Stella Nyambura is a 37-year-old mother of three from Baringo. She travelled 222km, all the way to Tharaka Nithi hoping to get a solution to her problem. When I speak to her the joy and elation is clear in her voice.
Having successfully delivered two children, Stella did not anticipate developing any complications. Like any other mother, she was excited to meet her bundle of joy. At the time of delivery, Stella encountered some challenges. Her child was too large. The baby was four-kilograms heavy and caused her to suffer tears during delivery. The doctor attending to her was not thorough in stitching the wound causing her more problems than good. Because of the poor stitching, Stella was unable to pass stool neither could she control her urine flow.
Stella tried to seek medical assistance severally but kept getting turned away because the wound had already healed. She sought help at the District Hospital and the doctor who attended to her told her that he would transfer her to Eldoret Teaching and Referral Hospital. He however gave a caveat and stated that it would be costly. Due to her limited finances, going to Eldoret for treatment was not an option for Stella.
To manage her condition, Stella had to remain hydrated and to eat light foods. She was extremely embarrassed by this situation. She could not interact with others because she was afraid of soiling herself. Her self-esteem took a plunge and she sat in solitude most days. She did not feel like a complete woman. Luckily, her husband was extremely supportive. At first, she did not share her problem with him, but he noticed that she was always sitting outside, and he tried to find out what the problem was. When she shared with him, he stood by her and assisted her to find solutions for her. He got her a bucket to use while in the house. He stood by her and encouraged her.
While performing her household chores, Stella heard about the Flying Doctors Society of Africa’s medical camp on Innoro FM. She was determined to attend and not miss out on the opportunity. She travelled from Eldoret and successfully got surgery on 24th May 2022. She couldn’t be happier with the results. She feels confident and has an improved self-esteem. Stella says that she now feels like a complete woman.
Stella is excited at the possibilities the future holds. She is grateful to the Flying Doctors Society of Africa. She also encourages women suffering fistula to be bold and come out to seek help.
