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Ngwe from Thailand raised $1,500 to fund gynecological surgery.

Ngwe
100%
  • $1,500 raised, $0 to go
$1,500
raised
$0
to go
Fully funded
Ngwe's treatment was fully funded on November 9, 2019.

Photo of Ngwe post-operation

October 14, 2019

Ngwe underwent gynecological surgery.

Since surgery, Ngwe feels like she is free from her bloated stomach although she still has pain at the site of her surgical wound. She no longer has pain in her back and her appetite has returned.

Ngwe said, “I would like to thank BCMF for paying for my surgery’s cost and to thank BCMF for giving me a new life. [Without their help] I would die from my illness. At present, I worry that I won’t have any food since I don’t have an income. My friend told me to go live with them if my employer does not let me stay on his land because I have to rest at home to take care of my wound for a couple of weeks.”

Since surgery, Ngwe feels like she is free from her bloated stomach although she still has pain at the site of her surgical wound. She no lo...

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August 12, 2019

Ngwe is a 47-year-old woman from Thailand. She works on a farm.

Since May 2019, Ngwe has been experiencing tightness in her abdomen and other symptoms. She has been diagnosed with an ovarian tumor. She has been advised to undergo a total abdominal hysterectomy, the surgical removal of her uterus and cervix. If left untreated, Ngwe’s symptoms will continue to worsen and put her at risk for further health complications in the future.

Fortunately, Ngwe is scheduled to undergo her hysterectomy on August 13. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to cover the total cost of her procedure and care. After surgery, Ngwe will be able to work again.

Ngwe said, “I will continue to work after I recover.”

Ngwe is a 47-year-old woman from Thailand. She works on a farm. Since May 2019, Ngwe has been experiencing tightness in her abdomen and ...

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Ngwe's Timeline

  • August 12, 2019
    PROFILE SUBMITTED

    Ngwe was submitted by Bue Wah Say, Project Officer at Burma Children Medical Fund.

  • August 13, 2019
    TREATMENT OCCURRED

    Ngwe received treatment at Mae Sot General Hospital in Thailand. 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 15, 2019
    PROFILE PUBLISHED

    Ngwe's profile was published to start raising funds.

  • October 14, 2019
    TREATMENT UPDATE

    We received an update on Ngwe. Read the update.

  • November 9, 2019
    FULLY FUNDED

    Ngwe's treatment was fully funded.

Funded by 34 donors

Funded by 34 donors

Treatment
Total Abdominal Hysterectomy
  • Cost Breakdown
  • Diagnosis
  • Procedure
On average, it costs $3,416 for Ngwe's treatment
Subsidies fund $1,916 and Watsi raises the remaining $1,500
Hospital Fees
$2,216
Medical Staff
$493
Medication
$67
Supplies
$87
Labs
$22
Radiology
$8
Other
$523
  • Symptoms
  • Impact on patient's life
  • Cultural or regional significance

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

Patients may experience a sensation of heaviness in the pelvis, tissue protrusion from a sensitive area, urinary and bowel dysfunction, and lower back pain.

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

Patients may experience intermittent pain in the abdomen and spotting. If the pain becomes debilitating and chronic, patients may be unable to participate in daily life. It may be difficult for women to care for their families, complete household tasks, and work.

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

Because of the sensitive nature of gynecological conditions, patients may delay seeking care. Many patients do not have the means to travel or pay for surgery or are not able to take time away from their family and work to seek treatment.

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

What does the treatment process look like?

The patient undergoes blood testing and an ultrasound scan to confirm the diagnosis. If the patient does not have any other medical conditions, surgery can be performed quickly. If the patient has another health condition, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, its symptoms must be managed before surgery. A patient usually spends about 4-5 days in the hospital.

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

This treatment can completely change a patient’s life. After the surgery, the patient will see her condition and symptoms improve. Pain, fatigue, menstruation abnormalities, and urinary dysfunction will be alleviated.

What potential side effects or risks come with this treatment?

Side effects can include fever, infection, heavy bleeding during or after surgery, injury to the urinary tract or nearby organs, blood clots, problems related to anesthesia, and death.

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

Although this type of treatment is available in most of Burma, patients cannot access care because of the high cost of surgery.

What are the alternatives to this treatment?

There are not many alternatives, especially for women who are older. Doctors will suggest this treatment to reduce the chance of recurrence of masses/cysts/myoma. Some women opt to treat the symptoms with pain medicine or traditional medicine. Ultimately, however, mass removal or a hysterectomy are the only options to resolve the condition and improve the symptoms.

