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Success! Tun from Thailand raised $1,500 to fund a cholecystectomy to remove his gallbladder.

Tun
100%
  • $1,500 raised, $0 to go
$1,500
raised
$0
to go
Fully funded
Tun's treatment was fully funded on April 30, 2021.

Photo of Tun post-operation

July 20, 2021

Tun underwent a cholecystectomy and can now take care of himself independently.

Before he received surgery, Tun had no appetite and was experiencing intense abdominal pain: “I thought I would not live.” Fortunately, after he received surgery, Tun is now active and healthy with no more pain.

His daughter is glad about Tun’s recovery, “Because of your help, my father has become healthy again. He walked to your [BCMF’s] office from the Mae Tao Clinic’s gate, although I told him to wait for International Rescue Committee’s car. I am very happy to see him like this. Thank you everyone.”

Tun shares his joy at regaining independence again, “I am very grateful that I received treatment and help from all of you. Thank you so much to everyone who helped me receive surgery. I wish you all happiness and good health. From now on, I will take care of myself.”

Before he received surgery, Tun had no appetite and was experiencing intense abdominal pain: “I thought I would not live.” Fortunately, aft...

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February 16, 2021

Tun is a 73-year-old man who lives with his three daughters in Umpiem Mai Refugee Camp in Thailand. Each month, Tun’s household receives a small cash card to purchase rations in the camp, and their monthly household income is just enough to cover daily expenses. In his free time, Tun loves to read books and loves telling stories to his neighbours’ children. He is always welcoming, giving the children snacks and telling them stories from his home. Tun also loves to grow different types of vegetables around his house, sharing the harvest with his neighbours who cannot afford to buy vegetables. Before he felt unwell, Tun used to volunteer, organising cleaning groups in the camp and helping with road repairs.

Currently, Tun experiences on and off pain in his upper abdomen. He also has a slight fever and often feels nauseous. Over time, his appetite has gradually decreased, and he has lost weight. Tun has been advised to undergo a cholecystectomy, the surgical removal of the gallbladder. If his condition is left untreated, Tun’s symptoms will continue to worsen and he will be at risk for further health complications in the future.

After seeking treatment through our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund (BCMF), Tun is scheduled to undergo his cholecystectomy on February 16th. BCMF is requesting $1,500 to cover the total cost of Tun’s procedure and care. Once recovered, he will able to resume gardening, volunteering, and socializing with others in the camp.

Tun shared, “I love volunteering and I am happy to help the community with whatever I can. But since I got sick, I cannot participate, and I cannot go to the monastery to help clean nor can I meditate. If I ever feel better again, I will continue to help my community with whatever I can do and I will also continue to grow vegetables around my house for my family and for my neighbours.”

Tun is a 73-year-old man who lives with his three daughters in Umpiem Mai Refugee Camp in Thailand. Each month, Tun's household receives a s...

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Tun's Timeline

  • February 16, 2021
    PROFILE SUBMITTED

    Tun was submitted by Bue Wah Say, Project Officer at Burma Children Medical Fund.

  • February 16, 2021
    TREATMENT OCCURRED

    Tun received treatment at Mae Sot General Hospital in Thailand. 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.

  • February 17, 2021
    PROFILE PUBLISHED

    Tun's profile was published to start raising funds.

  • April 30, 2021
    FULLY FUNDED

    Tun's treatment was fully funded.

  • July 20, 2021
    TREATMENT UPDATE

    Tun's treatment was successful. Read the update.

Treatment
Cholecystectomy (Biliary Obstruction)
  • Cost Breakdown
  • Diagnosis
  • Procedure
On average, it costs $3,729 for Tun's treatment
Subsidies fund $2,229 and Watsi raises the remaining $1,500
Hospital Fees
$1,430
Medical Staff
$966
Medication
$12
Supplies
$187
Labs
$84
Radiology
$879
Other
$171
  • Symptoms
  • Impact on patient's life
  • Cultural or regional significance

​What kinds of symptoms do patients experience before receiving treatment?

Patients experience abdominal pain, jaundice, fever, nausea, and bloating.

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

Patients are in a great deal of pain. They cannot work regularly or even sleep comfortably.

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

Patients cannot afford to go to the hospital. Many people rely on medications provided by dealers who are not authorized pharmacists.

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

What does the treatment process look like?

Ultrasound testing is the first diagnostic test. When the diagnosis is confirmed, surgery is scheduled. The gallbladder is removed through an incision on the right side under the rib cage. The patient usually spends 4-5 days in the hospital.

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

After the surgery, the patient will no longer be in pain, and his or her jaundice will reduce.

What potential side effects or risks come with this treatment?

Potential side effects include bleeding, fever, pneumonia, heart complications, UTIs, blood clots, renal failure, bile duct injuries, retention of the bile duct stone, and death.

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

Many of our medical partner's patients live in remote areas. They cannot afford or access treatment because it is only available in large cities.

What are the alternatives to this treatment?

There are no alternatives. Without surgery, the stones may grow larger. The patient will live in discomfort and may risk death.

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.