Shelmith Gima, is a 35-year-old mother of four (4) living in Muranga County. She developed fistula in 2019 while delivering her third child. She had prolonged labour. After receiving her bundle of joy and proceeding home, her glee was short-lived as she realized that she had no control of either her urine or stool flow. She had suffered recto-vaginal fistula.
In a bid to get help, Shelmith went back to hospital but was referred for physiotherapy. She religiously performed the recommended exercises but there was no change. This caused her to fall into server post-natal depression. She tried seeking help from other hospitals, but none was able to help her and where there was a possibility of getting help, the cost of treatment was too high. She accepted her fate and learnt how to live with it.
To manage her situation, she would wear a sanitary pad when taking her child to the clinic, otherwise she walked bare and let it be. She often stayed at home and was unable to work. She limited movement to when it was extremely necessary. When she did venture out of her home, she ensured it was for a short period. She also frequented the washroom to check herself and ensure that she had not soiled herself.
Luckily, Shelmith has a good support system, and did not have to suffer in silence. She had shared her troubles with her husband, sisters and one friend who continuously reassured her that she would one day get treatment. On 10th June 2024, she received a text message from Safaricom foundation about a medical camp at Thika Level 5 Hospital. She made the necessary arrangements and planned to travel on 11thJune 2024. Shelmith arrived at the hospital early on 11th June and upon screening she was confirmed to be a suitable candidate for surgery.
On 12th June 2024, Shelmith successfully went through corrective surgery and is recovering well. She is overwhelmed with joy and feels blessed to have gotten the opportunity for treatment. She is grateful to M-PESA Foundation, the Flying Doctors Society of Africa, and Royal Media Services for the help she has received and looks forward to living a fulfilling life. She encourages women to speak up about their situation and urges Flying Doctors Society of Africa to seek out more women suffering from fistula as several are too shy to speak out.
