Loisabwa’s Story
Loisabwa Lesootia
Gender & Age: Female, 13 Months
Village/Manyatta: Sirata in Naumynak Conservancy
Diagnosis: Sublingual plugging ranula
Loisabwa’s Story
When Loisabwa was born, her mother noticed a growth under her tongue. Being a widow and struggling financially, Loisabwa’s mother decided not to seek medical attention knowing she can’t afford healthcare. She felt she didn’t have a choice but to ignore the problem and live with it. Moreover, even if she wanted to, wildlife posed a great threat to walk to the hospital.
During a normal mobile clinic day, The Sarara Foundation’s Health Team visited Sirata-Lengamarita Manyatta - and it’s here where Nurse Dorkas noticed the swelling under Loisabwa’s tongue. It was evident that, aside from being terribly uncomfortable, the growth prohibited Loisabwa from breastfeeding. The growth was so big that Loisabwa couldn’t close her mouth to latch during breastfeeding process.
Loisabwa and her mother were also stigmatised and isolated since the other mothers felt uncomfortable with Loisabwa’s condition.
Diagnosis
A Consulting Doctor from Meru County was requested to travel to Samburu to review Loisabwa, since no nearby specialists were available due to Covid-19
The doctor diagnosed Loisabwa with Sublingual Plugging Ranula and referred her to Chogoria, a private hospital in Meru about 190km from her home.
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Surgery date was set for 9 March 2021 and was performed with great success.
Results
Loisabwa was discharged the day after her surgery and sent home with painkillers and antibiotics. There was no need for her to return to the hospital for a check-up as the doctors were pleased with her condition and healing progress.
The Sarara Foundation’s Health Team visited Loisabwa twice after she returned home and is delighted to report that she has fully recovered.
Loisabwa and her mother are grateful for the help they received from The Sarara Foundation and little Loisabwa is playing and feeding normally - enjoying her new life!
