Watsi

Success! Mugabirwe from Uganda raised $228 to fund a hysterectomy.

100%

$228 raised, $0 to go

$228

raised

to go

Fully funded

Mugabirwe's treatment was fully funded on September 9, 2020.

Mugabirwe's story
Mugabirwe's update

Photo of Mugabirwe post-operation

September 9, 2020

Mugabirwe underwent a hysterectomy.

Mugabirwe underwent a total abdominal hysterectomy due to multiple intra-uterine fibroids. Our medical partner shared that her surgery was successful. She was discharged home with minimal complaints.

She believes she will be able to practice farming with ease since she will no longer be in pain. Having been relieved of the burden, Mugabirwe feels she will live a better life through hard work especially now that she is on her own; no husband and no children to support her. She will be able to sustain and develop herself. She plans to transform her farming into extensive farming if she manages to raise enough capital for investment.

Mugabirwe says, “I thank WATSI and Rushoroza hospital for the great support they have rendered towards my surgery. I have a big story to tell my friends and relatives. I will resume farming as soon as I recover completely.”

Mugabirwe underwent a total abdominal hysterectomy due to multiple intra-uterine fibroids. Our medical partner shared that her surgery was s...

August 4, 2020

Mugabirwe is a small-scale farmer from Uganda. She lost her husband 10 years ago. She now lives with her parents where she practices farming.

For the last 7 years, Mugabirwe has been experiencing lower abdominal pains and severe headaches. She has been diagnosed with multiple intrauterine fibroids. She needs to undergo a hysterectomy, a procedure in which surgeons will remove her uterus.

Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $228 to fund Mugabirwe’s surgery. On August 5th, she will undergo gynecological surgery at our medical partner’s care center. Once recovered, Mugabirwe will be able to resume her daily activities free of pain and her quality of life will improve.

Mugabirwe shared, “I hope to be myself again and be able to carry on my usual farming duties, help me God.”

Mugabirwe is a small-scale farmer from Uganda. She lost her husband 10 years ago. She now lives with her parents where she practices farming...

Submitted by

Learn more

Mugabirwe's case was submitted by Joan Kadagaya at African Mission Healthcare in Uganda.

Mugabirwe's Timeline

August 4, 2020
PROFILE SUBMITTED
Mugabirwe was submitted by Joan Kadagaya, Curative Medical Support Program-Partner Representative at African Mission Healthcare, our medical partner in Uganda.
August 05, 2020
TREATMENT OCCURRED
Mugabirwe received treatment at Rushoroza Hospital. Medical partners often provide care to patients accepted by Watsi before those patients are fully funded, operating under the guarantee that the cost of care will be paid for by donors.
August 06, 2020
PROFILE PUBLISHED
Mugabirwe's profile was published to start raising funds.
September 09, 2020
FULLY FUNDED
Mugabirwe's treatment was fully funded.
September 09, 2020
TREATMENT UPDATE
Mugabirwe's treatment was successful. Read the update.

Share Mugabirwe's story

Funded by 1 donor

Treatment

Total Abdominal Hysterectomy

Cost Breakdown
Diagnosis
Procedure

On average, it costs $228 for Mugabirwe's treatment

Hospital Fees

$135

Medical Staff

Medication

$24

Supplies

$38

Labs

$20

Other

$11

Symptoms
Impact on patient's life
Cultural or regional significance

What kinds of symptoms do patients experience before receiving treatment?

Symptoms vary depending on the condition that requires the total abdominal hysterectomy. If the cause is cervical, uterine, or ovarian cancer, there may not be symptoms, especially if the cancer is early-stage. In more advanced cases of cervical and uterine cancers, abnormal bleeding, unusual discharge, and pelvic or abdominal pain can occur. Symptoms of ovarian cancer may include trouble eating, trouble feeling full, bloating, and urinary abnormality. If the cause is fibroids, symptoms may include heavy bleeding, pain in the pelvis or lower back, and swelling or enlargement of the abdomen.

