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Success! Regina from Kenya raised $791 to fund a hysterectomy.

Regina
100%
  • $791 raised, $0 to go
$791
raised
$0
to go
Fully funded
Regina's treatment was fully funded on December 24, 2020.

Photo of Regina post-operation

July 9, 2020

Regina underwent a hysterectomy.

Regina had a successful surgery and could not hide her smile of appreciation. She was happy to be relieved of the pain and bleeding which she has experienced for the past five years. Regina can now lead a healthy, normal life.

“I cannot express my gratitude for this kind support. With this successful treatment I can now live my life normally and be able to socialize with friends and family” shared Regina.

Regina had a successful surgery and could not hide her smile of appreciation. She was happy to be relieved of the pain and bleeding which sh...

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May 31, 2020

Regina is a 46-year-old woman from Kenya. She works as a secretary at the Kiambu County Offices with limited income and shared that she has not been paid for some months.

Since five years ago, Regina has been experiencing lower abdominal pains and abnormal uterine bleeding. She has been diagnosed with uterine 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 $791 to fund Regina’s surgery. On June 5th, she will undergo gynecological surgery at our medical partner’s care center. Once recovered, Regina will be able to resume her daily activities free of pain.

“I have been paying for national health insurance hoping it would help me and also if my salary was paid I would have tried to cater for this operation. Now I plead for support so that I can undergo this surgery and at least get back to my normal life,” said Regina.

Regina is a 46-year-old woman from Kenya. She works as a secretary at the Kiambu County Offices with limited income and shared that she has ...

Read more

Regina's Timeline

  • May 31, 2020
    PROFILE SUBMITTED

    Regina was submitted by Joan Kadagaya, Curative Medical Support Program-Partner Representative at African Mission Healthcare.

  • June 2, 2020
    PROFILE PUBLISHED

    Regina's profile was published to start raising funds.

  • June 3, 2020
    TREATMENT OCCURRED

    Regina received treatment at Nazareth Hospital in Kenya. 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.

  • July 9, 2020
    TREATMENT UPDATE

    Regina's treatment was successful. Read the update.

  • December 24, 2020
    FULLY FUNDED

    Regina's treatment was fully funded.

Funded by 23 donors

Funded by 23 donors

Treatment
Nazareth - Total Abdominal Hysterectomy
  • Cost Breakdown
  • Diagnosis
  • Procedure
On average, it costs $791 for Regina's treatment
Hospital Fees
$454
Medical Staff
$0
Medication
$54
Supplies
$211
Labs
$72
  • 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.

Meet another patient you can support

100% of your donation funds life-changing surgery.