A man’s rapid descent from fighting flu symptoms to sudden paralysis has left him uncertain about his ability to walk again. Tinus Greyling, a 35-year-old software engineer, had been battling the flu for nearly two weeks before being hospitalized due to a severe fever.
Within a short span of 15 minutes, Tinus found himself paralyzed from the chest down, losing control of his bladder and bowels, a consequence believed to be triggered by the flu. This unexpected turn of events left Tinus in shock, as he had been leading an active and independent life with plans to move to Ireland with his wife, Megan, to be closer to family.
The couple had both suffered severe flu symptoms after attending a wedding in July 2025, prompting Tinus to seek medical attention when his condition worsened. Despite initial treatment for flu, Tinus’ health deteriorated rapidly, leading to excruciating pain and paralysis.
Further medical examinations revealed that Tinus had developed transverse myelitis, an inflammatory condition affecting the spinal cord and nerves. The flu virus he had contracted was identified as the likely trigger for this condition, causing an autoimmune response that led to spinal cord inflammation.
Doctors informed Tinus that his condition was incurable, raising uncertainty about his ability to walk again. Following a three-month hospitalization period and intensive therapy, Tinus returned home, adapting to his new reality with the support of his wife and friends.
Although faced with challenges in his daily life, Tinus remains positive and grateful for the ability to work from home. He is exploring stem cell therapy as a potential treatment option, acknowledging the financial strain it poses due to uncovered medical expenses.
Despite the hurdles, Tinus maintains hope and determination to walk again, driven by his dream of starting a family with his wife. A fundraising initiative has been launched to support Tinus in accessing necessary treatments, reflecting the community’s generosity and solidarity in his journey towards recovery.
