Success! Allen from Uganda raised $321 to fund a hysterectomy surgery.

100%

$321 raised, $0 to go

$321

raised

to go

Allen's story
Allen's update

March 22, 2017

Allen is a 52-year-old woman from Uganda. She and her husband have five children and eight grandchildren. They work as small farmers to support their family, growing maize, beans, millet, and other grains and vegetables. In her free time, Allen enjoys spending time with her grandchildren and going to church.

For two years, Allen has been experiencing pain and swelling in her uterus. Seeking treatment, she learned that she has a large mass and will need a hysterectomy.

On March 29, Allen will undergo surgery at Bwindi Community Hospital, our medical partner’s care center. Our medical partner, The Kellermann Foundation, is asking for $321 to cover the cost of Allen’s labs, medication, and medical supply fees. She has been able to contribute $7 towards her own treatment.

“I give many thanks for the help I have received from the donors,” says Allen. “I thank them for saving my life.”

Allen is a 52-year-old woman from Uganda. She and her husband have five children and eight grandchildren. They work as small farmers to supp...

Photo of Allen post-operation

July 24, 2017

Allen underwent a hysterectomy surgery.

Allen’s original surgery date was changed because of other health complications, but she was finally able to undergo surgery and has had a total abdominal hysterectomy. A biopsy was taken of the mass that was removed to see if it was cancerous. If it is cancerous, she will be eligible for free cancer treatment at the regional government hospital. Allen is tired and moving slowly, as would be expected after any major surgery, but is ready to go home and finish recuperating there. Her family is also anxious to have her home. She will return for a check up in two weeks to follow her progress and make sure the incision is healing well.

“I wish to give all my thanks to the hospital, doctors, and Watsi for helping me with this surgery,” says Allen. “We could not afford it and I don’t know what we would have done. It is a great blessing to the people.”

Allen's original surgery date was changed because of other health complications, but she was finally able to undergo surgery and has had a t...

March 22, 2017
PROFILE SUBMITTED
Allen was submitted by Sheila Hosner at The Kellermann Foundation.
March 30, 2017
PROFILE PUBLISHED
Allen's profile was published to start raising funds.
May 1, 2017
TREATMENT OCCURRED
Allen received treatment at Bwindi Community 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.
July 24, 2017
TREATMENT UPDATE
Allen's treatment was successful. Read the update.
September 1, 2017
FULLY FUNDED
Allen's treatment was fully funded.

Funded by 8 donors

Treatment

Hysterectomy

Cost Breakdown
Diagnosis
Procedure

On average, it costs $321 for Allen's treatment

Watsi raises $321 and other contributions cover the rest

Hospital Fees

$115

Medical Staff

$34

Medication

$29

Supplies

$101

Labs

$42

Symptoms
Impact on patient's life
Cultural or regional significance

What kinds of symptoms do patients experience before receiving treatment?

Fibroids and chronic inflammatory disease can cause protracted bleeding and pain. Bleeding often leads to severe anemia, which can cause chronic fatigue, shortness of breath, and dizziness.

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

Uterine prolapse is a condition in which the uterus descends from its normal position. This condition can impair women's urinary and reproductive function. The pain resulting from uterine prolapse makes it difficult for women to work and participate in daily activities. Heavy bleeding can cause anemia and make women more susceptible to other illnesses.

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

Women of African descent are two to three times more likely to develop uterine fibroids. Bwindi Community Hospital is in a rural area where most people work in agriculture. It is particularly important that women receive treatment, as their jobs often involve manual labor.

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

What does the treatment process look like?

The patient is admitted to the hospital the day before scheduled surgery. Prior to surgery, her case is reviewed by the gynecologist and the anesthetist. The patient learns what to expect during surgery. After surgery, the patient learns about the outcome and is informed if a suspicious mass was removed. She is also counseled about recovery. The patient will stay in the hospital for an average of five days. Recovery for this procedure is relatively slow, lasting one to two months. After recovery, the patient should be energetic and able to return to her usual activities.

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

This treatment improves lives. It allows women disabled by severe anemia, bleeding, and discomfort to return to their lives as usual.

What potential side effects or risks come with this treatment?

Risks accompany any surgery. However, this condition is very treatable, and treatment comes with few risks. In the majority of cases, a one-time surgery will resolve the condition completely. Cases of cancer, in which surgery may not completely remove the cancer, are the only exception.

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

The treatment is not easily accessible in the area surrounding Bwindi Community Hospital. The other nearest hospital with surgical facilities is more than a two-hour drive away over rough, dirt roads. Women may walk, travel on motorcycle taxis, or take local buses to the hospital. They can learn about this surgery through village health teams or through other means.

What are the alternatives to this treatment?

The alternative for most patients is to live for many years in chronic pain. Uterine prolapse can also lead to other illnesses because the general health of the woman is compromised. Patients may attempt to relieve suffering with local herbs or painkillers. They may spend months or years waiting to receive treatment from free government hospitals.

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Allen's Timeline

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Funded by 8 donors

Treatment

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100% of your donation funds life-changing surgery.