Okechukwu Ugwu, from Ogbodu, Enugu-Ezike, in Igboeze North Local Government Area of Enugu State, has been battling with what he described as “strange health complications” for about two years.
Ugwu, based in Abuja, was working at the mechanic village, Gwagwalada, when the strange ailment struck him.
He said, “I have been down over this sickness for over two years. It started in Abuja. After some battle to treat it did not yield the required results, we relocated to my village. One was because of the cost of living which was getting out of hand. The other was to check if we could use our local herbs to treat it. I specialise in repairing vehicle clutch plates and brake kits.”
Ugwu narrates how the sickness started: “One Sunday, I felt strange pains across my abdomen. This was immediately followed by cough, hiccups, difficulties in breathing and general chest pains. I began to treat it in Abuja. When it persisted, I returned to my village. After a while, there was relief. Then I returned to Abuja, hoping that I had gotten better. Not quite long, the same problem began again, forcing me to relocate to my village finally. I have been under this condition since then.”
Ugwu has been undergoing treatment for the ailment at both orthodox and unorthodox hospitals, as well as prayer houses since then. “I have exhausted all I have, including selling my landed property both in Abuja and in my village.”
In his words, “We are currently getting treatment at a hospital in Nsukka. The doctor said it affected my liver. I have stopped getting treatment from native doctors because I hardly urinate afterwards. The specialist doctors have been trying their best.”
On his financial needs, he said, “Money has been a major issue. But people are trying for me. My friends, my club members, family members and well-wishers have not abandoned me. A lot has been spent. I live on charity. I have sold my house in Abuja. Nothing is remaining with me. I am begging well-meaning Nigerians and agencies to come to my aid. Without drugs, I am as good as gone. God is still keeping me alive through His mercies. I need help even to feed because I eat the recommended diet only. Things are getting expensive by the day.”
Ifeoma is Okechukwu’s wife. She said her husband’s ailment had brought untold hardship to the family. She however expresses optimism that with God all things are possible.
“This sickness has really dealt with my husband and indeed all of us beside him,” she laments. “We have done everything humanly possible. Whoever has the solution to this ailment should come forward with it. It has defied every solution we sought. We believe in God to save us from these pains.
“We are now back in the village. I was doing some business in Abuja before this sickness became this critical. But I can’t leave him in the village because he requires special care. I currently do nothing. Whenever we see food, we eat. No more.”
A health specialist, Dr Ifeachukwu Sylvester, in an interview, said Okechukwu should be referred to a teaching hospital where a team of experts could manage his health complications.
According to him, by his medical records, “He has what is called Congestive Cardiac Failure and Chronic Liver Disease. He needs special care, mostly obtainable at a tertiary hospital where he would get the services of cardiologists and gastro-enterologists. It is treatable, especially at the early stages.”
Okechukwu Ugwu could be reached on 08062624250 and 08064309199.