Paynesville City – Jamesetta Kugmeh’s journey from expectant mother to medical crisis survivor is a story of unrelenting pain, confusion, and an unwavering search for answers.
By Jaheim T. Tumu – [email protected]
What should have been a routine cesarean section at ELWA Hospital turned into a life-altering ordeal, leaving Kugmeh grappling with multiple severe complications and a cascade of unanswered questions.
On February 24, Kugmeh, a healthy mother-to-be, entered ELWA Hospital for what she expected to be a straightforward Antenatal Care (ANC) visit.
But a routine check-up soon turned into a nightmare when she was informed that she was 44 weeks and five days pregnant — well past her due date.
Following hospital protocol for post-term pregnancies, Kugmeh was admitted to the maternity ward, a decision that would mark the beginning of her complicated medical journey.
“I had informed them that my first pregnancy had similar circumstances, and I preferred to let things happen naturally,” Kugmeh shared, reflecting on the pivotal moment.
Despite her preference for a natural birth, she was induced that evening. As hours passed, her body did not respond, and by February 25, it became clear that a cesarean section was the only option.
“I accepted, knowing that a C-section is usually a minor procedure,” she said, her words tinged with regret as she now reflects on the aftermath. “Now, my kidneys are not functioning, my liver is failing, they removed my womb, my urethra has collapsed, and I have burns on my legs.”
What followed after the surgery was far from the expected recovery. Kugmeh’s health rapidly deteriorated as she faced a series of complications, including kidney failure and a complete collapse of her urethra.
“I need answers from ELWA. I want to understand why this happened to me,” Kugmeh said in a voice filled with both pain and desperation. “Why are my kidneys not working? Why did this happen?”
Her condition worsened with each passing day. Now at the John F. Kennedy Medical Center (JFK), Kugmeh remains in a constant battle for survival, undergoing dialysis without any sign of improvement.
“I’m reaching out to the Liberia Medical and Dental Council, the Liberian Board of Nursing & Midwifery, and the Ministry of Health to please review my case. I feel like I’m slowly fading away at JFK,” she shared, her words reflecting the dire nature of her medical crisis.
The news that she was past her due date understandably caused anxiety, but she followed the hospital’s guidance, trusting that the process would proceed with medical care and safety. Yet, when her cervix failed to dilate, Kugmeh was subjected to the induction that she had hoped to avoid.
“Everything seemed normal during their assessments, but still, nothing was happening,” Kugmeh recalled, frustration in her voice. “By February 25, it was clear that I needed a C-section, which was a decision made by the doctors.”
But it was the execution of that surgery, and the subsequent care that followed, which has left Kugmeh with irreparable damage and a desperate need for answers.
The surgery was performed by Dr. Yeasu and Dr. Susan, but Kugmeh admitted that she wasn’t fully aware of who was performing her operation. “I was unaware that Dr. Yeasu was performing my surgery; the circumstances were confusing to me,” she explained, revealing the emotional toll of the situation. “I felt lost. I didn’t understand what was happening.”
Post-surgery, Kugmeh faced excessive bleeding and complications with her urethra. “They explained that my urethra wasn’t contracting, which can occur in certain cases,” she said, demonstrating a professional understanding of her condition.
But it was just the beginning of a sequence of events that led to the recommendation of a total hysterectomy. Although Kugmeh consented to the procedure in hopes of stopping the medical crisis, her recovery took a turn for the worse.
“Upon my return to the ward, I hoped for recovery, but my situation only worsened,” Kugmeh said, revealing the disappointment and anguish that has defined the past weeks of her life.
In an emotional plea for justice, Kugmeh said she is not only seeking answers for herself but for others who may find themselves in similar circumstances within Liberia’s healthcare system.
Her call is not just for personal closure but for systemic change. “I want to raise awareness and make sure this doesn’t happen to anyone else,” she said, her determination clear despite the physical and emotional toll she continues to endure.
In response to Kugmeh’s claims, Rev. James Galway, the administrator at ELWA Hospital, expressed empathy for Kugmeh and her family. “We are actively conducting our internal review and remain committed to fully cooperating with the Liberia Medical and Dental Council (LMDC) investigation,” Rev. Galway said in a statement.
“Out of respect for the patient’s privacy and confidentiality, we are unable to share further details about the case at this time.”
Rev. Galway also extended an invitation to the Kugmeh family to meet with hospital authorities in person. “Our thoughts and prayers remain with Jamesetta and her family,” he said. “We continue to hope for her full recovery.”
As Kugmeh’s health continues to hang in the balance, her quest for answers is far from over. Her story underscores the fragility of trust within a healthcare system that many Liberians depend on, and her fight is not only for her own justice but for all those who may find themselves in similar dire circumstances, hoping their voices will not go unheard.
For now, Kugmeh’s search for answers remains ongoing, with no clear resolution in sight.
