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Success! Mugisa from Uganda raised $249 for hernia repair surgery.

Mugisa
100%
  • $249 raised, $0 to go
$249
raised
$0
to go
Fully funded
Mugisa's treatment was fully funded on November 1, 2016.

Photo of Mugisa post-operation

November 16, 2016

Mugisa successfully received hernia repair surgery.

Mugisa is doing great and his surgery was a success. He is currently at home resting with his family, and already feeling so much better. He has shared that he feels much less pain now and is more calm and peaceful. Now that his hernia has been repaired, he is no longer at risk of intestinal incarceration, obstruction, or strangulation.

“I am feeling better. I am very excited about regaining my strength,” shares Mugisa. “After recovery I will continue working in my banana plantation; I will rehabilitate it. I have no more worries about my health now. Thank you very much for your kindness. Many blessings.”

Mugisa is doing great and his surgery was a success. He is currently at home resting with his family, and already feeling so much better. He...

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October 3, 2016

Mugisa is a 66 years old married man from Uganda, and a father of six. All of his children are now adults and casual laborers. Mugisa has a small banana plantation where he gets food for his family, selling the surplus to get money to support his family.

In 2006, Mugisa developed painful swelling in his inguinal (groin) area. He visited a hospital once where he was diagnosed with a bilateral inguinal hernia, a condition where part of his intestine is protruding through his inner groin area in both sides. He was advised to have surgery, which he cannot afford. Mugisa has been using herbs but he has had no relief. Due to pain, he is unable to lift or carry heavy items. He also cannot dig and or walk long distances. If not treated, the hernia could become stuck, leading to damage to the intestine or even the stomach.

$249 will cover the costs of the surgery and care Mugisa needs. After surgery, he hopes to regain his strength and work hard to rehabilitate his banana plantation, so that it can produce good bananas.

Mugisa is a 66 years old married man from Uganda, and a father of six. All of his children are now adults and casual laborers. Mugisa has a ...

Read more

Mugisa's Timeline

  • October 3, 2016
    PROFILE SUBMITTED

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

  • October 5, 2016
    TREATMENT OCCURRED

    Mugisa received treatment at Holy Family Virika 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.

  • October 7, 2016
    PROFILE PUBLISHED

    Mugisa's profile was published to start raising funds.

  • November 1, 2016
    FULLY FUNDED

    Mugisa's treatment was fully funded.

  • November 16, 2016
    TREATMENT UPDATE

    Mugisa's treatment was successful. Read the update.

Funded by 6 donors

Funded by 6 donors

Treatment
Hernia Repair
  • Cost Breakdown
  • Diagnosis
  • Procedure
On average, it costs $249 for Mugisa's treatment
Hospital Fees
$181
Medical Staff
$0
Medication
$58
Supplies
$0
Labs
$10
  • 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.