Watsi

Ma Ei from Burma raised $1,207 to fund a hysterectomy surgery.

100%

$1,207 raised, $0 to go

$1,207

raised

to go

Fully funded

Ma Ei's treatment was fully funded on November 5, 2022.

Ma Ei's story
Ma Ei's update

Photo of Ma Ei post-operation

November 21, 2022

Ma Ei underwent a successful surgery and is back to work.

Before Ma Ei’s surgery, she experienced pain in the left side of her abdomen and felt like she was carrying something heavy in her abdomen. She felt very uncomfortable walking, and she felt very tired. Since her surgery, she feels much better. She finally feels comfortable again when she walks, and she no longer has pain in the left side of her abdomen. She also feels lighter. Her appetite has increased, and she can now sleep well, no longer worrying about her condition. She has also gone back to work and is relieved to be able to better support her parents and son.

Ma Ei said, “Now I can go back to work without any pain. In the future I will support my son’s education. I want him to graduate and get a good job. I have to save money and pay back my debt. I am really thankful to all of the donors and BCMF’s staff for supporting my successful treatment. I hope that this organisation will continue to help more patients like me in the future.”

Before Ma Ei’s surgery, she experienced pain in the left side of her abdomen and felt like she was carrying something heavy in her abdomen. ...

May 18, 2022

Ma Ei is a 37-year-old woman who lives with and financially supports her parents and son in a village in Burma.

Over the last year, Ma El has suffered from a debilitating uterine mass, which causes her severe pain and weakness. She was given medications for six months to try to help, but she did not feel any better.

In January, Ma Ei went to Karen Baptist Convention (KBC) Hospital, where she was diagnosed with a myoma. Doctors shared that to heal she would need surgery to remove her uterus. She is now raising $1,207 to fund her surgery and care, which is scheduled for May 18th.

Ma Ei says, “I am worried that I cannot support and care for my family. When I recover from surgery, I will go back to work in the garment factory. I need to support my parents and pay for my son’s education.”

Ma Ei is a 37-year-old woman who lives with and financially supports her parents and son in a village in Burma. Over the last year, Ma E...

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Learn more

Ma Ei's case was submitted by Bue Wah Say at Burma Children Medical Fund.

Ma Ei's Timeline

May 18, 2022
PROFILE SUBMITTED
Ma Ei was submitted by Bue Wah Say, Project Officer at Burma Children Medical Fund.
May 18, 2022
TREATMENT OCCURRED
Ma Ei received treatment at KBC Hospital in Burma. 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.
May 20, 2022
PROFILE PUBLISHED
Ma Ei's profile was published to start raising funds.
November 5, 2022
FULLY FUNDED
Ma Ei's treatment was fully funded.
November 21, 2022
TREATMENT UPDATE
We received an update on Ma Ei. Read the update.

Funded by 16 donors

Treatment

Total abdominal hysterectomy

Cost Breakdown
Diagnosis
Procedure

On average, it costs $1,207 for Ma Ei's treatment

Hospital Fees

$268

Medical Staff

$542

Medication

Supplies

$232

Labs

$99

Other

$66

Symptoms
Impact on patient's life
Cultural or regional significance

What kinds of symptoms do patients experience before receiving treatment?

Patients may experience a feeling of heaviness in the pelvis, tissue protrusion from a sensitive area, urinary and bowel dysfunction, and lower back pain. More symptoms include lower abdominal pain, pelvic pain, quickly feeling full when eating, weight loss, discomfort in the pelvis area, changes in bowel habits, such as constipation, a frequent need to urinate, abdominal, pelvic, or lower back pain that can be severe, episodic, or constant, abdominal pressure, abdominal swelling, distension or bloating, heavy bleeding.

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

Patients may experience intermittent pain in the abdomen and bleeding. If the pain becomes debilitating and chronic, patients may be unable to participate in daily life. It may be difficult for women to care for their families, complete day-to-day tasks, and work.

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

Because of the sensitive nature of gynecological conditions, patients may delay seeking care. Many patients do not have the means to travel or pay for surgery or are not able to take time away from their family and work to seek treatment.

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

What does the treatment process look like?

The patient undergoes blood testing and an ultrasound scan to confirm the diagnosis. If the patient does not have any other medical conditions, surgery can be performed quickly. If the patient has another health condition, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, its symptoms must be managed before surgery. A patient usually spends about 4-5 days in the hospital.

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

This treatment can completely change a patient’s life. After the surgery, the patient will see her condition and symptoms improve. Pain, fatigue, menstruation abnormalities, and urinary dysfunction will be alleviated.

What potential side effects or risks come with this treatment?

Side effects can include fever, infection, heavy bleeding during or after surgery, injury to the urinary tract or nearby organs, blood clots, problems related to anesthesia, and death.

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

This type of treatment is available only in the cities in Burma and patients cannot access care because of the high cost of surgery.

What are the alternatives to this treatment?

There are not many alternatives, especially for women who are older. Doctors will suggest this treatment to reduce the chance of recurrence of masses/cysts/myoma. Some women opt to treat the symptoms with pain medicine or traditional medicine. Ultimately, however, mass removal or a hysterectomy are the only options to resolve the condition and improve the symptoms.

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