... she would have to undergo some light physio until she is done... to fight the weight to do the surgeries.”
Deyalsingh said it was all up to Nelson’s determination and will power to shed the pounds so it was impossible to give a time frame when the surgeries would take place.
“I am making you a promise. When you leave this room to go for surgery we will make sure that this room is refurbished. So when you come back... you will come back as a new person to a new room. I will get some private sector help so that is an incentive to leave here and come to the hospital,” Deyalsingh.
However, Nelson said she was willing to go the full distance to reduce her size.
“I am willing. I have the support. I am getting the help and whatever it takes I am going to do so.”