Watsi

Atuhaire from Uganda raised $249 for hernia repair.

100%

$249 raised, $0 to go

$249

raised

to go

Fully funded

Atuhaire's treatment was fully funded on November 3, 2016.

Atuhaire's story
Atuhaire's update

Photo of Atuhaire post-operation

November 4, 2016

Atuhaire successfully received surgery.

Atuhaire was originally diagnosed with a hernia but when the surgeon began to operate, he found a right hydrocele orchites – and no hernia. They continued with the operation, and the hydrocele repair was a success! He’s back home resting with his family and now feeling much better already.

“I am feeling fair. I don’t have the pain I used to feel and I feel lighter. I am excited about getting back to my feet again,” shares Atuhaire. “Thank you so much for paying for my surgery. May God bless everyone.”

Atuhaire was originally diagnosed with a hernia but when the surgeon began to operate, he found a right hydrocele orchites – and no hernia. ...

September 11, 2016

Atuhaire is a 30-years-old single man from Uganda. He has a sense of humor, and enjoys socializing with friends.

Two years ago, Atuhaire developed a swelling and pain in his inguinal area. When he is in pain, he cannot lift any heavy items, he is unable to do any work, and walking is difficult. Atuhaire reported his condition to a health center and was referred to a hospital, where he was diagnosed with a hernia. He was advised to have surgery, but he could not afford to pay for the treatment.

Until now, Atuhaire has been unable to receive quality treatment to repair his hernia. For $249. Atuhaire will undergo hernia repair surgery. After surgery, he hopes to work hard producing food for sale and plan for his future.

“I am in much need of help,” shared Atuhaire.

Atuhaire is a 30-years-old single man from Uganda. He has a sense of humor, and enjoys socializing with friends. Two years ago, Atuhair...

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Atuhaire's case was submitted by Joan Kadagaya at African Mission Healthcare.

Atuhaire's Timeline

September 11, 2016
PROFILE SUBMITTED
Atuhaire was submitted by Joan Kadagaya, Curative Medical Support Program-Partner Representative at African Mission Healthcare.
September 14, 2016
TREATMENT OCCURRED
Atuhaire received treatment at Holy Family Virika Hospital in Uganda. 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.
October 7, 2016
PROFILE PUBLISHED
Atuhaire's profile was published to start raising funds.
November 3, 2016
FULLY FUNDED
Atuhaire's treatment was fully funded.
November 4, 2016
TREATMENT UPDATE
We received an update on Atuhaire. Read the update.

Funded by 17 donors

Treatment

Hernia Repair

Cost Breakdown
Diagnosis
Procedure

On average, it costs $249 for Atuhaire's treatment

Hospital Fees

$181

Medical Staff

Medication

$58

Supplies

Labs

$10

Symptoms
Impact on patient's life
Cultural or regional significance

What kinds of symptoms do patients experience before receiving treatment?

A hernia occurs when a portion of the intestine protrudes through the lower abdominal wall, usually for one of two reasons. The first is a congenital abnormality in which the tissues did not close. The second is excessive stress in an adult, often due to heavy physical labor or pregnancy. Patients experience a bulge or lump in the affected area. The hernia may cause the patient to feel pain, discomfort, weakness, pressure, and sensations of heaviness or aching. These symptoms are often exacerbated when the patient coughs, bends over, or lifts heavy objects. In some cases, hernias have no symptoms and are only detected during routine medical exams.

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

Patients with uncomplicated hernias may experience only annoyance or discomfort. As the hernia opening expands, the discomfort will increase. Small openings are more likely to trap the intestine, potentially leading to intestinal damage or death.

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

Hernias are common in Africa. People often do very hard physical labor and lift heavy objects. Women tend to have more children than those in the United States. It is possible that some hernias have infectious or genetic causes.

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

What does the treatment process look like?

Surgery lasts for three to eight hours, depending on the age of the patient and the severity of the hernia. The patient will stay in the hospital anywhere from two days to eight weeks, again depending on the age of the patient and the severity of the hernia. The patient is continually monitored.

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

Treatment is curative. The chance of intestinal strangulation or bowel obstruction reduces significantly.

What potential side effects or risks come with this treatment?

Hernia repair is not a risky procedure, and it comes with few side effects.

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

Many patients will ignore a hernia until it becomes uncomfortable and seek care at that time. Some people will wear tighter pants or a tight band around the waist to prevent the intestine from protruding.

What are the alternatives to this treatment?

If the hernia is not “stuck,” patients tend to ignore it and adapt to living with it. However, this could lead to future complications.

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