This archive report was first published on 23 September 2019.
Published on September 23, 2019, Damacline Nyandika's story is a testament to the struggles of living with rheumatic valvular heart disease.
Her journey began in 2013 when she started experiencing fatigue, sweating, and breathing difficulties. Despite visiting several private hospitals in Kisii, she was left with painkillers that did little to alleviate her condition.
It wasn't until she visited Kenyatta National Hospital that she received a proper diagnosis: rheumatic heart disease, likely caused by a bacterial infection that hadn't been treated properly. The doctors at KNH recommended an open-heart surgery to correct her condition, but unfortunately, the hospital didn't have the necessary facilities.
With a surgery cost ranging from Sh800,000 to Sh1.2 million, Damacline was left with no option but to take medication and manage her condition. Two months later, she suffered a stroke and was rushed back to KNH, where she spent two months in a coma.
Her hospitalization took a toll on her marriage, which eventually failed. Now, six years later, Damacline is still without the surgery she needs, relying on medication and monthly injections to manage her condition.
Her days are spent sleeping, taking medication, and staying indoors, unable to perform simple tasks like going up a flight of stairs or holding conversations without needing to catch her breath.
Despite her struggles, Damacline holds onto hope that one day she'll be able to get the surgery she needs and lead a normal life, working and providing for her seven-year-old daughter.
Source: Sunday Magazine
