Promise attended our fistula camp in March. This is her story.
My name is Promise. I am 45 years old. I got married when I was 18. That is when I had my first child. After some time, I got pregnant again and that’s how I got fistula. I was in labour for two days. My husband called a traditional midwife to help. When she arrived she massaged my stomach and that did not help. After a while I did not feel my baby kicking anymore.
My husband managed to find a car to take me to the hospital. The journey to the hospital was not easy because we lived far from a District Hospital. When we reached the hospital I was taken directly to the labour ward, but my baby was already dead.
It was very painful.
After I delivered my baby, urine was not passing, even though my bladder was full. I was discharged to go home, and at home I passed so much urine. After that day I couldn’t hold urine. I was wet and smelling of urine. My husband started hating me. He told me that he was going to marry another woman. And he did.
I went on with my difficult life. Even society did not want anything to do with me. I got pregnant again and just like the last time my baby died before delivery.
My life was difficult and full of pain.
My parents decided that I should return home so they can take care of me and I did. That is when I heard about Maternity Africa’s Kivulini Maternity Centre. I heard that the Hospital treats the problem I had. I communicated with a person who knew the Hospital and I was given all the information. I could not believe that it is possible to be treated, especially since I had this problem for so many years. When the day arrived I went to town and from there got into the bus to the Hospital. The other patients and I were welcomed very well. The loving staff and morning devotions were very healing to us.
I stayed for a week before the operation. After my operation I used a catheter. The catheter was removed after a week and I was not wetting myself anymore.
I thank God so much. He has not abandoned me. When I return home, I will inform all the women who have the same problem that Maternity Africa’s Kivulini Maternity Centre treats fistula and provides all of its care free of charge. I would like to advise other women who have the same problem not to hide, they should speak up and seek help. May God bless you all.