Sylvia N., 18

Sylvia Njoki is an 18-year-old girl and an orphan residing at a Children’s Home. She enjoys music and playing with the other children at the home, which relies entirely on well-wishers for food and daily care. Sylvia was brought tothe Children’s Home in 2016 after police officers found her abandoned along the road. Attempts to locate her relatives have been unsuccessful. She dreams of becoming a teacher when she grows up. The home was introduced to Helpster Charity through a site visit by Rheemah medical practitioners and later by Vincent, a Helpster volunteer. Sylvia had been in good health until five days ago, when she began experiencing epigastric pain, persistent headache, nausea, and vomiting. As her condition worsened, a volunteer from the children’s home brought her to Rheemah Hospital for medical care. Following a thorough examination and necessary tests, the medical officer diagnosed her with Helicobacter pylori infection and peptic ulcers disease. Prompt treatment was initiated.

Sylvia Njoki had been well until five days prior to presentation, when she developed epigastric pain, intractable headache, nausea, and vomiting. As her condition worsened, she was brought to Rheemah Hospital by a volunteer from the children’s home. She was thoroughly evaluated by the Medical Officer on duty, and after appropriate clinical assessment and investigations, she was diagnosed with Helicobacter pylori infection. Prompt treatment was initiated, including IV Tramadol 100 mg, IV Ondansetron 8 mg, IM Buscopan, oral Esklam kit, and Gaviscon Double Action. She was closely observed for 12 hours, during which she showed clinical improvement. The attending doctor confirmed that she was responding well to treatment before discharging her home. She was advised to rest while continuing the prescribed oral medications, and the doctor reassured her that she was expected to recover fully within a week. Sylvia returned for a follow-up review five days after discharge, and it was confirmed that she is doing well.

Sylvia’s prognosis is excellent. With timely diagnosis and prompt treatment for her peptic ulcers disease and Helicobacter pylori infection, most patients respond well to therapy, which typically includes antibiotics and acid-suppressing medications.