Success! Meckson from Malawi raised $733 to fund prostate surgery.

100%

$733 raised, $0 to go

$733

raised

to go

Meckson's story
Meckson's update

December 13, 2017

Meckson is a farmer from Malawi. Meckson lives with his wife and he is very close to his grown children. Since he is of advanced age, Meckson likes to relax and chat with his family

Since one year ago, Meckson has been experiencing pain and urinary difficulty. These symptoms are caused by an enlarged prostate, a condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia. He needs to undergo a prostate resection surgery, a procedure in which surgeons will remove part of the enlarged gland.

Our medical partner, World Altering Medicine, is requesting $733 to fund Meckson’s surgery. On December 14, he will undergo prostate surgery at Nkhoma Hospital, our medical partner’s care center. The requested money pays for supplies, medications, and two weeks of hospital stay. Meckson and his family were thrilled to find out his surgery would be funded, and he is looking forward to once again having an active life.

He says, “Thank you.”

Meckson is a farmer from Malawi. Meckson lives with his wife and he is very close to his grown children. Since he is of advanced age, Meckso...

Photo of Meckson post-operation

January 17, 2018

Meckson underwent prostate surgery.

Meckson had a successful and uncomplicated prostate surgery, and he and his family are thrilled with his positive outcome. Meckson is feeling good, and he is hopeful that he will again be able to farm and do all of the activities he was unable to do with an enlarged prostate.

“Thanks, Watsi, for the support,” he says.

Meckson had a successful and uncomplicated prostate surgery, and he and his family are thrilled with his positive outcome. Meckson is feelin...

December 13, 2017
PROFILE SUBMITTED
Meckson was submitted by Alison Corbit, Project Coordinator at World Altering Medicine.
December 13, 2017
PROFILE PUBLISHED
Meckson's profile was published to start raising funds.
December 14, 2017
TREATMENT OCCURRED
Meckson received treatment at Nkhoma Hospital in Malawi. 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 17, 2018
TREATMENT UPDATE
Meckson's treatment was successful. Read the update.
February 1, 2018
FULLY FUNDED
Meckson's treatment was fully funded.

Funded by 5 donors

Treatment

Colon / Prostate Resection

Cost Breakdown
Diagnosis
Procedure

On average, it costs $733 for Meckson's treatment

Hospital Fees

$480

Medical Staff

$12

Medication

$231

Supplies

Travel

Labs

Symptoms
Impact on patient's life
Cultural or regional significance

What kinds of symptoms do patients experience before receiving treatment?

The primary condition treated with this surgery is benign overgrowth of the prostate, called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Patients generally present with urinary symptoms, including difficulty or inability to pass urine, urination frequency, passing very small amounts of urine, or passing urine very slowly. Some patients experience pain when trying to pass urine.

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

Most Malawians live in rural areas, and a large percentage of them work as farmers. This is also true of our medical partner's patient population. When men are experiencing symptoms related to BPH, they often have a hard time working on their farms. They are therefore unable to support themselves and their families. Before receiving surgery, many men will have a catheter placed, which can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. Additionally, using a catheter for a prolonged period of time can lead to infection or trauma to the area.

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

Although experiencing symptoms associated with BPH is not commonly viewed as taboo within our medical partner's patient population, it is rarely discussed. Men can feel embarrassment about the condition and the impact it has on their lives. Some men experience psychological effects from the condition.

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

What does the treatment process look like?

The standard treatment is a prostate resection, which is a fairly standard procedure. After the surgery, the patient will use a catheter for 14 days. Once the catheter is removed and the patient can pass urine freely, they can be discharged.

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

If the treatment goes smoothly, it is expected that healthy patients will make a full recovery and not relapse.

What potential side effects or risks come with this treatment?

Although there are risks associated with any surgical procedure, the risks associated with a prostate resection are very low. However, as the patient population tends to be of older age, it is common that patients have other underlying conditions, such as high blood pressure. Patients who are candidates for this surgery are screened and monitored carefully. If a patient is found to have another health condition that could jeopardize their health during or after the surgery, that condition is addressed first.

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

In the area of our medical partner's treatment center, there is one central, public hospital. That hospital provides surgical services, but barriers exist. A patient requiring a hernia repair could be on a waitlist for years at the central hospital, or be sent home and told to return a number of times. For this reason, treatment can be very difficult to obtain at the public hospital. In addition to our medical partner's treatment center and the central hospital, there are private clinics that would provide this service, but at a high fee. Our medical partner's treatment center, Nkhoma, is a great option for patients because they are able to receive quality treatment.

What are the alternatives to this treatment?

Drugs can be used to relieve symptoms for a short period of time, but ultimately, surgery is the only treatment.

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Kah is a 41-year-old man from Burma. He works as a community development worker and his wife is a farmer who grows paddy and crops for their own consumption. Sometimes, Kah works as a day laborer when he has free time. Kah has been experiencing severe stomach pain that would not go away with medication. Doctors want Kah to undergo a CT scan which will help doctors diagnose his condition and come up with an appropriate treatment plan. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $469 to cover the cost of Kah's CT scan and care, scheduled for February 29th. Kah’s wife said, "We found it very difficult when we heard that we have to go to Thailand for treatment because we don't have enough money and we know it will cost a lot. I am stressed and can't sleep but when I was told that there's an organization and donors who can help my husband's treatment, I feel relieved. Thank you so much for your support."

Meckson's Timeline

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Funded by 5 donors

Treatment

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100% of your donation funds life-changing surgery.