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Success! Brian from Kenya raised $430 to repair a hernia.

Brian
100%
  • $430 raised, $0 to go
$430
raised
$0
to go
Fully funded
Brian's treatment was fully funded on February 19, 2016.

Photo of Brian post-operation

March 7, 2016

Brian received hernia repair surgery.

The operation was a success and Brian is no longer experiencing intense pain and discomfort. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF), has successfully prevented strangulation of the intestine.

Brian and his parents are very grateful for the surgery. His mother is happy her son will “grow normally and have a bright future.”

Brian comments, “I am hoping to be a pilot and spend my life in charitable activities just as I got help during my treatment.”

The operation was a success and Brian is no longer experiencing intense pain and discomfort. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare...

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January 26, 2016

At three years of age, Brian’s parents realized that something was not okay; he cried when passing urine. When swelling appeared on his groin, he was rushed to the nearest hospital and treated for an inguinal hernia. The swelling did not disappear, but the pain was gone.

Brian is now 11 years old and lives with his family in Kenya. He still has the inguinal hernia, which is again causing pain and discomfort, especially when bending over, coughing or lifting anything. According to our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF), “if Brian is not treated, it can result in painful restriction of blood supply to his intestinal tissues that could be life-threatening.”

Weeks ago, Brian felt a sharp pain and his doctors determined that the hernia had re-occurred. Brian’s parents were distraught as they pondered where to get the funds they would need for his surgery - they work as casual laborers and cannot afford his care. They tell AMHF, “we will do anything to see to it that our son gets treated and fulfills his future dreams of becoming a pilot.”

For $430, Brian can have surgery to correct his hernia. This operation will prevent the hernia from growing and obstructing Brian’s blood supply, interfering with his intestinal tract, and causing pain. Brian’s mother says, “I am in need of your help because raising such an amount is completely out of reach for us. We want our son to grow normally and have a bright future.”

Let’s support Brian and his family achieve the future they desire.

At three years of age, Brian's parents realized that something was not okay; he cried when passing urine. When swelling appeared on his groi...

Read more

Brian's Timeline

  • January 26, 2016
    PROFILE SUBMITTED

    Brian was submitted by Joan Kadagaya, Curative Medical Support Program-Partner Representative at African Mission Healthcare.

  • January 28, 2016
    TREATMENT OCCURRED

    Brian received treatment at BethanyKids Kijabe Hospital (BKKH) in Kenya. 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.

  • February 18, 2016
    PROFILE PUBLISHED

    Brian's profile was published to start raising funds.

  • February 19, 2016
    FULLY FUNDED

    Brian's treatment was fully funded.

  • March 7, 2016
    TREATMENT UPDATE

    Brian's treatment was successful. Read the update.

Funded by 7 donors

Funded by 7 donors

Treatment
Hernia / Hydrocele
  • Diagnosis
  • Procedure
  • 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.

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.