In February and March, MAF partnered with the Reconciliation Hospital in Hai Referendum to fly fistula patients to Juba for surgery. 30-year-old Tensa, the mother of eight, with six living children, shares her story to encourage other women to seek out help.
In the pre-op ward, Tensa is recovering from surgery.
‘The doctor treated me, and I am very happy. One of my legs is better, but the other is still numb although it has improved from before when my foot would just drop, and I had to be carried like a small child. Now, I can move around with my walker.
She is thankful for the role played by ELCMSS staff, the doctors and medical staff, and also to MAF.
‘I give all the thanks to God. I thank God and I thank the doctors. I thank the people who brought me to the doctors.’
‘I give all the thanks to God. I thank God and I thank the doctors. I thank the people who brought me to the doctors.’
The thirty-year old mother developed a fistula birthing her eighth child, in her rural community in October last year. Too far from hospital she had no choice but to deliver at home.
‘I stayed for three days in labour. The baby wanted to come out, but it was too big. I sat down and when I tried to get up, I found that my legs were paralysed. I couldn’t stand by myself.
‘We couldn’t get transport to the hospital. My legs were paralysed so I could not walk. I had to be carried. We finally got a car I was put in the car and taken to hospital but when we got there the baby was already dead in my stomach.
Tensa was taken for surgery as soon as she arrived. After three days in hospital. Tensa was taken again for second surgery. She was then transferred to a different hospital where she could receive more advanced care.
‘My husband’s family supported me and people in my community raised money to get hibiscus flowers so they could bring me tea.’
‘I had so many thoughts. “My legs are paralysed, and urine is leaking uncontrollably. What am I going to do? I thought, “My by body is finished.”
‘I wondered, “What will happen to my children? Their father cannot take care of them by himself without me.
The missionary doctors at the second hospital realised that Tensa needed the care of specialist fistula surgeon Dr Andrew Browning who visits Juba three times a year. They referred Tensa to the ELCMSS’ Reconciliation Hospital in Juba and made arrangements for her to fly there with MAF.
On her arrival in Juba, the painful experience became unexpectedly joyful for Tensa when she was reunited with family, she last saw eight years ago.
When she left her home in Western Equatoria, eight years ago, to marry a man from the north, she had completely lost touch with her family.
On hearing of the separation, ELCMSS staff member Benjamin took a photo of Tensa and sent it to people in her community. The photo reached her siblings living in Juba.
A joyful reunion took place with three sisters, a brother and a niece, crowding around Tensa’ bed with family she last saw eight years ago.
Tensa is delighted to have the support of her family. ‘If not for Benjamin, I would not have met with my family. I thank God for this!’
Tensa counsels’ other women living with a fistula to be brave and seek help.
‘The people who are sick like me should not be afraid. Let them come. Don’t fear, saying “I don’t have food,” or “I don’t have money.” The hospital staff give us food, and we eat, and we drink. They should not fear because they will be treated, and they will go back home happy. The doctors are good. Nobody will die here. You will be fixed, then you can go back to your children. Do not be afraid at all. This is my advice to people who are sick and afraid. Let them not be afraid.’
