Habiba L., 21

Habiba Lawan is a 21 year old single mother of two who lives with her children and four siblings. They live in a 2 bedroom apartment along Gwange line of Maiduguri. Although she never attended school, she is learning how to knit caps as a skill to support her family. She began to suffer from severe epigastric pain, deep lower abdominal pain, and sharp pain in the eyes that left her restless and unable to find relief. Each day the discomfort grew worse, weakening her body and spirit. In desperation, she resorted to taking drugs from a local chemist, hoping it would ease her condition, but the pain only intensified. The burning in her stomach and the ache in her body made it hard for her to care for her children and siblings, leaving her in tears and full of worry. Finally, when she could no longer bear the suffering, she rushed to Nakowa in search of proper medical help. Upon presentation at our hospital, and after further evaluation , she was diagnosed with Conjunctivitis, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) and Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD)

She was managed at Nakowa for Conjunctivitis, PID, and PUD with a full treatment plan. Her medications included Caps Amoxicillin 500mg tds for one week, Caps Omeprazole 20mg bd for seven days, Tabs Metronidazole 500mg bd for one week, Ear Drops applied bd for five days, Tabs Fluconazole 200mg bd for one week, Suspension MMT 10ml tds for five days, and Tabs Paracetamol ii tds for three days. In addition, she underwent injections, minor surgical care, and laboratory investigations (H. pylori, HVS MCS, VDRL) to guide her management. Following this comprehensive care, her abdominal pains subsided, her eye irritation cleared, and her overall health steadily improved. On follow-up, she confirmed that her strength had returned and she was able to resume caring for her family without distress. Special thanks go to Helpster Charity, whose support covered the cost of her treatment, surgery, and investigations. Without this timely intervention, her recovery would have been difficult. Their assistance ensured that she regained her health and dignity.

With early diagnosis and proper treatment, Habiba Lawan’s condition of Conjunctivitis, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), and Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD) had a good prognosis. She was promptly placed on appropriate medications that relieved her eye irritation, reduced abdominal pain, and promoted healing of the stomach ulcer. With adequate rest, proper hygiene, and dietary guidance, her symptoms gradually subsided, and she regained her strength and comfort. However, if her condition had been neglected, it could have led to complications such as chronic pelvic pain, infertility, or gastrointestinal bleeding. Thankfully, timely medical attention and adherence to treatment ensured her full recovery and well-being.