70-Year-Old Eli Mwanza Overcomes Spinal Surgery at Tophill Hospital, Eldoret

Eli Mwanza, a 70-year-old resident of Mumias, Kakamega County, has overcome a debilitating spinal condition that left him in excruciating pain for over two years. His journey to recovery began in 2022, after experiencing severe back pain that progressively worsened, but it wasn’t until 2024 that he found lasting relief. The breakthrough came after he sought treatment at Tophill Hospital in Eldoret, where advanced medical technology and expert care finally helped him regain control of his life.

Mwanza’s health ordeal started in January 2022, when he first began feeling pain in his lower back. Initially, the discomfort seemed manageable, but over time, it intensified, radiating to the right side of his body along his spinal cord. Concerned, Mwanza visited several medical facilities over the next two years. Despite undergoing numerous X-rays, the diagnosis was unclear, and most doctors attributed his symptoms to muscle strain, prescribing painkillers as a temporary solution.

However, the pain never subsided. Instead, it continued to worsen, affecting Mwanza’s daily activities and quality of life. In early 2024, the pain became unbearable. What began as an occasional ache in his back turned into excruciating discomfort that made even the simplest tasks—such as walking, sitting, or driving—difficult and distressing. At this point, Mwanza realized that he needed to explore other options for treatment.

By January 2024, he had reached a breaking point. Desperate for a solution, Mwanza sought advice from friends and family who had encountered similar health problems. It was through these conversations that he learned about Tophill Hospital in Eldoret, a facility known for its successful treatments of spine-related issues. Six different people had shared their positive experiences with Tophill, where they had received successful treatments for spine problems similar to his own. This glowing recommendation inspired Mwanza to take the next step and visit the hospital, despite his previous frustrations with other healthcare providers.

On January 31, 2024, Mwanza arrived at Tophill Hospital, where he was immediately seen by Dr. Florentius Koech, the lead surgeon. Dr. Koech ordered an MRI, and the results were transmitted digitally through the hospital’s modern imaging system—a highly efficient process that allowed for accurate interpretation of the images in just two hours. Mwanza was astonished by how quickly the results came in, and he was immediately informed about the severity of his condition. Dr. Koech explained that the problem stemmed from spinal stenosis, a condition in which the spinal canal narrows, putting pressure on the nerves and causing significant pain and disability.

After reviewing the MRI, Dr. Koech explained that surgery would likely be necessary. However, due to Mwanza’s financial and emotional concerns, he was not ready for the procedure at that time. In response, Dr. Koech suggested an alternative: an epidural steroid injection to manage the pain temporarily. The injection was performed on February 22, 2024, and remarkably, Mwanza experienced immediate relief. For the first time in months, he was able to walk without the aid of a walking stick. It was a huge milestone in his recovery, and Mwanza was hopeful that this treatment would provide lasting relief.

Despite the improvement, Dr. Koech cautioned that the injection would only provide temporary relief, as it was not a permanent solution to the underlying issue. He advised Mwanza to consider surgery at a later stage if the pain returned. Unfortunately, by October 2024, Mwanza began to experience the same debilitating pain once again. It began after a particularly rough car ride through the rural roads near his home, where the jarring motion aggravated his condition. By November, the pain had escalated to the point where Mwanza was unable to sit in a vehicle or even walk without assistance. His quality of life had deteriorated once again, and he was forced to rely on a hired Red Cross ambulance to visit the hospital.

On November 18, 2024, Mwanza returned to Tophill for a follow-up appointment. Dr. Koech ordered another MRI, which revealed that the discs in Mwanza’s spine had collapsed, and the only remaining option was surgery. At this point, Mwanza agreed to undergo the procedure, feeling that it was the only way to regain his mobility and alleviate his constant pain.

On December 3, 2024, the surgery was successfully performed at Tophill Hospital. Dr. Koech explained that the procedure involved opening the spine to create more space for the nerves, which had been compressed due to the collapsed discs. The surgeon also removed part of the vertebral column to widen the spinal canal, followed by the insertion of screws to stabilize the spine. Despite his age, Mwanza’s recovery was remarkable. Within a day of surgery, he was able to move and walk without assistance. Just three days later, he was discharged from the hospital, pain-free and with a renewed sense of hope for the future.

Mwanza is now free from the excruciating back pain that had previously defined his life. He praised Dr. Koech for his skill and compassion, comparing his approach to the late Mother Teresa, whose dedication to serving others was unmatched. “Dr. Koech’s service is top-notch, and his simplicity and care for his patients are truly remarkable. I feel like he is one of a kind, and I’m forever grateful for what he has done for me,” Mwanza said, his voice filled with emotion.

Mwanza also commended the entire Tophill team, from the nurses to the administrative staff, for their professionalism and dedication. “The nurses at Tophill are amazing. They are truly dedicated to their work, and they have a calling to help people recover. The food is nutritious, the reception is warm, and even the accounts staff are efficient and friendly. The entire experience has been overwhelmingly positive,” he said.

In addition, Mwanza encouraged Kenyans to consider enrolling in SHA insurance, which helped cover part of his surgical costs, making the treatment more accessible. “SHA insurance made a big difference in my treatment. I encourage everyone to sign up for it, as it can make a world of difference when seeking medical care,” he added.

Dr. Koech, who had been monitoring Mwanza’s condition for several months, spoke highly of his patient’s perseverance and recovery. “When Mwanza first came to us, his symptoms were severe, and he was incapacitated by pain. He had difficulty walking, passing urine, and performing daily activities. His quality of life had deteriorated significantly,” said Dr. Koech. “We had done several tests, including MRIs, which revealed that he had spinal stenosis. Despite his age, we decided to proceed with surgery to relieve the pressure on his nerves and stabilize his spine. The surgery went smoothly, and Mwanza has made an incredible recovery. He is now pain-free and able to walk without assistance.”

Mwanza’s journey to recovery serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of seeking the right medical care, not giving up, and trusting in the expertise of skilled professionals. “Don’t be afraid to seek help and go to the right facility,” he advises. “It’s never too late to get the treatment you need.”

As Mwanza continues to recover, he is now looking forward to enjoying a more active and pain-free life, something that seemed impossible just a few months ago. His experience at Tophill Hospital has given him a second chance at living without constant pain, and he is hopeful for the future.