Eli Mwanza, a 70-year-old patient from Mumias, Kakamega County, has defied the odds after years of suffering from debilitating back pain, thanks to the expert care he received at Tophill Hospital. Eli's inspiring journey from severe pain to recovery highlights the importance of seeking the right medical treatment and trusting in the expertise of healthcare professionals.
Eli first began experiencing discomfort in his lower back in January 2022. What initially seemed like mild pain soon escalated, spreading to the right side of his body. Despite visiting several medical facilities and undergoing numerous X-rays, the pain persisted. Doctors attributed his condition to muscle strain and prescribed painkillers, but the discomfort only worsened over time, making basic tasks such as walking, driving, and even sitting increasingly difficult.
By early 2024, Eli’s condition had reached a breaking point. The pain became so severe that it hindered his ability to perform daily activities. Determined to find a solution, Eli sought advice from friends and family who had experienced similar spinal issues and had found successful treatments at Tophill Hospital in Eldoret. Encouraged by glowing recommendations, Eli decided to visit the hospital in January 2024, hoping for a chance at recovery.
At Tophill, Eli was promptly attended to by the hospital's expert team. Using advanced medical technology, including a state-of-the-art MRI system, doctors were able to quickly diagnose him with spinal stenosis—a condition where the spinal canal narrows and puts pressure on the nerves, causing excruciating pain. Eli was amazed at how swiftly the diagnosis was made, thanks to the hospital's modern digital imaging system that transmitted MRI results directly to doctors for rapid interpretation.
Dr. Florentius Koech, the lead surgeon at Tophill, initially recommended surgery but also offered an alternative option—an epidural steroid injection to provide temporary pain relief. Concerned about the emotional and financial implications of surgery, Eli opted for the injection. On February 22, 2024, he underwent the procedure, and the results were immediate. For the first time in months, Eli walked out of the hospital without the assistance of a walking stick.
Despite the initial relief, Dr. Koech warned Eli that the injection’s effects would not be permanent and that surgery might be necessary down the line. Unfortunately, in October 2024, Eli experienced a flare-up of the same debilitating pain after a rough car ride from church. The pain became so severe that he was unable to sit in a vehicle or walk without help. Unable to manage the pain, Eli had to rely on a hired Red Cross ambulance to transport him back to Tophill for a follow-up visit.
A fresh MRI revealed that Eli’s spinal discs had collapsed, leaving surgery as the only viable option to alleviate the pain and restore his mobility. After discussing his options with Dr. Koech, Eli made the decision to proceed with surgery, trusting that it would be the best path to regain his quality of life.
On December 3, 2024, Eli underwent successful spinal decompression surgery at Tophill. Dr. Koech and his team removed part of Eli’s vertebral column to create more space for the nerves and inserted screws to stabilize his spine. Despite his age, Eli’s recovery was nothing short of remarkable. Within 24 hours, he was able to move and walk without assistance, and just three days later, he was discharged from the hospital—pain-free and filled with renewed hope.
Eli expressed his deep gratitude to Dr. Koech and the entire Tophill team for their outstanding care. “Dr. Koech’s service is top-notch,” Eli said. “His care and dedication reminded me of the late Mother Teresa—his compassion and expertise made all the difference in my recovery.”
Eli also praised the staff at Tophill for their exceptional service, including the nurses, administrative team, and kitchen staff. “The nurses here are amazing! They’re truly dedicated to their work and treat every patient with compassion. The food is nutritious, and even the accounts staff are so efficient and friendly. I felt like I was part of a family here,” he shared.
Eli’s journey is a powerful reminder of the importance of seeking the right medical treatment and not giving up in the face of persistent pain. He encourages others to trust their healthcare providers and to seek help when needed. “Don’t be afraid to seek help and go to the right facility. It’s never too late to get the treatment you need to restore your health and live a pain-free life,” Eli said.
Eli also highlighted the role of SHA Insurance in making his surgery more affordable. The insurance provider covered a portion of his surgical costs, and Eli recommends that all Kenyans consider enrolling in SHA Insurance to ensure they have access to quality medical care when needed.
Reflecting on Eli’s case, Dr. Koech commented, “Eli’s symptoms were severe, and his quality of life had deteriorated significantly. Despite his age, we decided to proceed with surgery after confirming the spinal stenosis diagnosis. The results have been extraordinary—Eli is now pain-free and able to walk again, and his recovery is progressing well.”
At Tophill Hospital, we are proud to have played a role in Eli’s remarkable recovery. Our mission is to provide the highest quality of care to our patients and to make a real difference in their lives. As Eli’s story proves, no one should have to live with pain when there is a path to healing and recovery.
We wish Eli continued health and happiness as he moves forward on his journey to full recovery.