Nyakairu is 52 years old, married, and a father of 12 living in Uganda. Some of his children are married and others are still in school. He gets money for supporting his family from agriculture and through milk from his cows. Due to the pain from his inguinal hernia, Nyakairu doesn’t have any income because he is unable to work.
He developed a small swelling in his left inguinal area seven years ago, but now the swelling is bigger. Nyakairu feels a lot of pain when walking and coughing. He has been using herbs but has not received any relief from the pain.
Hernias occur when soft tissue bulges through the abdominal muscles. It causes great discomfort and pain, and can inhibit a persons day to day life.
Nyakairu never reported his condition to a hospital because he knew he couldn’t afford the treatment. “I have a very painful hernia but I have no money to pay for my surgery,” he shares with us. He came to Virika hospital after hearing about the available help.
If not treated, Nyakairu may suffer intestinal obstruction, incarceration and strangulation. Fortunately, Nyakairu will receive hernia repair surgery to push back the soft tissue. The treatment will cost $220.
After surgery, Nyakairu hopes to regain his strength, resume digging, and taking good care of his cows.