“I feel lighter now, both in body and spirit.”
“It feels like I have been given a second chance.”
“I have regained my confidence.”
This is how Tesfanesh and thousands of women like her who have suffered the devastating consequences of obstetric fistula feel after being cured.
Tesfanesh sustained an obstetric fistula during the birth of her first child. After an agonizing two-day labour at home, she gave birth to a stillborn baby and developed an obstetric fistula. Heartbroken and ashamed, she hid away for six years, not knowing there was a cure.
Tesfanesh only learned about Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia and the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital when a Hamlin Patient Identification Officer came to her village searching for women with obstetric fistula.
A simple life-changing surgery
Dr. Binyam Sirak, Hamlin’s Medical Director and surgeon, performed Tesfanesh’s fistula repair surgery. It was a simple surgery which took an hour and two stitches – and it completely transformed Tesfanesh’s life. Dr Binyam told us:
“While Tesfanesh was in labor, she was not able to get timely intervention of obstetric care so she developed obstetric fistula. She suffered for six years without having repair of her obstetric fistula.
Here at Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia, we were able to repair the obstetric fistula. It was a simple obstetric fistula and the bladder and urethra were intact and there wasn’t a lot of scar tissue. We closed the hole and she is going to have control of her bladder.
When I told Tesfanesh she was cured, she jumped out of bed and began to hug a nurse aide and matron in celebration. It was a joyful moment! Tesfanesh immediately called her husband to tell him the good news. They are both very happy and relieved.
I invited her to enrol in the Women’s Empowerment Program at Desta Mender rehabilitation and reintegration centre. She will have training and be able to support her family and have a role in her community in the future.”
More women are suffering
Today, around 30,000 women like Tesfanesh are hiding in humiliation. Obstetric fistula has left them incontinent and isolated from their communities.
Hamlin’s Patient Identification Officers travel hundreds of miles, over mountainous, difficult terrain to seek out women living with obstetric fistula. They then transport them to a Hamlin hospital for loving care and treatment.
“A dream come true” for Tesfanesh
Since her surgery, Tesfanesh’s life has changed in ways she never imagined. This is what she told us after she was cured.
“It is such a relief to finally live without the fear and shame that once held me back. I can now join in activities I used to avoid, and my relationships have grown stronger because I am more open and present with those I love.
Being back at home feels like a dream come true after all the pain and isolation. When I returned, my husband was so emotional. It was truly touching to see how much my recovery meant to him. I feel as if a huge weight has been lifted from my shoulders.
When I went to church, I felt so welcomed and embraced and it warmed my heart to reconnect with friends. Being surrounded by familiar faces reminded me just how much I have missed those connections.
I enjoy simple pleasures like spending time with my loved ones and joining social activities. Every day, I cherish this freedom to live fully. It is a gift I am thankful for.”
Dr Binyam is also thankful – to supporters of Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia. He said: “Thank you our donors for your support, working together for a patient who is suffering from obstetric fistula. We are together in this journey. Thank you so much.”
Will you help another woman like Tesfanesh move from hiding to healing? Donate today
