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A Hope Diary:
Women's Health Program in Nepal

By Kerryn Patrick

Thursday 11th March
I was sitting in a room with Rama Basnet from COSAN, Nepal. The room is part of a community building which is used for many purposes. Today it is a consulting room. That?s when I saw a woman sitting on the edge of the chair.

Rani is comforted by her daughter
Rani is comforted by her daughter

It was too uncomfortable for her to sit back. Rani* seemed unsure of what to expect.There was pain and fear on her face. Her daughter was standing behind her with a hand on her shoulder as if to say, "It's OK Mum. It's going to be OK!"

Rani has suffered much in her 45 years. Her prolapse occurred shortly after the birth of her son. For more than two decades she has been suffering the pain, the isolation and the rejection that comes with this condition. She has often had to use a hot rock as a fomentation, to stop the pain, but has ended up blistering herself. Her husband left her many years ago. She is from a low caste - malnourished and skinny.

"Without treatment, she will die," Rama tells me "we will refer her urgently." I feel sad for Rani and for the thousands of other women suffering like this across Nepal.

* Rani is not her real name.

Friday 12th March
Today we visited the Chitwan Medical College, where many of the patients referred for surgery come. Eight of our ladies are in the post-op ward.They were all doing well in recovery. One of them had a large tumour removed. The surgeons told us that it was a very rare type which they had not seen before.They said they planned to write about this particular case for a medical journal.

Asian Aid Co-founder, Helen Eager, with Rani, medical staff and other women receiving care at the Chitwan College
Asian Aid Co-founder, Helen Eager, with Rani, medical staff and other women receiving care at the Chitwan College

After lunch we went to a second clinic day. There were many more women than yesterday and some had walked six or seven hours to be there. Several were referred for surgery. Others were not such severe cases and were being taught special exercises which would help them from a younger woman from their village.The young woman had been to a previous clinic where she had learned the exercises.

Rama was pleased to see her take this initiative and was helping her understand the causes of the problem and share information with the women of her own village.

As we were about to leave we found out that Rani and the other two ladies referred yesterday had arrived. I was keen to see these ladies again. It was like the story in my head and heart needed a happy ending. Yesterday, all that Rani had was a big medical problem that was destroying her life.

Today she is at the hospital to prepare for surgery that will change her life.

Please contact us if you would like to donate towards this program, knowing that 100% of your donation will go to support this worthy cause.

What a privilege it is to be a part of Asian Aid and COSAN - two organisations that give hope to the hopeless. My heart is singing a blessing today for each of you who have.

 
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