Than Oo has dreams of one day opening her own business. However, for over a year, she has been unable to pursue this dream.
Our medical partner, Burma Border Projects (BBP), states that due to a common bile duct stone, “Than Oo has been experiencing pain in her stomach as well as back aches since June of 2014.”
Than Oo is a 40-year-old wife and mother of eight children from Burma. In her initial visit to a local hospital, Than Oo’s condition was misdiagnosed and she was simply prescribed pain medications to relieve her symptoms. However, when the problem persisted, Than Oo was eventually referred to BBP’s clinic.
BBP explains that during her visit, Than Oo was “given an ultrasound and diagnosed as suffering from a common bile duct stone.”
A common bile duct stone occurs when a gallstone—a small, crystallized mass produced in the gallbladder—moves out of the gallbladder and into the bile duct. Patients with bile duct stones are also at risk of other health complications such as jaundice, which is indirectly caused by an excess bile buildup in the liver.
Than Oo’s husband, who works as a taxi driver to earn an income, has been very supportive ever since Than Oo’s diagnosis. BBP says, “Than Oo’s husband has stopped working to take care of the children.” However, despite their efforts, Than Oo’s family does not make enough money to afford the treatment that Than Oo needs.
With $1,500 in funding, Than Oo will undergo surgery to remove the stone lodged in her bile duct. As part of her treatment, Than Oo will receive several laboratory tests both prior to and after her surgery. In addition, she will spend 60 days in the hospital to ensure that she has immediate access to everything she needs throughout her recovery and rehabilitation.
BBP expects this procedure to have a life-changing impact in Than Oo’s life. “Once Than Oo has had surgery to remove the stone in her bile duct, her husband will be able to return to work and continue providing for the family. She will be able to take care of her young children again.”
Than Oo, however, shares that she has plans of her own. “I hope that I will feel better after surgery, and if I do, I would like to set up a small shop at my house to sell mohingya (traditional Burmese noodle soup). I am really happy to have been given the opportunity to access treatment.”