I grew up on a farm in Wrey’s Bush, Invercargill, and after meeting my late husband, we moved to Otatara and then Invercargill, where we were blessed with five sons. I’ve had a wonderful life, and now, at 78, I am just grateful to be back on my feet after a whirlwind health issue, surrounded by love, support, and strength.
I had always been a healthy, active person, but at 77, things were starting to become a little harder. To stay active, I began attending Taurite Tū (in November 2022), a kaupapa Māori strength and balance class for Kaumātua, at Te Tomairangi Marae every Wednesday. I loved it - the exercises helped me manage the day-to-day tasks at home. I felt strong and capable. But life took an unexpected turn when I started to feel unwell.
At first, it was small things: I could barely lift my arm, and there was this persistent feeling that something was wrong. I went to the doctor, and I was diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome and bursitis. But the treatments didn’t seem to be working.
Instead, things got worse. I could hardly walk, and there were nights when I couldn’t move at all. I’d end up lying on the floor, helpless, calling one of my sons in the early hours of the morning to come help me. There were times when I didn’t want to disturb anyone and would just lie there for hours, hoping the pain would pass.
Frustrated, I went back to the doctor, but I didn’t receive the support I was hoping for. That was the last straw. My son contacted my other son, and together, they decided it was time to take matters into their own hands. We went to Southland Hospital, where we waited for several hours, but when we saw the nurse, there wasn’t much they could do. My son insisted that I needed to go back to the hospital, but I said no! I would call Emma, the Kaumātua Kaiawhina at Ngā Kete, someone I knew I could trust.
I had met Emma, the Kaumātua Kaiawhina at Ngā Kete through Taurite Tū and she was someone I trusted. She always asked me about my health and how I was getting on.
After I reached out to her, she quickly got me an appointment with a doctor at Ngā Kete. I saw Dr Janice Sargent, who was a breath of fresh air. Her approach was different - she listened, truly heard me, and put me on new medication. After more tests, Dr Sargent diagnosed me with polymyalgia, an inflammatory condition affecting muscles and joints, causing pain and stiffness. It turned out the treatments I was on hadn’t been working because I had been misdiagnosed.
The battle wasn’t over yet, but I began to make progress. Slowly, with each passing day, I regained strength. During this tough time, my sons were my lifeline. They took turns staying with me, helping me with everything - feeding me, dressing me, doing whatever was needed to make sure I was okay. They even joked that I only got sick so I could have a week with each of them!
This illness was unlike anything I’d ever experienced. I had cared for my dad, my husband, and my brother throughout his cancer journey, but I never imagined I would be the one needing help.
Through it all, Emma was there for me. She guided me through the maze of healthcare, helped me get the right treatment, and made sure I was well taken care of. I truly feel that Emma saved my life. If I ever need her again, I know she’ll be there.
The nurse from Ngā Kete, who runs a clinic at Te Tomairangi every week, has also been incredible. I visited her regularly for blood pressure checks, and I’m so grateful for the Kaumātua KoriKori Tinana. The care provided through Taurite Tū and Ngā Kete was a lifeline for me.
Before long, I was feeling better and couldn’t wait to get back to Taurite Tū. It was amazing how much the kaimahi cared about my wellbeing. The environment there is healing, and the sense of community and support made everything a little easier to bear.
It’s been a long road, but with the right people by my side, I’m finally climbing to the top of that hill. The battle isn’t over, but I’m getting there. Thanks to the care of those who’ve helped me, I’m nearly back to my normal self.
Kaumātua Hapori Tautoko Service
Supporting Kaumātua wellbeing and independence – Hauora Oranga
Our Kaumātua Kaiawhina can assist you with:
The Kaumātua Hapori Tautoko Service is guided by the pou of Te Whare Tapa Whā Māori Health model, to support better outcomes for our kaumātua.
Contact: Emma Furlonge on 022 599 7556 for more information
