Njambi Koikai: I’m stronger after my painful struggle with endometriosis

Media personality Njambi Koikai spent two years in the United States undergoing treatment for endometriosis.

She came back to Kenya in January this year and has been on a journey of self-reflection. Now, she says, she is ready to bounce back.

Njambi ran a successful online fundraising campaign that enabled her to meet the cost of treatment in the US and, even as she slowly integrates back to her routine, she remains grateful to the people who helped throughout her medical journey.

“I am so thankful to all the amazing people who supported me through my fundraiser, as without their support, I would not have been able to receive the life-changing surgery,” Njambi told the Nation.

Endometriosis is a condition in which the layer of tissue that normally covers the inside of the uterus, grows outside it, most often on the ovaries, fallopian tubes and tissue around the uterus and ovaries causing pelvic pain.

Some of the symptoms include painful periods and pain during sexual intercourse.

Endometriosis is best diagnosed by a laparoscopy, an operation in which a camera (a laparoscope) is inserted into the pelvis to see endometriosis tissue. 

Njambi, however, says this technique may not be accessible to many women in African countries. 

"There are few Kenyan and African gynecologists who have specialty training to correctly diagnose and treat endometriosis. Additionally, even with the correct diagnosis, getting excision surgery requires traveling abroad with costs that are extremely prohibitive." she says.

Treatment abroad

Initially when she went to the US for treatment, she thought she would be in the hospital for a maximum of three days and return to Kenya after a month. Things turned out to be worse than she thought.

“During surgery, my lungs presented a great challenge to the doctors as my right lung would frequently collapse. This and other complications I developed, including in my heart and dental formula, required close monitoring by doctors and nurses,” she narrated.

Njambi is grateful to the staff who took care of her for their great compassion and selflessness.

“On the day of my surgery, the surgeon held my hand and prayed for me. This greatly helped to relieve my anxiety. The skills and knowledge displayed by the entire team were extraordinary. I’m forever grateful for the life-changing treatment I received,” she says.

Since her return home, Njambi’s health has improved remarkably, although she is still on medication for Adenomyosis.

“I am feeling so much better. I haven't had a lung collapse, and for the past two months, my period has been painless with no requirement for painkillers. It is a miracle and I’m so thankful to God,” she said.

Njambi has now embarked on creating awareness on endometriosis and is eager to see more women suffering from the ailment get the correct diagnosis and treatment.

Njambi, who has previously worked in various media houses, says her focus now is running independent projects as well as rebuilding her sound system, Street Empire.

Gender-based challenges

She admits that even this has had its fair share of challenges.

“Building my own sound system has had its ups and downs. On the brighter side, I have had the liberty to explore different ways of performance. Selector Technics (my partner at Street Empire) and I have had the privilege of hosting authentic shows that suit our audience. We have also been fortunate to perform our music shows around the country and internationally,” she said.

The downside of it, she says, is that there are few female reggae artists in the Kenyan music landscape. This is coupled with gender-based challenges that women face in the industry.

She also decries the shortage of visionary and supportive bosses in the job market who can nurture dreams.

“I think I have been misunderstood for a long time. The tendency to stifle young talent and creative minds is often rife in the media business and one is sometimes considered a threat,” she says.

She recalled how, when she was starting out in the media, very few bosses understood the changing dynamics of journalism.

“I had two bosses who were very supportive and gave me a listening ear, but they moved to different companies. But I have picked up great life lessons along the way and I’m grateful to God for the platform that I have to speak to different people,” she says.

Njambi’s other pet project is her YouTube channel, a platform she intends to use to share her experiences with endometriosis, her passion for reggae and other life issues.

Rejection and Pain

“I am currently working on an endometriosis series which looks at the journey of various people who have either battled the disease or have been closely involved with women who have suffered the ailment,” she told the Nation.

“I am also working on some more music which will be released soon. The first soundtrack single is titled Rejection and Pain. I co-wrote the track in 2016 when I lost my grandmother to pancreatic cancer while I was battling with endometriosis,” she said.

Njambi is also quick to acknowledge and appreciate all the support she has received from her immediate family, friends and doctors.

“I am also really thankful to the doctors who have been with me through my endometriosis journey. I cannot fail to mention Dr Prafull Patel (gynaecologist, Nairobi), Dr Maurice Muhinga (cardiothoracic surgeon, Nairobi), Dr Ken Sinervo (endometriosis specialist, Atlanta) and Dr John Gouldman (cardiothoracic surgeon, Atlanta).”

She, however, singles out her mum and younger sister as her greatest support system.

“Although they saw me suffer with the disease long before anyone knew, God gave them the strength to support me with so much love, kindness, and grace,” she says.

And there are also crucial lessons she has picked up during her long and painful struggle with endometriosis.

“God comes first, keep the faith and trust in Him. I would not be where I am today without my relationship with God. Be kind to everyone you meet because everyone is fighting their own battles. Do not be afraid of using your voice and sharing your story in comfortable and uncomfortable spaces,” she offers.

Her advice to the youth?

“Give 100 pc to everything that you put your mind to. It may not always be easy and getting an instant big break does not always come easy. However, remain true to yourself, be passionate, do not lose hope, and one day, your efforts will pay off and you will get your reward,” she says.