This archive report was first published on 23 December 2019.
"We've Been Spending Sh500K Every Month" ¶
John Obiko, 24, was just starting his first job after graduation when he woke up on February 15th feeling exhausted. He had been working for two months and didn't want to be late, but he didn't even make it to work.
As the day went on, Obiko's condition worsened. He experienced persistent twitching in his left eye, double vision, and fatigue. He called his parents, who suggested he replace his glasses, but tests at an optician indicated he was okay.
Obiko's parents then referred him to Aga Khan Hospital, where doctors performed various tests and found that he had Guillain-Barre syndrome, a rare disorder in which the body's immune system attacks the nerves.
Doctors said Obiko's condition was progressing very fast and that he needed to be admitted immediately. His family had to pay Sh1 million as a deposit before treatment could begin, which would cost Sh2 million.
Fortunately, Obiko had health insurance, and he was able to pay the amount. He slid into a coma and woke up in ICU two months later, on life support since he couldn't breathe on his own.
Obiko spent another two months in the hospital, where doctors performed plasma exchange to clean his blood and put him on other medications to regenerate his nerves. He was finally discharged in June and taken home, where his parents had set up an ICU in his room.
Obiko's parents enlisted the services of a critical care nurse, who was paid Sh5,000 a day, and a physiotherapist, who was paid Sh3,000 every day. Between June and August, they spent Sh1 million on these services and medication. From August to date, they have been spending Sh500,000 every month on Obiko's home care.
Despite the challenges, Obiko's health has improved immensely. He has regained the ability to swallow and breathe on his own, and his tracheostomy and feeding tubes were removed. However, he still struggles with his hands, can't feel his toes, and experiences constant pain all over his body.
Obiko's biggest prayer is to walk again, go back to work in perfect health, and regain his independence. Well-wishers willing to help Obiko can forward contributions to Paybill 781975.
