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By Jane Mugambi
Kirinyaga, Kenya: A team of Gyneacologists led by Dr. Joseph Njagi, popularly known as Dr. Joe Njagi, is conducting free scans and surgeries for patients suffering from endometriosis as part of activities marking Endometriosis Awareness Month in March.
The week-long surgical camp, dubbed Healing Mama Africa, has drawn patients from across the continent to ACK Mt. Kenya Hospital. Women from countries including Cameroon and Nigeria have traveled to Kenya seeking relief from the chronic pain associated with the condition, alongside numerous patients from various parts of Kenya.
For Lacroix Tope from Nigeria, the debilitating pain experienced during menstruation prompted her to journey to a small county in Kenya in hopes of finding a solution. She recounted how the severity of the pain often prevented her from carrying out her daily responsibilities.
“I came to Kenya from Nigeria to be treated. I have suffered for a very long time, and I hope that the pain ends with the surgery,” she said.
Jackline Njeri, an endometriosis warrior, shared her long and difficult path to diagnosis. She emphasized that the intense pain experienced during menstruation is not normal and urged women to speak out.
Njeri revealed that it took years and costly diagnostic procedures before she received a correct diagnosis. After numerous visits to various hospitals with no success, a friend referred her to Dr. Njagi’s clinic in Kerugoya, where her agony finally ended.
“I used to have a difficult time during my menses. I visited many hospitals hoping to find a cure or at least understand the cause of the pain, but nothing was forthcoming. During one of my visits, a lady—who later became my friend—referred me to Dr. Njagi’s clinic. Since I was in Kerugoya, I decided to give it a try. After a series of scans, I was diagnosed with endometriosis, and an operation was conducted. Today, I am a warrior. The pain I experienced during my menses was not normal,” Njeri said.
She called on women to seek medical attention if they experience severe menstrual pain. “Women, do not keep quiet or suffer in silence if you experience pain during menses. Rush for treatment,” she added.
The medical team, led by Dr. Njagi, aims to conduct at least 100 free scans and over 20 laparoscopic surgeries during the camp.
Dr. Njagi noted that many women undergo two or more surgeries before being correctly diagnosed with endometriosis, only for the condition to recur after a while. He advocated for the condition to be managed by endometriosis specialists who possess the necessary expertise to navigate its treatment and prevent further complications.
“Endometriosis can affect any part of the body. If not properly addressed, complications arise, and wrong diagnoses are given,” Dr. Njagi said. “I suggest endometriosis be handled by a specialist. The condition can manifest anywhere in the body, and a wrong diagnosis can lead to incorrect medication. You may find a patient with endometriosis who has been put on tuberculosis (TB) drugs, treating the wrong condition. Let specialists handle it. We are not trying to sideline other specialists, but we are here to save the patient.”
He explained that many patients present with symptoms such as coughing, fluid in the lungs, and chest pain. Without a thorough examination, these symptoms can easily be mistaken for TB, leading to improper treatment. He cautioned that an accurate diagnosis is crucial to spare patients a prolonged and agonizing journey with pain.
Dr. Njagi disclosed that Jackline Njeri was previously on anti-TB medication for a year due to a misdiagnosis. He noted that endometriosis can affect the diaphragm, lungs, chest, intestines, and bladder, and warned that delayed diagnosis can have severe consequences, including kidney failure and infertility.
Dr. Yamal Patel, another member of the surgical team, highlighted the profound psychological impact of the condition. He said endometriosis severely affects the lives of many women, often leading to suicidal thoughts.
“When women suffering from endometriosis receive a wrong diagnosis, it can lead to suicidal thoughts. But if we give them a chance to be heard, their outlook on life will change,” Dr. Patel said.
Dr. Njagi further revealed that globally, one in ten women suffers from endometriosis, though Africa currently lacks comprehensive data on the condition. He noted that diagnosis often occurs between the ages of 10 and 20, and delays in diagnosis lead to a more expensive and difficult journey to recovery.
