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Asiimwe from Uganda raised $170 to fund hernia repair surgery.

Asiimwe
100%
  • $170 raised, $0 to go
$170
raised
$0
to go
Fully funded
Asiimwe's treatment was fully funded on August 19, 2022.

Photo of Asiimwe post-operation

September 1, 2022

Asiimwe underwent life-changing surgery.

Asiimwe underwent successful surgery and is recovering well! He was initially scheduled to undergo a hydrocelectomy procedure alongside the hernia repair surgery, but the surgeons determined that an orchidopexy and hernia repair procedure better suited his needs so adapted his treatment plan. His parents shared their happiness that Asiimwe will be able to live a more comfortable life now, grow up healthy, and be able to continue with his schooling.

His father says, “I thank the donor program and Rushoroza hospital for treating my son’s condition that had become a big worry for us. I pray that you may continue supporting the needy because my wife and I could not have afforded the surgery. May God bless you.”

Asiimwe underwent successful surgery and is recovering well! He was initially scheduled to undergo a hydrocelectomy procedure alongside the ...

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May 31, 2022

Asiimwe is a 4-year-old preschooler who likes playing with his friends, especially running around where they live. He is the fifth born out of six children in his family. Both his mother and father are small scale farmers and own a four room mud house for shelter. Their family’s eldest child is 15 years old and in the 7th grade, while the youngest is two years old and hasn’t yet started school. His parents are proud that all of their school-aged children are in school and doing well, however covering all the school fees from their earnings farming is challenging for them.

Since about two weeks ago, Asiimwe has had bilateral inguinal hernia and right hydrocele. If not treated, the hernia could become strangulated and could result in intestinal obstruction, which can become life-threatening. Fortunately, on June 3rd, Asiimwe will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner’s care center.

Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $170 to fund Asiimwe’s surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently as he grows up.

Asiimwe is a 4-year-old preschooler who likes playing with his friends, especially running around where they live. He is the fifth born out ...

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Asiimwe's Timeline

  • May 31, 2022
    PROFILE SUBMITTED

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

  • June 3, 2022
    TREATMENT OCCURRED

    Asiimwe received treatment at Rushoroza Hospital in Uganda. 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.

  • June 3, 2022
    PROFILE PUBLISHED

    Asiimwe's profile was published to start raising funds.

  • August 19, 2022
    FULLY FUNDED

    Asiimwe's treatment was fully funded.

  • September 1, 2022
    TREATMENT UPDATE

    We received an update on Asiimwe. Read the update.

Funded by 4 donors

Funded by 4 donors

Treatment
Hernia / Hydrocele Repair
  • Cost Breakdown
  • Diagnosis
  • Procedure
On average, it costs $170 for Asiimwe's treatment
Hospital Fees
$87
Medical Staff
$0
Medication
$17
Supplies
$33
Labs
$25
Other
$8
  • Symptoms
  • Impact on patient's life
  • Cultural or regional significance

​What kinds of symptoms do patients experience before receiving treatment?

A hernia occurs when a portion of the intestine protrudes through the lower abdominal wall, usually for one of two reasons. The first is a congenital abnormality in which the tissues did not close. The second is excessive stress in an adult, often due to heavy physical labor or pregnancy. Patients experience a bulge or lump in the affected area. The hernia may cause the patient to feel pain, discomfort, weakness, pressure, and sensations of heaviness or aching. These symptoms are often exacerbated when the patient coughs, bends over, or lifts heavy objects. In some cases, hernias have no symptoms and are only detected during routine medical exams.

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

Patients with uncomplicated hernias may experience only annoyance or discomfort. As the hernia opening expands, the discomfort will increase. Small openings are more likely to trap the intestine, potentially leading to intestinal damage or death.

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

Hernias are common in Africa. People often do very hard physical labor and lift heavy objects. Women tend to have more children than those in developed countries. It is possible that some hernias have infectious or genetic causes.

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

What does the treatment process look like?

Surgery lasts for three to eight hours, depending on the age of the patient and the severity of the hernia. The patient will stay in the hospital anywhere from two days to eight weeks, again depending on the age of the patient and the severity of the hernia. The patient is continually monitored.

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

Treatment is curative. The chance of intestinal strangulation or bowel obstruction reduces significantly.

What potential side effects or risks come with this treatment?

Hernia repair is not a high-risk procedure, and it comes with few side effects.

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

Many patients will ignore a hernia until it becomes uncomfortable and seek care at that time. Some people will wear supportive bands or clothing around their waist to prevent the intestine from protruding.

What are the alternatives to this treatment?

If the hernia is not “stuck,” patients tend to ignore it and adapt to living with it. However, this could lead to future complications.

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.