What is the impact on patients’ lives of living with these conditions?

Fibroids can grow large, cause abdominal pain and swelling, and lead to recurring bleeding and anemia. Cancer can cause pain and lead to death.

What cultural or regional factors affect the treatment of these conditions?

Most cervical cancer is caused by a sexually transmitted infection called human papillomavirus (HPV), which can often occur alongside a HIV infection. As a result, cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among African women in areas of high HIV prevalence. Cervical cancer is also more prevalent in Africa than in the United States due to the lack of early-detection screening programs. The other conditions treated by a total abdominal hysterectomy are not necessarily more common in Africa.

Process
Impact on patient's life
Risks and side-effects
Accessibility
Alternatives

What does the treatment process look like?

The patient first reports for laboratory testing. The following day, the patient undergoes surgery. After the operation, the patient stays in the hospital ward for three to four days, during which she is continually monitored. The surgery is considered successful if the wound heals without infection, bleeding, or fever, and if the patient no longer experiences urinary dysfunction.

What is the impact of this treatment on the patient’s life?

In the case of uterine fibroids or early-stage cancer, a total abdominal hysterectomy is curative.

What potential side effects or risks come with this treatment?

If performed early enough, this surgery is low-risk and curative, with few side effects.

How accessible is treatment in the area? What is the typical journey like for a patient to receive care?

This surgery is available, but many patients cannot afford it. Many women are screened for cervical cancer with a low-cost alternative to a pap smear. This is common in HIV treatment programs. If necessary, the woman is referred for surgery, which she often cannot afford.

What are the alternatives to this treatment?

If cervical cancer is caught early enough, some minor procedures can solve the problem. Women with fibroids who still wish to have children may opt to undergo a surgery only to remove the fibroids, which is called a myomectomy.

Meet another patient you can support

100% of your donation funds life-changing surgery.

Saray is a 56-year-old mother of six. She is a widow, with three sons, three daughters, and ten grandchildren. She is a rice farmer and lives with her youngest daughter, who is a garment worker, and her elderly mother. Her husband passed away five years ago from hypertension. She likes to watch Khmer movies on the TV and shared that her general health is OK, but she is worried about her vision. One year ago, Saray developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her photophobia, blurred vision, and poor night vision. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, and going anywhere outside. When Saray learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for four and a half hours with her daughter seeking treatment. On February 4th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her right eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $229 procedure. "I hope after surgery I can see better. I can return to the rice field, take care of my mother, and my grandchildren," she shared.

8% funded

8%funded

$20raised

$209to go

Yousrim is a 57-year-old farmer who breeds chickens and ducks to sell. Last year, she suffered trauma to her right ear when insect flew into her ear. For three days she tried remove it but was unsuccessful. She self-treated by inserting rubbing alcohol in her ear and told us that it became really painful for her. Ever since then, she has ear discharge, ringing in her ear (tinnitus), and hearing loss. Yoursim's son says he has to speak close to his mother's ear for her to understand him. Yousrim lives with her husband, and has two daughters, one son, and one grandson. In her free time, she likes to play with her grandchild, and watch TV. Yousrim traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On January 20th, she will undergo surgery on her right ear. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $464 to fund this procedure, covering medications, supplies, and inpatient care. Yoursim is optimistic that after the surgery she will stop having ear infections and discharge, the noise in her ear will go away, and her hearing will improve.

17% funded

17%funded

$79raised

$385to go

Chheut is a 62-year-old home renovator and his wife sells groceries. They have two daughters, five sons, and eight grandchildren. Chheut likes to listen to the radio at home. Chheut has developed a cataract in his right eye, causing him blurry vision, photophobia, and tearing. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, and going anywhere outside. When Chheut learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled there with his daughter seeking treatment. On December 24th, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in his right eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Now, he needs help to fund this $229 procedure. Chheut said, "I hope after surgery I can see clear again so I can go outside by myself and help my wife sell her groceries."

43% funded

43%funded

$100raised

$129to go