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Christopher is a 68-year-old farmer from Uganda who needs $170 to fund hernia repair surgery.

Christopher
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  • $20 raised, $150 to go
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January 17, 2023

Christopher is a 68-year-old, small-scale farmer from Uganda. He is a father of three, whose children are all in secondary school at different levels. Christopher and his wife grow beans, mainly for home consumption, while living in a mud house for shelter.

For two years, Christopher has lived with a left inguinal hernia. He first developed an intermittent, painless inguinal swelling, that has grown over time. The swelling mainly appears whenever he coughs or does heavy work. It’s not painful, but Christopher is very worried about what might happen if his condition remains untreated. He understands that the hernia is at risk of strangulation, which could result in more serious medical issues.

Fortunately, on January 19th, Christopher is scheduled to undergo hernia repair surgery at Rushoroza Hospital. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $170 to fund Christopher’s surgery, which once completed, should allow him to live more comfortably and confidently.

Christopher says: “I am worried of what may come out of this condition if not treated. I hope to continue with my farming work more easily after my surgery.”

Christopher is a 68-year-old, small-scale farmer from Uganda. He is a father of three, whose children are all in secondary school at differ...

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Christopher's Timeline

  • January 17, 2023
    PROFILE SUBMITTED

    Christopher was submitted by Ruth Kanyeria, SAFE Program Coordinator at African Mission Healthcare.

  • January 19, 2023
    TREATMENT SCHEDULED

    Christopher was scheduled to receive 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.

  • January 22, 2023
    PROFILE PUBLISHED

    Christopher's profile was published to start raising funds.

  • TODAY
    AWAITING FUNDING

    Christopher is currently raising funds for his treatment.

  • TBD
    AWAITING UPDATE

    Awaiting Christopher's treatment update from African Mission Healthcare.

Funded by 1 donor

Funded by 1 donor

Treatment
Hernia / Hydrocele Repair
  • Cost Breakdown
  • Diagnosis
  • Procedure
On average, it costs $170 for Christopher's treatment
Hospital Fees
$87
Medical Staff
$0
Medication
$17
Supplies
$33
Labs
$25
Other
$8
  • 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 developed countries. 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 high-risk 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 supportive bands or clothing around their 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.