I Am Back on My Feet, Thanks to Tophill Hospital
Susan Jepkosgei Terer, 61, had been enjoying good health throughout his life until June 2022 when she suddenly felt some pain on her left pelvic side and the back. She started experiencing difficulty in walking and her neck could not turn as usual. Often, her children were forced to help her move around because she felt that her legs were blocked from the pelvic area.
She was taken to the hospital and after several tests and imaging, her orthopedic doctor disclosed that she had a dislocated disc on the spine that affected her ability to walk. She was treated and advised to undergo physiotherapy for 6 weeks after which she felt better.
However, in August of the same year, she started feeling some pain on her back and on one side of her body.
Upon visiting the nearest health facility, she was told that she was suffering from complications as a result of Brucella and probably pneumonia because it was the cold season.
Her daughter Ruth Tanui says that despite several medications, she did not feel better and her family was worried because her condition was worsening every day.
“When she started feeling unwell again, we thought it was the same condition that she had before that had recurred. We did not know how serious it would be but when her health continued deteriorating we had to seek further medication for her,” says Ruth
In October, she was taken back to her orthopedic doctor who suggested more physiotherapy sessions to help her get back on her feet.
“She underwent therapy for a week. On the second week, the therapy was stopped because her condition was worsening. She could not walk or move and would vomit often. She could not eat well too because of the constant vomits.”
The condition worsened towards the end of November. Several visits to the doctor failed as he was not available and they head to look for other medical options. Ruth’s friend suggested an appointment with Dr. Florentius Koech, a neurosurgeon, whom she thought would be able to help her get well.
“On December,8, we took her to Dr. F Koech and he said that she needed to be operated on immediately because the imaging showed that she had a tumor that was affecting her ability to eat and move. He gave us time to discuss about the open-head surgery she was supposed to undergo,” adds Ruth
They went back home planning on the surgery but were forced to take her back to the hospital the next day after her condition worsened.
Her other daughter Viola Tanui who was present in the hospital was scared that her mother would not make it and was very worried when she had to undergo surgery.
“I was scared because at that time she was very sick and could hardly keep anything in her stomach. She was very weak and complained of much pain. The thought of an open head surgery gave me chills.” Says Viola
According to Dr. Florentius Koech, Susan had a Cerebellopontine Angle(CPA) tumor that was affecting her normal body functions.
“We did a craniotomy, to remove the tumor that was on the back of her head. It was a complex procedure but fortunately, after four hours, we were able to remove the whole tumor. We have sent it for analysis while the patient recuperates,” Dr. Koech explains.
He adds that Susan responded very well to the surgery and has been able to walk on her own and eat well after the surgery.
“The outcome is very good. She can also see well compared to before because the tumor had affected her sight. I am happy that she has done well.”
Dr. F Koech notes that CPA tumors are very rare lesions that present themselves with persistent headaches that cannot respond to standard anesthesia like Panadol.
“It is important to undergo a scan if the headaches are not responding to any medication. In Susan’s case, she had headaches, backaches and one leg was weak. A previous scan was done on the lumbar because of the weak leg forgetting the headaches. Another symptom is vomiting because of the increased intracranial pressure,” notes Dr. F Koech.
He also discloses general body weakness and drowsiness accompanied by the above symptoms indicate that there is something growing in the brain and exerting pressure.
“A CT scan is the most critical one at this point because it is able to show lesions clearly. Almost 80 percent of the lesions are picked up by the CT scan.”
Speaking after the surgery, Susan is out of danger and is currently not feeling any pain. She has expressed her satisfaction with her medical management at Tophill Hospital.
“I am grateful. I don’t remember the last time I felt this relaxed. I have suffered for a long time and I had also lost hope. Fortunately, I was brought to Tophill and Dr. F Koech was able to know what I was ailing from. May GOD bless him,” she says
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