Story by Philister Adhiambo, Mercy Chloe and Caroline Nyongesa

“When I am preaching or speaking to my people, my mind is always on the pain.”

For three years, Denis Oduor Ogada lived with a condition that affected far more than his physical health. The retired teacher and church leader from Nyahera, Kisumu County, battled hemorrhoids that brought persistent pain, discomfort, and embarrassment, gradually affecting his confidence and quality of life.

Simple daily activities became difficult. Sitting through meetings, attending social gatherings, and even carrying out his ministry became a challenge.

“Sometimes after relieving myself, I could hardly walk because of the pain,” he recalls.

As a church leader, Mr. Ogada often found himself addressing congregations and attending meetings. Yet beneath the calm exterior was a man struggling with a condition that constantly distracted him.

“I would avoid some gatherings because I was uncomfortable. Even when speaking to people, my attention was on the pain,” he says.

In search of relief, Mr. Ogada spent years moving from one treatment to another. He relied heavily on tablets and creams prescribed to manage the symptoms. While they offered temporary relief, the pain always returned.

The financial burden soon became overwhelming.

According to Mr. Ogada, he spent nearly KSh 9,000 every month on medication. At times, the cost forced him to skip treatment altogether, leaving him to endure the pain until he could afford the next prescription.

“The medicines would help for a while, but the problem would come back. It affected me psychologically and financially,” he says.

Despite the continuous treatment, he had not found a lasting solution.

Hope came unexpectedly through a WhatsApp group. A doctor friend shared information about the ongoing Colorectal Surgical Camp at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH), a specialized initiative aimed at screening, diagnosing, and treating a wide range of colorectal conditions.

The message immediately caught Mr. Ogada’s attention. “After seeing the post, I felt encouraged because I had been suffering from hemorrhoids for about three years. I had tried different medications without success,” he says.

Determined to seek help, he visited the JOOTRH Consultant Clinic, where specialists conducted a thorough assessment and confirmed that hemorrhoids were the source of his long-standing discomfort.

He attended screening on May 28, where he was reviewed by specialists and subsequently scheduled for surgery. The procedure was successfully performed during the ongoing colorectal camp.

Today, he is recovering well and already noticing a significant difference.

The pain that had controlled much of his life for years is gone, and with it, the anxiety and discomfort that often kept him away from public engagements. As he continues recuperating and awaits discharge, he says he feels hopeful about returning to his normal routine and church responsibilities.

“I feel much better now. I have regained my confidence, and I believe I will be able to continue serving my church and community comfortably,” he says.

Mr. Ogada is full of praise for the JOOTRH medical team, whom he credits for giving him a solution after years of suffering. He hopes his story will encourage others living with colorectal conditions to seek medical attention early instead of enduring pain in silence.

For Mr. Ogada, the surgery has offered more than physical relief. It has restored his confidence, eased a financial burden, and given him the freedom to participate fully in the activities and relationships that matter most to him.

After three years of pain, he is finally looking forward to life without limitations.