•Seeks N2m for surgery
The life of Chisom Duruokpo, a final year student of agriculture economics at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), is endangered unless assistance comes quickly.
Chisom (left)… before her sickness and Chisom (right)… in her present condition.
Under the aegis of Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), doctors in all public hospitals embarked on an indefinite strike on July 1.
However, the strike only contributes to her plight, it is not the genesis.
Chisom, 21, grapples with the possibility of a hitch in her academic programme, but what is more important to her is getting her health back.
Genesis of predicament
Looking frail and tired, she said her predicament started late last year after successfully undergoing operation for appendicitis at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH).
A few months later, her stomach began to protrude, accompanied by an unusual sensation within her.
Looking at Chisom gives the impression that she is due for labour whereas she is suffering from an abdominal inflammation which can be corrected through surgery.
Chisom, who hails from Orlu, Imo State, is optimistic that she would bounce back to her normal self with the help of kind hearted donors.
She showed her determination to live when, even in excruciating health challenges, she managed to finish her first semester examination.
It was after the examination she went for diagnosis at LUTH.
After the medical test was analysed in a private laboratory, she returned to LUTH only to discover that doctors had embarked on an industrial action. She was advised to visit any private hospital with capacity to handle her case.
Family members traversed many private hospitals but found the bill way beyond reach.
Medical report
Chisom’s abdominal ultrasound report, signed by a consultant radiologist, Dr J.U. Igwilo, says, “There is a large central complex mass displacing the viscera postero-laterally. The mass measures 380.18cm, comprising multiple nodules, cystic and necrotic tissue.
“There is also a gross enlargement of the ovaries by a soft tissue mass. The liver is of normal span and shows a normal homogenous echogenicity. No focal lesion is seen within it. The porta hepatis, veins are all normal.
“Both kidneys are of normal size, shape, colour and contour. No calyceal dilatation or calculus is seen in either kidney. The gall bladder, pancreas and spleen are also normal.”
Chisom’s plea
Chisom muttered in considerable pain that the sickness gives her restless nights and is a burden too heavy to carry.
Her fear over her deteriorating health could be felt as she beseeched doctors to urgently call off the strike.
Having just one semester examination left to graduate, she also urged Nigerians to come to her aide in seeking medical treatment.
“I am feeling great pain at the moment, but it gets worse at night. The last exam for me to become a graduate is very close. There is no way I can concentrate on reading my books. My legs are also swollen and I only manage to walk.
“I am pleading with the Governor of my home state of Imo, Rochas Okorocha, and President Goodluck Jonathan to help me out of this painful situation. My plea also goes to all good spirited Nigerians to help put smile on my face again,” Chisom said.
Her father’s plea
Her father, Paul, said the family has been to several private hospitals in search of solution but is not able to raise the N2 million demanded to save the life of the first of his two children.
“I was previously dealing in tailoring materials, but for now I operate a commercial tricycle, otherwise known as Keke Marwa, for survival. There is no way we can raise such an amount of money.
“That is why we are begging Nigerians to assist us so that my daughter can successfully finish her education and become more useful to herself and the society. She has just one semester to complete her university education,” he pleaded.
How to provide help
The family can be reached on 0816 118 4471 or 0805 581 1404.
Money can also be deposited in Fidelity Bank account number 601 691 8387. The account name is Paul Ebere Duruokpo.