MINNA: A 22 years old sickle cell warrior who has been advised to undergo conservative management and co-management considering yet-to-be-identified causes is seeking financial assistance for his treatment.
The student, identified as Muhammad Lawal was a 200-level student of History and International Studies at the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Niger State before he dropped out two years ago following the worsening state of his health.
Muhammad’s medical report indicates that he first sought treatment at the National Orthopedic Hospital in Dala, Kano state in December 2000.
Reports from the National Orthopedic Hospital, Dala, Kano state also showed that Muhammad had between February and August 2021, undergone surgery for total hip replacement, left knee fibrosis, distal femoral and proximal tibial cuts, total left knee replacement and fibrinolysis.
According to his medical report, Muhammad is finding it difficult to walk due to the stiffness in his knee and hip.
“He is still having difficulty in walking due to persistent knee and hip stiffness despite medication. He has been billed for readmission for conservative management and co-management with a neurologist considering the persistent stiffness of unknown cause”, the report dated July 2022 and signed by Dr Alabi Ibrahim Abolaji read.
In a series of tweets he made on Saturday, Muhammad said that the condition has left him in constant pain, bed- bound and physically inactive.
“I underwent major multiple surgeries and treatment in six months in a government orthopedic reference hospital (Dala) kano. Which was successful. As a result, I had pain-free hips, the knees became lesser pains and I could walk with lesser pain.
“However, contractures are complicated and impair my mobility, I still had some pains in my knees, and in November, an examination taken out by my doctor confirmed I needed intensive rehabilitation, I was readmitted for traction and manipulation under anaesthesia was done.
” I was put on a plan for dynacast for six weeks, which was carried out. Initially, it was manageable with medication and physiotherapy; however, by March of 2022, the contractures rapidly developed to the point where they became unbearable, despite intensive physio and strong medication.
“Worryingly, the contractures are advanced, and becoming life-threatening, due to underlying cause of neurological diagnosis. we know this all sounds unbearable and it is.
“We’ve desperately wished something was done sooner. But the truth is as a family this is the most hopeful we’ve been for years. Help me pay my life forward.
“I am unable to have a good range of motion, always in constant pain, I could barely leave my house to the neighbourhood, I’m always bed-bound, and I’m no longer physically active. And when the crisis should strike me down, it’s very unbearable, I go two days non-stop not sleeping, as I have a low pain threshold.
“I am appealing for your assistance due to the financial circumstances we’re going through, to put up my story out there, in hopes that I could get a medical sponsor and contributions to this great cause,” his tweets read in parts.
To those willing to help Muhammad, a GoFundMe page has been set up and can be accessed through this link.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/sickle-cell-help-pay-mohammads-life-forward?utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&utm_campaign=p_lico+share-sheet
Muhammad’s bank details are; Bank Name: UBA. Name of account: Muhammad Lawal. Account number: 2104328523