Watsi

Juma is a child from Kenya who needs $423 to fund hydrocele surgery.

74%

$315 raised, $108 to go

$315

raised

$108

to go

Juma's story

September 11, 2019

Juma is a child from Kenya. He is the second born of two children. He lives with his elder sister and parents in a two-room house in Nairobi slums. Juma’s mother is a hair dresser while his father is a motorcycle taxi rider.

For some time now, Juma has had a hydrocele. This causes him pain and discomfort. Fortunately, on September 12th, he will undergo repair surgery at our medical partner’s care center.

Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $423 to fund Juma’s surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably.

“I want to ride a motorcycle like my father when I grow up,” says Juma.

Juma is a child from Kenya. He is the second born of two children. He lives with his elder sister and parents in a two-room house in Nairobi...

Submitted by

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Juma's case was submitted by Joan Kadagaya at African Mission Healthcare Foundation in Kenya.

Juma's Timeline

September 11, 2019
PROFILE SUBMITTED
Juma was submitted by Joan Kadagaya, Curative Medical Support Program-Partner Representative at African Mission Healthcare Foundation, our medical partner in Kenya.
September 12, 2019
TREATMENT OCCURRED
Juma received treatment at BethanyKids Kijabe Hospital (BKKH). 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.
September 15, 2019
PROFILE PUBLISHED
Juma's profile was published to start raising funds.
December 05, 2019
AWAITING UPDATE
Awaiting Juma's treatment update from African Mission Healthcare Foundation.
TODAY
AWAITING FUNDING
Juma is currently raising funds for his treatment.

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Funded by 11 donors

Treatment

Hernia / Hydrocele Single

Cost Breakdown
Diagnosis
Procedure

On average, it costs $423 for Juma's treatment

Hospital Fees

$417

Medical Staff

Medication

Supplies

Labs

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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100% of your donation funds life-changing surgery.

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