Shem Josephine’s life took a dramatic turn on September 31, 2019, when a road accident left her with life-altering injuries. The Nairobi woman, who was on her way home from Thika at the time, recalls the incident with deep emotion. What began as a routine journey ended in tragedy, changing her life forever.
The accident left Shem with severe injuries, including a broken leg and arm. Her leg was so badly damaged that doctors considered amputation, but they opted for an alternative solution. Despite this, the injury had long-term consequences. She became paralyzed from the waist down and required multiple surgeries to stabilize her condition. Metal plates were inserted into her leg, and she spent four months in the hospital before being discharged.
However, the challenges did not end there. Shem later developed complications affecting her respiratory system. A broken rib caused fluid to accumulate in her lung, making it difficult for her to breathe. This led to a chest tube surgery, which initially helped, but the problem resurfaced shortly after. The fluid had turned into pus, and she was referred to Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) for further treatment.
At KNH, Shem underwent another operation to remove the pus. The procedure was successful, and she was eventually discharged. However, her recovery was far from complete. Her leg, which had been surgically repaired, continued to cause her pain. It was later discovered that the medical team had made a mistake during the initial operation, leading to improper healing and chronic pain.
Despite these setbacks, Shem continued with physiotherapy, which helped her regain some mobility. She could stand with a walking frame and gradually started walking with it. But her progress was short-lived. She soon experienced severe back pain, which led to an MRI scan revealing that one of the screws used in her leg surgery had become loose. This caused her spine to bend, adding to her physical suffering.
Shem underwent another corrective surgery, which successfully resolved the issue. However, the financial burden of her medical care has been overwhelming. A recent scan revealed that the bones in her leg were not aligning properly, leading to arthritis. Doctors advised her to take medication and supplements for three months to monitor her condition. Unfortunately, due to financial constraints, she delayed treatment, causing her condition to worsen.
The cost of the next surgery is estimated at KSh 250,000, a sum she cannot afford. Shem relies on her parents for support and uses crutches to move around, but she lives in constant pain. She also needs a caregiver and regular physiotherapy, which she can’t afford. The thought of undergoing another surgery terrifies her, but she knows it’s necessary.
In a separate story, a man from Kakamega county faced a similar struggle. Kelvin was involved in a road accident that claimed several lives, but he survived with a broken leg. Unfortunately, his ordeal didn’t end there. His wife abandoned him, leaving him to deal with both physical and emotional pain.
These stories highlight the devastating impact of road accidents and the long-term challenges survivors face. From medical complications to financial strain, the effects of such incidents can be life-altering. For many, the road to recovery is not just about healing the body, but also about overcoming the emotional and economic hurdles that come with it.