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Success! Gaudensia from Uganda raised $319 to fund a full a full hysterectomy.

Gaudensia
100%
  • $319 raised, $0 to go
$319
raised
$0
to go
Fully funded
Gaudensia's treatment was fully funded on June 24, 2022.

Photo of Gaudensia post-operation

June 29, 2022

Gaudensia underwent a life-changing hysterectomy.

Gaudensia underwent a full hysterectomy to heal her multiple fibroids. She hopes to comfortably resume farming since she will no longer be in pain. She looks forward to peace of mind as, going forward, she won’t have to worry about her uterus causing her problems. Her entire family was very happy when she was discharged home and they hope that Watsi will continue supporting the needy around the world.

Gaudensia says, “I hope to comfortably get back to farming after my recovery. I thank Watsi for restoring the lost hope by funding my surgery because my family could hardly afford it. May you continue supporting the needy.”

Gaudensia underwent a full hysterectomy to heal her multiple fibroids. She hopes to comfortably resume farming since she will no longer be i...

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March 3, 2022

Gaudensia is small-scale farmer and a mother of five. She farms along with her husband. They own a three-room mud house for shelter. Her children are now grown, leaving her and her husband to manage the farm, which earns modest income.

For the past two years, Gaudensia has experienced severe lower abdominal pains, loss of appetite, gastrointestinal difficulties, and other worrisome symptoms. She was diagnosed with multiple fibroids and recommended to undergo a full hysterectomy.

Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $319 to fund Gaudensia’s surgery. On March 4th, she will have the procedure at AMH’s medical care center, Rushoroza Hospital. Once recovered, Gaudensia will be able to resume her daily activities, free of pain.

Gaudensia says “I am in pain and I’m requesting help. I hope to live a normal life once again through surgery so that I may be able to resume farming and be able to sustain myself and my family.”

Gaudensia is small-scale farmer and a mother of five. She farms along with her husband. They own a three-room mud house for shelter. Her chi...

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Gaudensia's Timeline

  • March 3, 2022
    PROFILE SUBMITTED

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

  • March 4, 2022
    TREATMENT OCCURRED

    Gaudensia received treatment at Rushoroza 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.

  • March 4, 2022
    PROFILE PUBLISHED

    Gaudensia's profile was published to start raising funds.

  • June 24, 2022
    FULLY FUNDED

    Gaudensia's treatment was fully funded.

  • June 29, 2022
    TREATMENT UPDATE

    Gaudensia's treatment was successful. Read the update.

Funded by 5 donors

Funded by 5 donors

Treatment
Total Abdominal Hysterectomy
  • Cost Breakdown
  • Diagnosis
  • Procedure
On average, it costs $319 for Gaudensia's treatment
Hospital Fees
$218
Medical Staff
$12
Medication
$14
Supplies
$53
Labs
$6
Other
$16
  • 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.