By Nuru Salim
Masika Chirema Dzanu, a 51-year-old woman from Bengo, Lunga Lunga Sub-county has finally received treatment for the removal of a painful 5kg growth on her back that she had been living with for the past eight years.
Despite seeking help from several hospitals, including Lunga Lunga Subcounty Hospital and Msambweni Hospital, she was unable to find a solution leaving her to endure immense discomfort.
The growth made it nearly impossible for Masika to sleep comfortably or carry out daily tasks.
Over the years, it caused not only physical pain but also emotional distress. At home, she faced stigma, with people claiming that she had been bewitched because of the mass.
After several failed attempts to find effective treatment, Masika’s journey led her to Samburu Level 4 Sub-county Hospital, where she was received by medical officer Dr. Mwahanje J.M.
Following an assessment, Dr. Mwahanje referred her to Dr. Jasper Mriphe, a surgeon who scheduled her for surgery.
Dr. Mriphe recalled, “She came and I took her like any other patient, I did the necessary scanning and confirmed that the mass was there and I was confident I could perform the surgery successfully.” He noted that Masika’s condition was critical when she arrived.
On Thursday, the 19th December 2024, Dr. Mriphe, assisted by Dr. Christine and theater nurse Thaddeus Malice performed the surgery which took about an hour to remove the mass.
Speaking to Coast Times Digital Dr. Mriphe explained that the swelling was a type D9, which is non-cancerous and different from malignant growths.
“D9 is a swelling that has no symptoms of cancer, unlike the malignant type. Hers was D9, which contained excessive oil. We had to remove the oil, and as a result, it left a wound,” he said.
Following the successful removal of the mass, Dr. Mriphe informed Masika that the wound, which extended along her lower back, would take between one month to eight weeks to heal, provided she followed proper medical care.
With the mass removed, Masika’s life is set to change. She is no longer burdened by the heavy growth, and for the first time in years, she can live without the discomfort and stigma that has plagued her daily life.
The successful surgery at Samburu Sub-county Hospital has given Masika a new lease on life, and she is now looking forward to a future free from the pain and isolation she once endured.
Recently Samburu hospital in Kinango made another breakthrough after helping a pregnant woman in successfully holding her 13th baby through CS after losing 12 pregnancies in different hospitals within coast region.
The hospital that was recently upgraded to level four hospital with specialists working around the clock to serve patients to their satisfaction.
The story of Masika is one of many other patients who have been served at the hospital with patients traveling from as far as Malindi to get treatment.
Those interviewed by Coast Times Digital paints a picture of hospital staff who are welcoming and friendly.
