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Esther from Kenya raised $755 to fund a hysterectomy so she can live pain free.

Esther
100%
  • $755 raised, $0 to go
$755
raised
$0
to go
Fully funded
Esther's treatment was fully funded on February 10, 2023.
March 21, 2023

Esther did not yet undergo surgery.

Esther was admitted to the hospital as planned and was prepared for surgery, however, the evening before the surgery, she was noted to have very high blood pressure with tachycardia (fast heartbeat). The Anesthetist advised that considering this condition and her age, there was a great risk of giving anesthesia at this time. Esther was given medicine and returned home to hopefully improve her condition before surgery moves forward. We hope you can consider supporting another patient in need right now. Thank you.

Esther was admitted to the hospital as planned and was prepared for surgery, however, the evening before the surgery, she was noted to have ...

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January 11, 2023

Esther is a small-scale farmer and widow. She is a lively 81years old - still farming when she is healthy. At present she is unable to work because of her condition. She and her late husband have seven grown children, all with their own families.

In the last five years, Esther has been experiencing periodic post-menopausal bleeding, often accompanied by backache and lower abdominal pain. She has been diagnosed with Endometrial Hyperplasia. Doctors recommend she undergo a hysterectomy, a procedure in which surgeons will remove her uterus.

Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $755 to fund Esther’s surgery. On January 18th, she will undergo gynecological surgery at our medical partner’s care center. Once recovered, Esther will be able to resume her daily activities free of pain.

Esther said shyly, “I am feeling bad sharing this problem with my children. I kindly request help so that I can be treated and get well to take care of myself. I don’t want to continue burdening and disturbing them.”

Esther is a small-scale farmer and widow. She is a lively 81years old - still farming when she is healthy. At present she is unable to work...

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Esther's Timeline

  • January 11, 2023
    PROFILE SUBMITTED

    Esther was submitted by Beatrice Njoroge, Curative Medical Support Program Coordinator at African Mission Healthcare.

  • January 18, 2023
    TREATMENT SCHEDULED

    Esther was scheduled to receive treatment at Nazareth 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.

  • January 20, 2023
    PROFILE PUBLISHED

    Esther's profile was published to start raising funds.

  • March 21, 2023
    FUNDING ENDED

    Esther is no longer raising funds.

  • March 21, 2023
    TREATMENT UPDATE

    Esther's treatment did not happen. Read the update.

Funded by 4 donors

Funded by 4 donors

Treatment
Nazareth - Total Abdominal Hysterectomy
  • Cost Breakdown
  • Diagnosis
  • Procedure
On average, it costs $755 for Esther's treatment
Hospital Fees
$382
Medical Staff
$0
Medication
$54
Supplies
$211
Labs
$72
Other
$36
  • Symptoms
  • Impact on patient's life
  • Cultural or regional significance

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

Symptoms vary depending on the condition that requires the total abdominal hysterectomy. If the cause is cervical, uterine, or ovarian cancer, there may not be symptoms, especially if the cancer is early-stage. In more advanced cases of cervical and uterine cancers, abnormal bleeding, unusual discharge, and pelvic or abdominal pain can occur. Symptoms of ovarian cancer may include trouble eating, trouble feeling full, bloating, and urinary abnormality. If the cause is fibroids, symptoms may include heavy bleeding, pain in the pelvis or lower back, and swelling or enlargement of the abdomen.

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

Fibroids can grow large, cause abdominal pain and swelling, and lead to recurring bleeding and anemia. Cancer can cause pain and lead to death.

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

Most cervical cancer is caused by a sexually transmitted infection called human papillomavirus (HPV), which can often occur alongside a HIV infection. As a result, cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among African women in areas of high HIV prevalence. Cervical cancer is also more prevalent in Africa than in the United States due to the lack of early-detection screening programs. The other conditions treated by a total abdominal hysterectomy are not necessarily more common in Africa.

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

What does the treatment process look like?

The patient first reports for laboratory testing. The following day, the patient undergoes surgery. After the operation, the patient stays in the hospital ward for three to four days, during which she is continually monitored. The surgery is considered successful if the wound heals without infection, bleeding, or fever, and if the patient no longer experiences urinary dysfunction.

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

In the case of uterine fibroids or early-stage cancer, a total abdominal hysterectomy is curative.

What potential side effects or risks come with this treatment?

If performed early enough, this surgery is low-risk and curative, with few side effects.

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

This surgery is available, but many patients cannot afford it. Many women are screened for cervical cancer with a low-cost alternative to a pap smear. This is common in HIV treatment programs. If necessary, the woman is referred for surgery, which she often cannot afford.

What are the alternatives to this treatment?

If cervical cancer is caught early enough, some minor procedures can solve the problem. Women with fibroids who still wish to have children may opt to undergo a surgery only to remove the fibroids, which is called a myomectomy.

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.