Read our powered by our community 🙌 Check out our 🙌
Meet another patient

Watsi logo blueWatsi

Pricilla is a 68-year-old small-scale farmer from Uganda who needs $319 to fund a hysterectomy so that she can live pain-free.

Pricilla
11%
  • $38 raised, $281 to go
$38
raised
$281
to go
Dedicate my donation


We'll send your dedicatee an email
about your gift, along with updates
about Pricilla's recovery.

January 17, 2023

Pricilla is a 68-year-old small-scale farmer from Uganda. She is a widow and a mother of ten children, though sadly only four are alive. She is also taking care of her twin grandchildren. She shared that she has faced many challenges, but she is glad that her grandchildren can help her around the home.

For several years, Pricilla has been experiencing severe lower abdominal pain and other uncomfortable symptoms. In the past, she visited a health center where she was given medication that helped briefly, but later, her symptoms worsened, particularly when straining. She has been diagnosed with uterine prolapse and she has had to stop farming due to her condition.

Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), is helping Pricilla receive treatment. On January 18th, she will undergo a hysterectomy, or a procedure in which surgeons will remove her uterus. Once recovered, Pricilla will be able to resume her daily activities free of pain. Now, she needs help raising $319 to fund her procedure and care.

Pricilla shared, “I pray that I may get well through surgery because I can no longer do anything on my own and my survival is at risk. I hope to continue with farming after recovery.”

Pricilla is a 68-year-old small-scale farmer from Uganda. She is a widow and a mother of ten children, though sadly only four are alive. She...

Read more

Pricilla's Timeline

  • January 17, 2023
    PROFILE SUBMITTED

    Pricilla was submitted by Ruth Kanyeria, SAFE Program Coordinator at African Mission Healthcare.

  • January 18, 2023
    TREATMENT SCHEDULED

    Pricilla was scheduled to receive treatment at Rushoroza 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.

  • January 21, 2023
    PROFILE PUBLISHED

    Pricilla's profile was published to start raising funds.

  • TODAY
    AWAITING FUNDING

    Pricilla is currently raising funds for her treatment.

  • TBD
    AWAITING UPDATE

    Awaiting Pricilla's treatment update from African Mission Healthcare.

Funded by 2 donors

Funded by 2 donors

Treatment
Total Abdominal Hysterectomy
  • Cost Breakdown
  • Diagnosis
  • Procedure
On average, it costs $319 for Pricilla's treatment
Hospital Fees
$218
Medical Staff
$12
Medication
$14
Supplies
$53
Labs
$6
Other
$16
  • Symptoms
  • Impact on patient's life
  • Cultural or regional significance

​What kinds of symptoms do patients experience before receiving treatment?

Symptoms vary depending on the condition that requires the total abdominal hysterectomy. If the cause is cervical, uterine, or ovarian cancer, there may not be symptoms, especially if the cancer is early-stage. In more advanced cases of cervical and uterine cancers, abnormal bleeding, unusual discharge, and pelvic or abdominal pain can occur. Symptoms of ovarian cancer may include trouble eating, trouble feeling full, bloating, and urinary abnormality. If the cause is fibroids, symptoms may include heavy bleeding, pain in the pelvis or lower back, and swelling or enlargement of the abdomen.

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

Fibroids can grow large, cause abdominal pain and swelling, and lead to recurring bleeding and anemia. Cancer can cause pain and lead to death.

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

Most cervical cancer is caused by a sexually transmitted infection called human papillomavirus (HPV), which can often occur alongside a HIV infection. As a result, cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among African women in areas of high HIV prevalence. Cervical cancer is also more prevalent in Africa than in the United States due to the lack of early-detection screening programs. The other conditions treated by a total abdominal hysterectomy are not necessarily more common in Africa.

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

What does the treatment process look like?

The patient first reports for laboratory testing. The following day, the patient undergoes surgery. After the operation, the patient stays in the hospital ward for three to four days, during which she is continually monitored. The surgery is considered successful if the wound heals without infection, bleeding, or fever, and if the patient no longer experiences urinary dysfunction.

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

In the case of uterine fibroids or early-stage cancer, a total abdominal hysterectomy is curative.

What potential side effects or risks come with this treatment?

If performed early enough, this surgery is low-risk and curative, with few side effects.

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

This surgery is available, but many patients cannot afford it. Many women are screened for cervical cancer with a low-cost alternative to a pap smear. This is common in HIV treatment programs. If necessary, the woman is referred for surgery, which she often cannot afford.

What are the alternatives to this treatment?

If cervical cancer is caught early enough, some minor procedures can solve the problem. Women with fibroids who still wish to have children may opt to undergo a surgery only to remove the fibroids, which is called a myomectomy.

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.