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James

James is a 63yr old man from Elgeyo Marakwet County in Kenya. He is married and has eight children - some of still in high school while others are married. Formerly, James worked in the forestry department for twenty years and he managed to educate his children as he used to earn a salary. Currently he is a farmer who plants maize, millet and sorghum in his small piece of land for consumption and sale. He has been able to get his basic needs and that of his family through the sale of farm produce. He has no medical coverage or insurance at the moment. Recently, James fell down and rolled down a hill when he was attempting to move his cow. He is in a lot of pain, unable to use both legs. The timing of his injury is unfortunate, because he needs to tend to his farm. He has nothing that can enable him get funds at the moment. Two of his sons managed to get ksh 10,000 which is not even a quarter of the required amount for his procedure. James has suffered fractures around both his knee joints, and they require special attention so that they may not damage the articular cartilage. He needs an urgent procedure on one of his limbs, which will also enable him undergo the surgery he needs on his other leg more quickly as well. The finance issue is barring him from getting his surgery. He is now appealing to all well-wishers for help in order to get his surgery done. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner can help. On December 7th, James will undergo a fracture repair procedure, called an open reduction and internal fixation. He will no longer be in pain, and will be able to walk, work and provide for his family. Now, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $1,145 to fund this procedure. James says, “I am in so much pain. I cannot imagine that I am not able to walk and do things on my own. I don’t regret anything, I just thank God who protected my life. Kindly help me so that I may not become a burden to my children.”

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Mark

Mark is a 2-year-old boy, His mother works as a teacher, while the father owns a small business of selling thrift shoes around town. However, ever since the lock down period during the COVID-19 pandemic, their business has been slow, thus, reducing their household income. The past year has been the most difficult for them, and they are unable to raise funds to seek medical treatment for their son. Last year, while playing with his friends, Mark accidentally pulled on a flask of hot water resulting in the water spilling and burning most parts of his arms and stomach. Following the accident, his mother applied honey and a raw egg on the wound as first aid and then rushed him to the hospital. Mark was given ointments to help the wound heal, but his mother was led to believe that applying mashed cassava mixed with honey would help Mark’s wound heal faster and better compared to the medicine he was given at the hospital. Two months after the incident, Mark no longer had an open wound, but the skin around the fingers of his right hand was badly damaged. Burn scar contractures have developed, tightening the skin around the burn. Now it is difficult for him to use his right hand. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is helping Mark receive treatment. On March 3rd, surgeons at their care center will perform a burn contracture release surgery to increase the functionality of his fingers. Now, he needs help to fund this $874 procedure. Mark’s mother says, “Sometimes I wonder if not following the doctor’s advice is the reason my son’s hand is the way it is, and I’m the one responsible for that.”

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Meet another patient you can support

100% of your donation funds life-changing surgery.

James

James is a 63yr old man from Elgeyo Marakwet County in Kenya. He is married and has eight children - some of still in high school while others are married. Formerly, James worked in the forestry department for twenty years and he managed to educate his children as he used to earn a salary. Currently he is a farmer who plants maize, millet and sorghum in his small piece of land for consumption and sale. He has been able to get his basic needs and that of his family through the sale of farm produce. He has no medical coverage or insurance at the moment. Recently, James fell down and rolled down a hill when he was attempting to move his cow. He is in a lot of pain, unable to use both legs. The timing of his injury is unfortunate, because he needs to tend to his farm. He has nothing that can enable him get funds at the moment. Two of his sons managed to get ksh 10,000 which is not even a quarter of the required amount for his procedure. James has suffered fractures around both his knee joints, and they require special attention so that they may not damage the articular cartilage. He needs an urgent procedure on one of his limbs, which will also enable him undergo the surgery he needs on his other leg more quickly as well. The finance issue is barring him from getting his surgery. He is now appealing to all well-wishers for help in order to get his surgery done. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner can help. On December 7th, James will undergo a fracture repair procedure, called an open reduction and internal fixation. He will no longer be in pain, and will be able to walk, work and provide for his family. Now, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $1,145 to fund this procedure. James says, “I am in so much pain. I cannot imagine that I am not able to walk and do things on my own. I don’t regret anything, I just thank God who protected my life. Kindly help me so that I may not become a burden to my children.”

57% funded

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