Success! Biraj from Nepal raised $451 to fund hernia repair.

100%

$451 raised, $0 to go

$451

raised

to go

Biraj's story
Biraj's update

March 28, 2017

Biraj is a three-year-old boy from Nepal. He lives with his parents and siblings on their small farm. His father runs a furniture shop.

About three months ago, Biraj began to experience pain on the right side of his abdomen. It is very uncomfortable for him to walk or lift anything. Biraj and his father traveled four hours to reach our medical partner’s care center, Bayalpata Hospital.

“I am worried about Biraj’s life, that in his early age he suffered from a hernia,” Biraj’s father says.

Fortunately, Biraj is scheduled to receive treatment on March 29. Our medical partner, Possible, is requesting $451 to cover the cost of the operation. After surgery, Biraj will be able to walk and lift things normally again.

Biraj is a three-year-old boy from Nepal. He lives with his parents and siblings on their small farm. His father runs a furniture shop. A...

Photo of Biraj post-operation

April 12, 2017

Biraj underwent hernia repair.

Biraj’s operation to treat his inguinal hernia was very successful. In addition to relieving his discomfort, this operation will reduce Biraj’s abdominal pressure by returning the displaced tissue and preventing his blood supply from being cut off in the future.

Biraj’s father says, “I am so glad that the treatment is successful and we are going back to our home.”

Biraj’s operation to treat his inguinal hernia was very successful. In addition to relieving his discomfort, this operation will reduce Bira...

March 28, 2017
PROFILE SUBMITTED
Biraj was submitted by Dharma Raj Kadayat, Crowdfunding Associate at Possible.
March 29, 2017
TREATMENT OCCURRED
Biraj received treatment at Bayalpata Hospital in Nepal. 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.
April 4, 2017
PROFILE PUBLISHED
Biraj's profile was published to start raising funds.
April 12, 2017
TREATMENT UPDATE
Biraj's treatment was successful. Read the update.
August 6, 2017
FULLY FUNDED
Biraj's treatment was fully funded.

Funded by 7 donors

Treatment

Hernia Repair

Cost Breakdown
Diagnosis
Procedure

On average, it costs $451 for Biraj's treatment

Hospital Fees

$218

Medical Staff

Medication

$84

Supplies

Travel

$14

Labs

$64

Radiology

Other

$65

Symptoms
Impact on patient's life
Cultural or regional significance

What kinds of symptoms do patients experience before receiving treatment?

A hernia occurs when an organ pushes through an opening in the muscle or tissue that holds it in place. For example, the intestines may break through a weakened area in the abdominal wall. Hernias are most common in the abdomen, but they can also appear in the upper thigh, belly button, and groin. Patients may experience pain, discomfort, nausea, and vomiting.

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

Patients have difficulty walking long distances, lifting heavy weights, and doing strenuous activities.

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

People in rural Nepal rely heavily on agriculture. They do a lot of strenuous exercise, increasing the likelihood of developing a hernia. People also tend to cook indoors using firewood. They may develop chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which leads to constant coughing and increases the likelihood of developing a hernia.

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

What does the treatment process look like?

During open surgical repair, surgeons close the hernia using sutures, mesh, or both. They close the surgical wound with sutures.

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

The patient should feel better within a week of surgery. However, the patient should refrain from lifting heavy weights or doing other strenuous exercises until recovery is complete.

What potential side effects or risks come with this treatment?

Patients may develop infections or urinary dysfunction. Sometimes, hernias recur.

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

Hernia surgeries can only be performed by skilled clinicians at advanced hospital centers. Patients walk for up to seven days to reach our medical partner's hospital because they have heard about the possibility of free healthcare.

What are the alternatives to this treatment?

Depending on the size and severity of the hernia, some lifestyle changes can treat the symptoms. These include quitting smoking, treating COPD, and changing one's diet.

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Biraj's Timeline

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Funded by 7 donors

Treatment

Meet another patient you can support

100% of your donation funds life-changing surgery.