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Success! Lani from the Philippines raised $1,253 to fund surgery for her painful gallstones.

Lani
100%
  • $1,253 raised, $0 to go
$1,253
raised
$0
to go
Fully funded
Lani's treatment was fully funded on June 30, 2022.

Photo of Lani post-operation

July 11, 2022

Lani underwent surgery for her painful gallstones.

Lani is no longer burdened with pain after having a successful surgery. She is relieved to now be able to go back home and work to help her daughter with their daily needs.

Lani said: “I’m excited for the rest of my life, so I can continue my plans. I want to help out my daughter by selling fish so I can help with our daily expenses,” Lani shared.

Lani is no longer burdened with pain after having a successful surgery. She is relieved to now be able to go back home and work to help her ...

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March 4, 2022

Lani is a 61-year old widow who lives with her daughter in the Philippines. Her daughter works as part of a fast-food restaurant crew and is their sole source of income.

Lani has been diagnosed with cholelithiasis, also known as gallstone disease. Because of her financial situation, even though she experienced shooting pains in her stomach, she saw a doctor only after a year, when the pain already extended to her back. Eventually, her condition got severe to the point that she could no longer stand up and walk due to her worsening symptoms. Now, if left untreated, her condition may lead to tissue damage, tears in the gallbladder, and infection that can spread to other parts of her body.

Lani is scheduled to undergo surgery to correct her condition on March 5th. Our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines, is requesting $1,253 to cover the total cost of her procedure and care.

After her recovery, Lani will no longer experience severe pain in her abdomen or other complications in the future. She shared, “I have had this disease for a long time, but I have been putting up with the pain for far too long because I really cannot afford medical treatment,”

Lani added, “I am eternally grateful to the World Surgical Foundation Philippines and Watsi for being able to provide assistance to individuals like me who simply cannot afford the procedures.”

Lani is a 61-year old widow who lives with her daughter in the Philippines. Her daughter works as part of a fast-food restaurant crew and is...

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Lani's Timeline

  • March 4, 2022
    PROFILE SUBMITTED

    Lani was submitted by Kolyn Gervacio, Marketing and Communications Officer at World Surgical Foundation Philippines.

  • March 5, 2022
    TREATMENT OCCURRED

    Lani 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.

  • March 10, 2022
    PROFILE PUBLISHED

    Lani's profile was published to start raising funds.

  • June 30, 2022
    FULLY FUNDED

    Lani's treatment was fully funded.

  • July 11, 2022
    TREATMENT UPDATE

    Lani's treatment was successful. Read the update.

Funded by 27 donors

Treatment
Cholecystectomy
  • Cost Breakdown
  • Diagnosis
  • Procedure
On average, it costs $1,253 for Lani'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.