“Uncle, amuka enda job”
“Uncle anaumia,ataenda job kesho”
“Sawa,uncle pole” then runs off to play…
Thats a conversation i had with my son the morning my brother couldn’t get up to do anything let alone go to work. He had been complaining of a boil in the a** but it had become too much. Like a typical man,hospitals are not his thing. So that day,he said its too painful and unbearable he has to go to hospital. Took him to hospital,and was given some medicine that he had to take for 10days,then he would go back for review and then they will advise whether to have surgery or not.
It was not even 5 days later and the pain was too much. We have to go to hospital and we have to do it now. This time it wasn’t anyone asking him,but he is the one who insisted on it. They admitted him and was scheduled for surgery the following day. Well, on examination before surgery,he was told they are infected. Meaning,there is puss and they were bleeding when he goes for longcall. What am i talking about? He had hemmorroids all these while he was waiting for the “boil” to ripen before he presses it.
Hemorrhoids; these are swellings in the anus. Very uncomfortable and could sometime bleed. They are caused by strainning during a bowel movement,obesity or pregnancy. So lets rule out obesity and pregnancy for this case. Poor feeding habits and not taking water as often as its required could have been the major cause. We have at one point failed to eat food when you feel hungry because you are busy,you have to finish a certain essay on time,you just dont feel like getting out of the house to get food or just something comes up and you fail to it. And then,when you finally get food,eat too much or too little. From what i have learnt,you should eat just enough. So when its finally to go to the loo,for a biggie,long call is such a mouthful,if you had too much,and most probably you hadn’t had enough water,your stool will be too hard,and you strain the muscles around the anus. And if you had too little,you wont have enough to excrete,so you are still straining the muscles.
Well,my brother kept thinking its a boil,and it will be over soon and kept on with his poor feeding habits until it was unbearable. Going to the loo was a nightmare and then the bleeding started and we all panicked. They were very helpful at the hospital though.
The surgery went well as planned. What they don’t say is,passing stool after that is a trip to hell. I have never seen anyone in so much pain. He was afraid to eat so that he doesnt have to go to the loo. Walking straight was a hustle. Thank God for modern medicine. But the weirdest part,and they don’t tell you this in hospital,you could be going for a pee,and poop comes right out. So embarrassing. Caregivers should be very understanding and assuring to the patient. Sometimes one wants to head for the toilet,and just one step and everything comes out. Its shocking if you aren’t aware it could happen.
Taking care of him at home was far much relaxing in this corona pandemic. With my paranoia and anxiety,it was so scary going to hospital everyday.
Healing doesnt happen with just a snap of the finger,so its important to be careful, patient, open minded,understanding and know that not everyone is the same. We react and heal different. Proper diet is mandatory for healing. Food rich in fibre like whole grains,fruits and vegetables will go a long way in the recovery process.
An ice pack to sit on eases the pain especially when the anesthesia wares off.
A sitz bath thrice a day and generally taking things easy,giving your body a break is key to a speedy recovery.
Today being his birthday, man,you have been through a lot in your lifetime, seven surgeries,and like mom says,this is the 7th and the last. May God see you through this journey,may He give you strength for our future fights and the happiness for all the good memmories we will create. Continue being the brother and friend you have been. And an amazing uncle. Happiest birthday Kababa.
When people asked where my bro was/is sick,and i tell them hemorrhoids,they get this puzzled look,”aint that a disease for women?”. But truth is, very few men seek treatment for hemorrhoids,heck for anything. Its important to take care of your body and seek treatment regardless of your gender, age or how embarrassing your ailment seems. Don’t take chances. Take your foods like medicine so you don’t take medicine like your food.
waFrancis 