With the support of Hamlin Fistula NZ, Canterbury expert gynecology physiotherapist Ann Johnson recently returned to Hamlin Fistula in Addis Ababa to mentor the local physiotherapy team.
Just as she did last year, Ann brought a suitcase full of donations from her church and work friends. These included old training shoes for women with dropped foot from nerve damage during prolonged labor, underwear to hold pads in place during exercise, and socks for the cold nights. Staff were delighted with the gifts, as last year's donations had all been distributed to women in need.
Assisting Dr. Yeshineh, the Medical Director, Ann compiled a list of necessary equipment for the physiotherapy department. By listening to the local staff about the department's evolving needs, Ann assessed the functionality of old equipment purchased many years ago. She ensured that the new equipment requested would maximize the value of donors’ money before sending the list to UK supporters of Hamlin Fistula.
Ann spent time with Yetem, one of the physiotherapy assistants who was a patient herself many years ago. Each morning, Yetem visits patients who have had fistula or prolapse surgery to teach them exercises that reduce the risk of post-surgery complications.
During her stay, Ann also met women who had recently arrived at the hospital from across the country. One woman, who was 38 weeks pregnant, had her fistula repaired nine years ago and returned for a Caesarean section. Due to her previous repair, doctors were concerned she might not be able to pass urine easily after surgery, so the physiotherapists taught her how to use a catheter to ensure she fully emptied her bladder and prevented incontinence.
Another woman lost her baby and suffered a fistula injury during a difficult forceps delivery six months ago—a rare complication in New Zealand. Unfortunately, her perineum also became infected, causing significant pain and immobility. She had developed contractures that immobilized her. Standing at
only Ann’s shoulder height,
she appeared very young.
She will need extensive physiotherapy, antibiotic treatment, and good nursing care before she is ready for any surgery. However, she is now in the right place to receive the comprehensive care she needs and is expected to make a good recovery in time.
As a gynecology physiotherapist, Ann has examined thousands of women, but until visiting Addis, she had never felt a fistula. She was shocked to feel how large the hole in the vagina could be but is confident in the surgeons at Hamlin Fistula who have the skills to repair these injuries and transform women’s lives.
Thanks to volunteers like Ann and our supporters, women with childbirth injuries can receive life-changing treatment from Hamlin’s expert medical team.
Barefoot for Hamlin
On May 11th, the very same Ann Johnson, along with her colleague Anna Leggat and four friends, braved the cold, walking barefoot from Spencer Park to Southshore Spit (Christchurch). with the help of a generous dollar-matching donor, they raised over $6,000 for Hamlin's vital work in Ethiopia. We are deeply grateful for their incredible efforts!
Donations can still be made and new challenges set if you’d like to complete your own Barefoot Challenge to raise funds for Hamlin. Visit: www.hamlinfistula.org.nz/barefoot-challenge
