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Success! Miseyek from Tanzania raised $880 to fund mobility restoring leg surgery.

Miseyek
100%
  • $880 raised, $0 to go
$880
raised
$0
to go
Fully funded
Miseyek's treatment was fully funded on December 24, 2020.

Photo of Miseyek post-operation

August 7, 2020

Miseyek underwent mobility restoring leg surgery.

Miseyek had a successful surgery that has helped correct his right leg. He was having difficulty walking and experiencing pain that was limiting his ability to carry out his daily life activities. Through this surgery, Miseyek will be able to walk normally again and be able to help his parents with normal everyday activities.

Miseyek’s mother says, “I am happy that I have had my leg corrected and am looking forward to healing fully and being able to walk again. Thank you very much.”

Miseyek had a successful surgery that has helped correct his right leg. He was having difficulty walking and experiencing pain that was limi...

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July 22, 2020

Miseyek is a young boy from Tanzania. He is the last born child in a family of five children. Miseyek is a hard-working boy who helps his parents with daily home chores. He mostly helps his father look after their cattle which he takes out for grazing every day. Miseyek never had a chance to join school due to his parents financial constraints. His parents depend entirely on their livestock and small-scale farming to make a living.

Miseyek was diagnosed with genu valgus. His legs bow inward so that his knees touch when he walks. This condition is typically caused by an excessive accumulation of fluoride in the bones, which often stems from contaminated drinking water. As a result, he is experiencing discomfort and has difficulty walking.

Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $880 to fund corrective surgery for Miseyek. The procedure is scheduled to take place on July 23rd. Treatment will hopefully restore Miseyek’s mobility and allow him to participate in a variety of activities, while also greatly decreasing his risk of future complications.

Miseyek says, “Please help me get treated. I would like to be able to walk with ease and without pain so that I can help my parents.”

Miseyek is a young boy from Tanzania. He is the last born child in a family of five children. Miseyek is a hard-working boy who helps his pa...

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Miseyek's Timeline

  • July 22, 2020
    PROFILE SUBMITTED

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

  • July 22, 2020
    PROFILE PUBLISHED

    Miseyek's profile was published to start raising funds.

  • July 23, 2020
    TREATMENT OCCURRED

    Miseyek received treatment at Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre (ALMC) in Tanzania. 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 7, 2020
    TREATMENT UPDATE

    Miseyek's treatment was successful. Read the update.

  • December 24, 2020
    FULLY FUNDED

    Miseyek's treatment was fully funded.

Funded by 24 donors

Funded by 24 donors

Treatment
Fluorosis - Genu Valgus / Varus
  • Cost Breakdown
  • Diagnosis
  • Procedure
On average, it costs $880 for Miseyek's treatment
Hospital Fees
$831
Medical Staff
$15
Medication
$11
Supplies
$0
Labs
$23
  • Symptoms
  • Impact on patient's life
  • Cultural or regional significance

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

Patients with genu valgum (or "knock-knees") have knees that bend inward and cause an abnormal walking gait. Patients with genu varum (or bowleggedness) have knees that bend outward and cause knee or hip pain and reduced range of motion in the hips.

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

The patient's mobility is hindered, which can prevent the patient from making a living through physical labor. The patient may also develop arthritis later in life.

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

In the United States, supplemental fluoride is added to the water to improve dental health. However, in areas of northern Tanzania, there is too much naturally-occurring fluoride in the water, which causes bone curvature.

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

What does the treatment process look like?

After surgery, the patient will stay in the hospital for 4-5 days. During this time, the surgical wound will be monitored for swelling and infection. The patient will complete physiotherapy to help him or her walk or move the limbs. A series of X-rays will be performed over several months to monitor the healing process.

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

The bones and joints will be aligned, and long-term disability will be prevented.

What potential side effects or risks come with this treatment?

This procedure is not risky, but it is time-consuming. The rehabilitation process can take several months.

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

Care is not easily accessible. Most patients live in remote, rural areas and are identified through mobile outreach. The pediatric surgical program at Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre was started to meet the large burden of pediatric disability in the region.

What are the alternatives to this treatment?

There are no alternatives. Although some cases can heal on their own, the patients submitted to Watsi require dedicated treatment.

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.