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Success! Kasaija from Uganda raised $249 to reduce his left inguinal hernia.

Kasaija
100%
  • $249 raised, $0 to go
$249
raised
$0
to go
Fully funded
Kasaija's treatment was fully funded on November 21, 2016.

Photo of Kasaija post-operation

November 21, 2016

Kasaija successfully received hernia repair surgery.

Kasaija is doing great and his surgery was a success. He is currently at home resting and 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 much better. I am so happy because what has been troubling me for seven years has been removed through the Watsi program,” shares Kasaija. “I really appreciate so much the help given me. May the good Lord bless you all.”

Kasaija is doing great and his surgery was a success. He is currently at home resting and has shared that he feels much less pain now and is...

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August 31, 2016

Meet Kasaija, an 81-year-old married man from Uganda who has seven children; three girls who are all married and four boys who mostly do casual labor. Kasaija used to get his income from trading in goats, but since he fell sick, he depends on his children as he cannot work independently. His stay-at-home wife has no other source of income. So, Kasaija hopes to receive necessary treatment from Watsi’s medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation.

In 2009, Kasaija noticed a painful swelling in his left inguinal area which started causing nausea and stomachaches. He has spent the last seven years with this condition. He has sleepless nights because of pain; he can only sleep comfortably on his stomach. Despite receiving a diagnosis of a left inguinal hernia, Kasaija has not been able to receive medical attention because he cannot afford it. Instead, he has resorted to using herbs to no avail. “I feel a lot of pain which makes me very uncomfortable,” says Kasaija. Due to the growing pain, he still remains unable to work. If his condition remains untreated, Kasaija is at risk of further complications.

For $249, surgeons at Holy Family Virika Hospital in Uganda will be able to repair Kasaija’s hernia. They will ensure that the intestinal muscle is placed correctly and reinforce the weakened abdominal muscles with mesh or sutures. Kasaija should heal quickly, so that he may return to his family pain-free.

After surgery, Kasaija hopes to resume trading in goats to help sustain his family. Let’s help Kasaija return to his beloved business and to his family in good health.

Meet Kasaija, an 81-year-old married man from Uganda who has seven children; three girls who are all married and four boys who mostly do cas...

Read more

Kasaija's Timeline

  • August 31, 2016
    PROFILE SUBMITTED

    Kasaija was submitted by Robert Kariuki, Process Coordinator at African Mission Healthcare.

  • September 2, 2016
    TREATMENT OCCURRED

    Kasaija 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 13, 2016
    PROFILE PUBLISHED

    Kasaija's profile was published to start raising funds.

  • November 21, 2016
    FULLY FUNDED

    Kasaija's treatment was fully funded.

  • November 21, 2016
    TREATMENT UPDATE

    Kasaija's treatment was successful. Read the update.

Funded by 10 donors

Funded by 10 donors

Treatment
Hernia Repair
  • Cost Breakdown
  • Diagnosis
  • Procedure
On average, it costs $249 for Kasaija'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.