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Success! Chan from Burma raised $1,500 to fund heart surgery.

Chan
100%
  • $1,500 raised, $0 to go
$1,500
raised
$0
to go
Fully funded
Chan's treatment was fully funded on September 5, 2020.

Photo of Chan post-operation

February 26, 2020

Chan underwent heart surgery.

Since surgery, Chan only feels a bit of pain around the surgery wound. Unlike before, Chan does not feel much tiredness when she does something. Her family is very happy for her. When she is fully recovered, Chan will sew again and live her best for her parents and husband.

Chan said, “Thank you very much for giving me an opportunity to receive this treatment. I am very happy and grateful for that.”

Since surgery, Chan only feels a bit of pain around the surgery wound. Unlike before, Chan does not feel much tiredness when she does someth...

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November 7, 2019

Chan is a 36-year-old woman who lives with her husband and father-in-law in Shwepyithar Town, Yangon Division. Chan’s husband works as a day labourer on a construction site, while Chan is a seamstress who works from home.

In 2010, Chan started to feel tired, had a rapid heartbeat and developed joint pain. She went to the clinic in Thaton, where she lived at that time, and received an an echocardiogram (echo) and x-ray. The doctor also told her that, if her heart became too enlarged, she would not be able to control her condition with oral medication and she would not be able to have a baby. She then received oral medication for a week which made her feel better for a while.

In September 2019, when she went back for her follow-up appointment, she received another echo. Following this, the doctor explained to her that her condition could no longer be stabilized with medication. As he knew that Chan could not afford to pay for her surgery, he referred her to Pinlon Hospital. On 17th September 2019, she met the staff at Pin Long Hospital and who then referred her to Burma Children Medical Fund (BCMF).

Currently, Chan suffers from chest pain, has difficulty breathing, has a rapid heartbeat and has lost weight. In her free times Chan likes to sew, cook and do housework.

“When I’m fully recovered, I will continue to work as a seamstress, save money and live happily with family,” said Chan. “Once I have enough money, my husband and I have decided to adopt one child. And I want to do charity work and help poor people as much as I can.”

Chan is a 36-year-old woman who lives with her husband and father-in-law in Shwepyithar Town, Yangon Division. Chan’s husband works as a day...

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Chan's Timeline

  • November 7, 2019
    PROFILE SUBMITTED

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

  • November 8, 2019
    TREATMENT OCCURRED

    Chan received treatment at Pinlon Private Hospital in Burma. 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.

  • November 19, 2019
    PROFILE PUBLISHED

    Chan's profile was published to start raising funds.

  • February 26, 2020
    TREATMENT UPDATE

    Chan's treatment was successful. Read the update.

  • September 5, 2020
    FULLY FUNDED

    Chan's treatment was fully funded.

Treatment
Double Valves Replacement (Mitral and Aortic) with Tricuspid
  • Cost Breakdown
  • Diagnosis
  • Procedure
On average, it costs $6,378 for Chan's treatment
Subsidies fund $4,878 and Watsi raises the remaining $1,500
Hospital Fees
$2,200
Medical Staff
$1,066
Medication
$0
Supplies
$2,600
Labs
$100
Radiology
$15
Other
$397
  • Symptoms
  • Impact on patient's life
  • Cultural or regional significance

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

Patients may experience excessive sweating, extreme tiredness and fatigue, irregular heartbeat, rapid breathing or shortness of breath, chest pain, lightheadedness, or loss of consciousness.

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

Patients cannot do labor work—even doing household chores may tire them. Adults will be unable to care for their families, and children will be unable to play or attend school. As the condition progresses, patients may become unable to eat.

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?

Damaged valves are repaired and replaced during open heart surgery.

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

This surgery saves lives. Children will return to school, and adults will return to working and caring for their families.

What potential side effects or risks come with this treatment?

Potential side effects include bleeding, infection, fever, swelling, inflammation, arrhythmias, damage to surrounding organs, stroke, and death. Heart surgery is more likely to be life-threatening for patients who are very sick before the surgery.

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. If left untreated, this heart condition will become life-threatening for patients.

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.