For nearly a decade, Sella—a mother from Lilongwe, Malawi—lived with daily pain caused by a recurring keloid scar that developed after a Caesarean section in 2014.
“After my C-section, I developed a keloid. It was removed in 2017, but it grew back. I had surgeries again in 2019 and 2021 at a local hospital, but each time it returned. Eventually, the scar had grown so large that doctors were astonished I had endured such pain for so long,” she shares.
Despite undergoing three surgeries in her home country, the condition kept recurring. The turning point came when she saw a friend’s testimony on social media about his recovery after orthopedic surgery at Kijabe Hospital. “He talked about the care he received and how he fully recovered. That’s when I knew I needed a second opinion,” says Sella.
She reached out through our Telemedicine platform. After sharing her story and photos of the keloid, she was connected to Dr. Nthumba, our lead in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Following a virtual consultation, she was advised to travel to Kenya for an in-person review.
In May 2025, Sella made the journey. On May 14th, she underwent surgery led by Dr. Nthumba and the plastics & reconstruction team.
“Since the surgery, the pain is almost completely gone. Before, I would cry from the pain. Now, I feel so much better. Even my husband noticed the change and told me, ‘Mwamasuka,’ which means, ‘You are relieved or free from pain.’ That’s exactly how I feel.”
With a smile, she adds, “I can now do things I couldn’t before. The care I received exceeded my expectations.”
Beyond the medical care, Sella was deeply moved by the spiritual support she received. “What really touched me was when Dr. Nthumba said we needed to pray before the surgery. That showed me they put God first. As a believer, it made me feel at home.”
“If you have the means, don’t hesitate to come to Kijabe Hospital. Looking back, I’m so glad I made that decision.”
At her recent follow-up, it was confirmed her recovery is progressing well. She will continue with follow-up injections as part of the healing process.
“I am healing well, and I’m hopeful for full recovery. I’m forever grateful to Kijabe Hospital!”
A little far or outside Kenya? You can still access expert care. Send an email with your health concern to [email protected] or register on our telemedicine platform at https://kijabehospital.org/telemedicine-patient to be connected to a specialist.
For more information please contact 0709 728 200.
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