Rare condition: KCSE candidate with swollen legs suffers lymphoedema

Millyanne Mmbone a form four student at Vigina Friends Secondary School in Vihiga county is suffering from lymphedema disease. [Benjamin Sakwa, Standard]

Millyanne Mmbone was putting on her school shoes in 2017 when she noticed slight swelling on her right leg.

The Form Four student at Vigina Secondary School in Vihiga County thought it was strange but because she was running late for school, she did take time to check how serious it was.

Though she continued to feel pain in the affected leg, the 17-year-old Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination candidate carried on walking to and from school every day as usual.

Five years later, Mmbone has been skipping school due to difficulties in movement and unbearable pain.

Medical examination showed she is suffering from lymphoedema praecox, a chronic condition that causes swelling in the body's tissues.

"Initially, I used to wear shoes and walk to school without any difficulties but things changed when my legs started swelling. I can only put on sandals, besides I struggle to cover one kilometre from my grandmother's house to school," Mmbone told The Standard.

This has been made worse by the fact that her grandmother cannot afford to take her for specialised treatment. Sometimes, her teachers contribute cash to facilitate her hospital visits.

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At one point, Mmbone was introduced to traditional herbs when her condition could not be diagnosed at local hospitals to necessitate a proper treatment plan.

"I first went for a checkup at Mulele Hospital and we were referred to Vihiga County Referral Hospital where further tests were done, however, no treatment plan was recommended," said.

"At the county referral hospital, I was told I suffer from a rare condition that occurs whenever the lymphatic system doesn't function as it should, forcing the fluid to accumulate in various parts of the body, resulting in swelling."

She has also been to Kenyatta National Hospital and Aga Khan Hospital where she was found to be suffering from swelling caused by lymphoedema.

Also known as Meige disease, it is the most common form of primary lymphedema accounting for 65-80 per cent of all cases and most often arises during puberty.

In most cases, experts recommend lifetime routine physical and occupational therapy for patients.

The goal is to restore function, reduce physical and psychologic suffering, and prevent the development of infection.

Mmbone has been relying on her EduAfya medical scheme that covers students to access medical services "but this cover is limited and cannot guarantee me specialised treatment."

During cold seasons, Mmbone can hardly leave the house because the skin on swollen legs starts peeling off "and it is a painful experience."

Glady Ongadi, Mmbone's grandmother said she has been helpless watching her granddaughter suffer.

"I wish she could get a specialist who can help treat the condition once and for all," Ongadi told The Saturday Standard.

"We hope a good Samaritan will come to the aid of my granddaughter, she does not deserve to suffer," said Ongadi.

Mmbone's fear is that her condition could kill her dream of becoming a nurse in the future.

"Sometimes, I am forced to stay at home for months while my colleagues are busy learning and preparing for the final examination."

She is not sure what will happen after the KCSE examination "because I will no longer be eligible to benefit from the EduAfya medical scheme which has been of great help."

Rose Panyako, Mmbone's teacher, said the student needs to be assisted before she completes secondary school. "If we cannot help her while she is still a beneficiary of the EduAfya medical scheme, it will be hard to deal with her condition when the cover lapses."

She said teachers are working hard to raise Sh26,000 required for Mmbone to undergo further tests in a local hospital. "We call upon well-wishers to help this girl before things get out of hand. She can achieve her goals in life if her condition is treated," said Ms Panyako.