By Wasike Elvis
Madam Mary Amodo, a resilient woman from Teso North Malaba, has lived a life marked by pain, uncertainty, and ultimately, a miraculous recovery. Her story is one of unshakable faith, immense personal strength, and the transformative power of compassionate healthcare. For years, Mary struggled with an undiagnosed spinal condition, but through perseverance and the guidance of a dedicated doctor, Dr. Florentius Koech, her life was transformed. Today, she shares her journey as a beacon of hope for others facing similar challenges.
A Painful Beginning
Mary's ordeal began in her teenage years when she suffered a traumatic accident that resulted in severe back pain. However, in the rural area where she grew up, there were no medical facilities capable of diagnosing or treating her condition. Her parents, unable to afford proper medical care, could not help her, and she was left to endure the pain in silence. Simple tasks like sitting down, standing up, and even eating while lying down became excruciatingly painful. She could only sit for two minutes at a time before needing to lie down again, and the pain in her back was ever-present, draining her energy and her spirit.
Yet, despite the severe pain, there was no solution in sight. The lack of medical resources in her area meant that her condition went unaddressed, and for years, Mary suffered in silence. During this time, she learned to adapt to her limitations, but the pain never subsided. Little did she know, this was only the beginning of a much more complicated and painful journey.
Marriage and Pregnancy – A New Challenge
When Mary got married, her condition took a turn for the worse. Pregnancy, something many women experience as a joyous event, became an agonizing trial for her. During her first pregnancy, she found herself crawling on her knees for the first month because the pain in her back was so intense that she could barely stand. Desperate for answers, Mary visited local healthcare facilities, but the doctors could not diagnose the source of her suffering. X-rays were taken, but there was no one with the expertise to read them properly.
Despite the lack of answers, Mary pushed through the pregnancies, enduring unimaginable pain as she carried her children. By the time she had her third child, her condition had worsened drastically. Every day was a struggle. She found it increasingly difficult to perform basic household chores, and she relied heavily on her husband for support. She could no longer sweep the house or engage in daily activities, and her husband became her primary caregiver, offering her emotional and physical support during these dark times.
A Glimmer of Hope
Things reached a breaking point for Mary in 2015, when her condition became so severe that she could barely walk. Her left leg would drag behind her, and she could no longer carry out even the simplest tasks at work. At this point, she sought out advanced medical treatment, hoping to find a solution to her crippling condition.
After her health insurance was activated, Mary visited Mediheal Hospital, where she was diagnosed with fibroids, and surgery was performed to address this issue. The procedure was successful, but the pain in her back persisted. Additional tests were performed, and doctors found no other underlying medical conditions. Feeling frustrated and with little hope left, Mary was referred to a neurosurgeon, Dr. Florentius Koech, who would change her life forever.
Dr. Koech’s Diagnosis: A Life-Changing Revelation
When Dr. Koech reviewed Mary’s medical history and examined her MRI, he immediately noticed the severity of her spinal condition. He was shocked by the state of her back, which was so damaged that it could barely support the weight of her body. Dr. Koech’s words were blunt but truthful: “I don’t expect you to have even half a child because your back cannot sustain that much weight.” At that moment, Mary realized just how dire her situation was.
But Dr. Koech didn’t stop there. He encouraged Mary, telling her that if she accepted surgery and trusted in God, she could survive and live a normal life again. He explained that the surgery would involve inserting screws into her spine to stabilize it, and while it was a risky procedure with a 50/50 chance of success, it was the only option that offered any hope. He emphasized that without surgery, she would not be able to care for her family and would continue to deteriorate.
For Mary, this moment marked the beginning of a journey filled with both fear and hope. She was terrified of the surgery but knew that it was her only chance for survival. Dr. Koech’s words of encouragement and his unwavering belief in her recovery gave her the courage to move forward.
The Struggle to Get the Surgery
However, Mary’s journey to the operating table was not without challenges. Despite being referred to a government hospital for the surgery, Mary faced delays and indifference from hospital staff. When she arrived at MTRH (Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital), the doctors initially ignored her request for Dr. Koech to perform the surgery, assigning another doctor to handle her case.
For days, her surgery was delayed as emergencies took precedence. Every time she was told that the surgery would be postponed, Mary’s faith and determination grew stronger. She prayed and fasted, trusting that God would make a way. Finally, after several days of waiting and enduring the excruciating pain, the news came that Dr. Koech would perform her surgery. It was a moment of immense relief and gratitude, and Mary knew that God had answered her prayers.
A New Beginning
The surgery, which involved spinal fusion and the insertion of screws, was successful. When Mary woke up, she could immediately feel a difference. The unbearable pain that had ruled her life for so long had diminished, and she could move freely for the first time in years. She was overjoyed to find that she could walk again, and for the first time in years, she could speak without pain.
However, her journey was not over. After living with screws in her spine for five years, Mary began to experience sharp, debilitating pain once again. An X-ray revealed that the plates used to stabilize her spine had broken. Despite the setback, Dr. Koech remained committed to her recovery and recommended a second surgery to replace the broken plates. This second procedure, while not easy, was successful, and Mary was once again able to walk without the need for the screws.
A Miracle Unfolds
After the second surgery, Dr. Koech marveled at Mary’s recovery. He told her that, in his professional opinion, it was a miracle that her spine had healed on its own, and that God had played a role in her recovery. The plates were removed, and Mary’s spine had returned to its normal position. Her life, which had been consumed by pain for so many years, was now transformed.
Mary’s healing was nothing short of a miracle, and she credits Dr. Koech for his skill, care, and unwavering faith throughout her journey. She believes that God used Dr. Koech as an instrument of healing, and she is deeply grateful for the doctor’s dedication to her well-being. Her spine, once fragile and broken, had healed against all odds.
A Message of Hope
Today, Mary is living a life she never thought possible. She can walk, talk, and care for her family without pain. Her story has become an inspiration to many who face similar challenges, and she shares her experience with others to give them hope. She believes that with faith, prayer, and the right medical care, anything is possible.
Mary also expresses her gratitude to her family, especially her husband, Pastor Benard Omusolo, who stood by her side through every trial. “You are the reason I’m alive today,” she says to him. Her children, her head teacher Praxides Akisa, and colleagues at Malaba Special School also played a vital role in supporting her throughout her journey.
Mary’s message to others is clear: “Never lose hope. God works miracles, and with faith, anything is possible.”
The Role of Compassionate Healthcare
Mary’s journey also highlights the importance of compassionate, skilled healthcare. She commended the excellent care she received at Tophill Hospital, where she was transferred for post-surgery treatment. She praised the doctors, staff, and management for their professionalism and care, and called on the government to establish more healthcare facilities to ensure that more people can benefit from the same level of care.
Dr. Koech, who Mary considers her hero, remains a source of inspiration. “He is a God-sent servant,” she says, “and I am forever grateful for what he has done for me.”
Mary’s story is a testament to the power of faith, the strength of the human spirit, and the life-changing impact of compassionate medical care. Through her determination, her faith in God, and the expert care provided by Dr. Koech, Mary Amodo has not only survived but thrived. She is living proof that even in the face of the greatest challenges, there is always hope.