Dr. Katinka van der Merwe of The Spero Clinic Featured in South African TV Program Carte Blanche


Heather Botha, a South African 14 year suffers from CRPS

“Dr. Van der Merwe is really our last hope,” Botha said

Dr. Katinka van der Merwe was recently featured in a segment on the Carte Blanche in South Africa. This eight and half minute segment highlighted some truly incredible children suffering from rare and debilitating conditions. One story of this segment features a patient named Heather Botha, age 14, of South Africa. Botha suffers from a rare condition known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome(CRPS).

Heather has been battling this disorder since 2018, when she damaged nerves in her hand that would not heal. She was not taken seriously and ignored by medical professionals for months. This condition causes excruciating pain that occurs 24 hours a day. The level of pain experienced is disproportionate to the initial injury. The diagnosis of CRPS was eventually confirmed through a bone scan.

For Botha, the most severe pain of her condition is caused by noise. Even low volume noises, such as the chirping of birds, can be excruciating. She describes the pain as being burned and feels betrayed by her body. The pain has now spread to her feet, leaving the young teen wheelchair-bound. Although there is no cure for CRPS, Botha would be an ideal candidate for Dr. Katinka’s treatment.

“Dr Van der Merwe is really our last hope,” Botha said. The Spero Clinic has agreed to charge Botha’s family only 10% of the typical costs of treatment. Her community is working hard to raise the funds required to get the teen the treatment she needs.

Families of children with rare diseases, such as Botha’s condition, are often treated as if the child is being dramatic, and/or over-exaggerating their pain. Many doctors have never heard of these rare conditions that can cause these debilitating symptoms.

Dr. Katinka van der Merwe and the staff at the Spero Clinic understand what these families are going through. This is because Dr. van der Merwe has seen these conditions firsthand in children all over the world. She has developed a pain treatment plan that boasts an 84% success rate. Her holistic and non-invasive approaches have changed the lives of countless children and their families.

If you are suffering from CRPS, please contact our office directly

More About The Spero Clinic & Dr. Katinka van der Merwe

Dr. Katinka van der Merwe is the founder and CEO of The Spero Clinic in Fayetteville, Arkansas. She has dedicated her life and career to helping patients who suffer from chronic and/or debilitating pain find relief from their conditions. The Spero Clinic is also now offering a short-term introductory program for patients of all ages who may benefit from Dr. Katinka’s methods. Patients will have the opportunity to interact with other patients, members of the clinic’s staff, and decide if The Spero Clinic is right for them.

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