Louis Van Reusel
After adjudicating at the 21st SAKKS National Koi Show in Gauteng on the 19th & 20th May Louis stayed out there to enjoy the scenery. Unfortunately shortly after he contracted acute pneumonia which then spread throughout his whole system and then affected his breathing, blood pressure and heart rate. He ended up in the intensive care unit of Alberlito hospital near Durban and during that first 24 hours the doctors were very concerned about the outcome.
Thankfully by the end of the first weekend they were able to isolate and identify the bacteria causing his condition and start treatment with the correct antibiotics. Within a few days Louis was responding well. However, It took another week before Louis was fully conscious and able to communicate.
On 8th June we received reports that Louis is recovering well and although weak is able to enjoy a good read (Koi books) and is now just waiting to be released. However, before he can be discharged he needs physio to build up his strength and re-learn to walk. On the 11th we heard that Louis was now up and about albeit with the aid of a zimmer-frame. Early prognosis is that Louis might be discharged by the end of this week. Once discharged he will require a period of convalescence of around two weeks before he will be allowed to fly home.
Louis was due to judge at the Euregio show in Holland on 2&3rd June and the Crouch Valley show on the 9th & 10th, but for obvious reasons has had to miss them. Nevertheless one of the first things he did upon regaining consciousness was to ensure that these shows were made aware of his predicament so that replacements could be organised.
All the while this was going on Louis wife Josee a familiar face on the UK showgrounds where Louis judges was at his side and the members of SAKKS especially the KwaZulu Natal chapter were looking after both her and Louis and will continue to do so until he is able to return home.
