February 15, 2023
Thin is a 20-year-old rice farmer from Cambodia. He lives with his mother, father, and older brother in Kampong Thom province. When he is not in the rice paddies, he likes to play volleyball with his friends.
A week ago, Thin suffered an injury to his left forearm from a rice harvest. He went to a local clinic for wound care but was still in pain. At the suggestion of a villager, the family drove three and a half hours to reach our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC) for further care.
Doctors at CSC diagnosed Thin with compartment syndrome in his injured forearm. This is a condition that occurs when pressure within the damaged muscles builds to dangerous levels. This puts pressure on nerves and muscles. This can be very traumatizing for a young man. Thin is in pain, cannot move his arm, and there is no pulse on that extremity.
Although doctors hoped to save his arm, it was determined that he needs an amputation. The cost of this procedure is $479, and Thin and his family need help to raise the fund. Thin hopes to be relieved of his pain after the surgery.
Thin’s mother said, “We are worried about our son, and hope after the surgery his pain will be less.”
Thin is a 20-year-old rice farmer from Cambodia. He lives with his mother, father, and older brother in Kampong Thom province. When he is no...
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August 14, 2023
Thin underwent amputation surgery.
It was devastating for a young man like Thin to lose his arm, but he is thankful to be alive. He remained at the hospital until surgeons were sure he was stable and was given antibiotics to prevent infection. Pain from an amputation may not go away immediately, and he may experience phantom pain and abnormal sensations. Surgeons and the physiotherapy team look forward to seeing him again to assess his recovery and offer support. Our medical partner shared that life will be different for him, but with help, he will succeed. It will be difficult for a healthy young man to reconcile losing his arm, but Thin and his family are grateful for the excellent care.
Thin said: “I am happy to get this treatment to save my life, go home and support my family farm. I will be able to go back to work with my single hand. All the surgeons and staff have good skills and work hard.”
It was devastating for a young man like Thin to lose his arm, but he is thankful to be alive. He remained at the hospital until surgeons wer...
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