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Success! Virginia from Kenya raised $425 to fund umbilical hernia treatment.

Virginia
100%
  • $425 raised, $0 to go
$425
raised
$0
to go
Fully funded
Virginia's treatment was fully funded on November 29, 2020.

Photo of Virginia post-operation

April 20, 2020

Virginia underwent umbilical hernia treatment.

Virginia had successful surgery at our medical partner’s facility. She is recovering and out of risk of further complication. She is set to come back for a follow-up appointment at the clinic to assess her progress. Virginia is grateful for the kind support offered.

Virginia says, “I will always be grateful for the support offered to me. God bless you.”

Virginia had successful surgery at our medical partner's facility. She is recovering and out of risk of further complication. She is set to ...

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March 4, 2020

Virginia is a waitress from Kenya and a mother of one child. Virginia lives with her cousin in the city’s outskirts. From her work as a waitress, she is able to make ends meet for herself and her daughter.

Since four years ago, Virginia has had an umbilical hernia. This hernia causes her abdominal pain and if not treated, she may suffer intestinal tissue damage and death. Fortunately, on March 5th, she will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner’s care center.

Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $425 to fund Virginia’s surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow her to live more comfortably and confidently.

Virginia says, “I will be grateful for the support to have the hernia repaired. It has really affected my daily life.”

Virginia is a waitress from Kenya and a mother of one child. Virginia lives with her cousin in the city’s outskirts. From her work as a wait...

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Virginia's Timeline

  • March 4, 2020
    PROFILE SUBMITTED

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

  • March 5, 2020
    PROFILE PUBLISHED

    Virginia's profile was published to start raising funds.

  • March 6, 2020
    TREATMENT OCCURRED

    Virginia received treatment at AIC Kijabe 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.

  • April 20, 2020
    TREATMENT UPDATE

    Virginia's treatment was successful. Read the update.

  • November 29, 2020
    FULLY FUNDED

    Virginia's treatment was fully funded.

Funded by 11 donors

Funded by 11 donors

Treatment
Hernia
  • Cost Breakdown
  • Diagnosis
  • Procedure
On average, it costs $425 for Virginia's treatment
Hospital Fees
$413
Medical Staff
$0
Medication
$3
Supplies
$0
Labs
$9
  • 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 the United States. 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 risky 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 tighter pants or a tight band around the 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.