Pulikeliya is a farmer and earns a living selling produce such as tomatoes, vegetables, and green maize corn.
Fourteen years ago, Pulikeliya noticed a swelling on the left side of her neck which grew bigger over time. The swelling extended to the central and right sides of her neck. She is in pain and discomfort and has difficulty breathing, affecting her work and daily activities.
At Partners in Hope Medical Center (PIH), surgeons confirmed a diagnosis of toxic multinodular goiter with hyperthyroidism. She had high thyroid function tests and was put on medication to treat an overactive thyroid.
Once the symptoms were managed, doctors recommended that Pulikeliya undergo a total thyroidectomy, the removal of both the right and left thyroid glands. Her surgery is scheduled for April 2nd and our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,015 to fund the procedure.
Pulikeliya expects to get better after a surgical operation and hopes to fully resume her business and start carrying items on her head again. Pulikeliya said, “PIH and donors, thank you for your support. I can’t wait to carry items on my head again after surgery.”