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Success! Demetria from the Philippines raised $1,253 to fund gallbladder surgery so she can live pain free.

Demetria
100%
  • $1,253 raised, $0 to go
$1,253
raised
$0
to go
Fully funded
Demetria's treatment was fully funded on August 2, 2022.

Photo of Demetria post-operation

August 11, 2022

Demetria underwent gallbladder surgery so she can live pain free.

Demetria underwent a successful cholecystectomy surgery. She’s so happy now that the surgery is done and she is feeling better. After years of enduring her pain, she’s eager to be able to continue making peanut butter and other homemade delicacies for extra income, but now without the pain.

“I felt so restricted by my symptoms before, but now, I can freely do the things that I love to do,” Demetria shared happily. “I’m thankful to WSFP and Watsi for making this possible,” she added.

Demetria underwent a successful cholecystectomy surgery. She’s so happy now that the surgery is done and she is feeling better. After years ...

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April 5, 2022

Demetria is a peanut-butter maker from the Philippines. Demetria was diagnosed with cholecystitis 10 years ago and advised by her doctor to undergo surgery, but due to financial constraints, she opted to self-medicate using herbal medicines. This served as a temporary relief to her symptoms, but now these have worsened over time, and during the past 2 weeks, she started experiencing intolerable pain and difficulty keeping food down.

With age and her worsening symptoms, Demetria is not capable of earning income to support her medical treatment. She shared that she and her husband rely on their granddaughter who works as an online tutor, to support their daily needs.

Fortunately, Demetria was referred to our medical partner and is now scheduled to undergo surgery to correct her condition on April 7th. Our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines, is requesting $1,253 to cover the total cost of her procedure and care.

After her recovery, Demetria will no longer experience severe pain in her abdomen or be at risk of other complications in the future.

“Once the surgery is done, I hope to go back to doing my small peanut butter-making business so I can help sustain our daily needs like I used to before,” Demetria shared. “Thank you so much WSFP and Watsi for all your help,” she added.

Demetria is a peanut-butter maker from the Philippines. Demetria was diagnosed with cholecystitis 10 years ago and advised by her doctor to ...

Read more

Demetria's Timeline

  • April 5, 2022
    PROFILE SUBMITTED

    Demetria was submitted by Abegail Joy Cervania, Marketing and Communications Officer at World Surgical Foundation Philippines.

  • April 7, 2022
    TREATMENT OCCURRED

    Demetria received treatment at Our Lady of Peace Hospital in Philippines. 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 11, 2022
    PROFILE PUBLISHED

    Demetria's profile was published to start raising funds.

  • August 2, 2022
    FULLY FUNDED

    Demetria's treatment was fully funded.

  • August 11, 2022
    TREATMENT UPDATE

    Demetria's treatment was successful. Read the update.

Funded by 21 donors

Funded by 21 donors

Treatment
Cholecystectomy
  • Cost Breakdown
  • Diagnosis
  • Procedure
On average, it costs $1,253 for Demetria's treatment
Hospital Fees
$251
Medical Staff
$330
Medication
$180
Supplies
$166
Labs
$201
Radiology
$11
Other
$114
  • Symptoms
  • Impact on patient's life
  • Cultural or regional significance

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

Symptoms of cholecystitis may include severe pain in the upper right abdomen or center of your abdomen. pain that spreads to your right shoulder or back and tenderness above your abdomen.

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

The inability to predict when an attack of pain would occur will lead to the patients’ feelings of uncertainty. Decreases in function levels at home and at work are common. Some patients had significant weight loss due to the fear of excruciating pain coming back after eating.

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

With surgical care becoming increasingly expensive, individuals with cholecystitis tend to put off surgery to focus on the daily needs of the family, which increases the risk for gallbladder rupture. The unpredictability of pain attacks also causes social isolation and a tendency to not participate in social activities. These further detriment the health and well-being of the patient.

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

What does the treatment process look like?

The gallbladder will be surgically removed.

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

Expect to spend two or three days in the hospital recovering. Once at home, it may take four to six weeks to fully recover.

What potential side effects or risks come with this treatment?

Complications that may arise include pain, fever higher than 38.3 degrees Celsius, vomiting that won't subside, foul-smelling or bloody drainage from the incision, significant redness and swelling of the incision, not passing a bowel movement for two to three days after surgery.

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

The care facility is equipped and accessible to handle this procedure for patients only within limited regions in the country, like in the capital city. World Surgical Foundation Philippines programs are known throughout the country so patients come from within Manila and from other regions.

What are the alternatives to this treatment?

Patients may resort to natural remedies, such as gallbladder cleanses consisting of a blend of fruit juice, herbs, and oil. Others may also use apple cider vinegar instead of proper treatment to help their condition.

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.