This archive report was first published on 23 September 2019.
Agnes Anyango's life took a dramatic turn in 2008 when she experienced a stroke, which left her paralyzed on one side of her body. The 54-year-old mother of two from Kibera, Nairobi, recounts her ordeal in an interview with the Standard.
At the time, Anyango was unaware of the severity of her condition. She had been experiencing high blood pressure for years, but it wasn't until she suffered a stroke that she realized the gravity of her situation.
After a week-long coma, Anyango was admitted to the hospital for six weeks, where doctors worked to stabilize her condition. However, despite their efforts, she continued to experience symptoms, including a heavy tongue, difficulty speaking, and paralysis in her left hand and leg.
A further scan revealed a clot in her brain, which doctors attributed to her poor management of high blood pressure. The prescribed medication, which cost Sh5,000 every three weeks, was unaffordable for Anyango's family, leading her to abandon treatment.
Despite the challenges, Anyango found solace in prayer and developed a deep devotion to her faith. She managed her stress through prayer and eventually regained her speech significantly. For the next 10 years, she didn't take any medication, relying on her faith to guide her through the tough times.
However, in early 2023, Anyango's condition took a turn for the worse. She was rushed to Coptic Hospital with high blood pressure and convulsions, and doctors warned her of the threat of paralysis on the right side of her body. The prescribed medication, which cost Sh21,000, was a significant burden for Anyango's family, but her son, who is now an artisan and pursuing education, raised the funds to buy the drugs.
Today, Anyango is managing her blood pressure with medication from Kibra AMREF, which costs Sh100 per month. She also sticks to a healthy diet, avoiding salt, sugar, and tea leaves, and tries to eat plenty of fruits, especially thorn melon, to keep her blood pressure stable.
Despite the challenges she faces, Anyango remains optimistic, crediting her faith for helping her navigate the tough times. Her message to others who have suffered stroke is to trust in God and manage their blood pressure through regular check-ups and stress management.
