Jane Nyariki lives in the countryside of Kenya in the town of Kisii. Kisii also happens to be the language she speaks. For two years, Jane struggled with even walking. She would take a few steps and then had to stop. Her heart would start pounding, her legs would get weak, and she would have to give up. She was lethargic and struggled with the simplest of things. Her local clinic employed a general physician who wasn't specialized and couldn't give her clear answers or treat her.
Eventually, she was sent to see a specialist in the nearest city of Nairobi, over 200 miles away. There were three cardiologists in Nairobi. They cared for Jane but, after suggested she undergo surgery, told them the best solution would be to seek care in the United States. With the high cost of care in Kenya and the family's skepticism of surgical outcomes in the area, Jane and her husband, James were discouraged. Among their six children, one son, Evans, lives in Minneapolis with his family, so Jane and James joined him in the spring of this year.
After a visit to Northpoint Clinic, Jane was immediately sent to Hennepin Healthcare's Cardiology Clinic. Upon an examination by Dr Gautam Shroff, he diagnosed her with rheumatic heart disease, a life-threatening condition. One of her valves was completely closed. She was immediately sent across the street to the HCMC emergency department.
Admitted to the hospital, Jane began a series of tests. She remembers having needles put in her veins in her neck and her heart. They worked with financial counseling as she didn't have traditional insurance. After about a week, Jane had surgery with our University of Minnesota cardiovascular surgeon partners. She remembers the date exactly: April 17! Everything was uphill after that. Recovery began. Eventually, she entered Cardiac Rehabilitation and became a favorite with the staff. Exercise is vital to rehabilitation and recovery, and exercising in the clinic allows staff to monitor heart function. But patients must also exercise on their own. Jane takes long walks with her husband, but she is also known for her dancing! Jane and James are often dancing and sharing videos with their family back home. Their family cannot believe the change in Jane; how much healthier and happier she looks. Check her out!
Her music of choice? Kisii folk songs of course! With a wide variety available on YouTube, she can dance and celebrate her second chance at life. Kisii folk songs are fast and upbeat. Her initial condition was so dire, many were surprised she survived at all and now, she is whirling and twirling with her genuine and infectious smile.
In her beautiful language with interpretation by Interpreter Services' Daniel Monari, Jane expresses her gratitude for her care and advice for others. "I was not able to walk and now I can. I'm even going to go back to gardening. You've restored my energy. "When people see me now, they tell me my beauty is back from when I was sick. I am so grateful for the doctors and the nurses and all the providers. They were all so nice and would smile and have fun. I love Dr. Shroff and Michael in the clinic. May God bless you all here and continue to help people.
"My wish for other patients is to follow your doctors' instructions and take your medications". Jane and James have their six children and many grandchildren to spend time with both in Minnesota and Kisii. In fact, they look forward to meeting one grandchild they have not yet met back in Kenya. That's a lot to be thankful for.
