Tin (25) lives with her daughters in a village in Karen State, Burma. She is a homemaker while her two daughters go to school. Her husband works for a mining company elsewhere in Karen State and earns around 250,000 kyat (approx. 250 USD) in a month. The money that Tin’s husband makes is just enough to cover their family’s expenses.

EARLY INTERVENTION IS the BEST MEDICINE

In November 2018, while she was planting long beans, Tin’s lower abdomen started to hurt. The pain later stopped at night but when she woke up, she touched her abdomen and felt a mass about the size of her fist. At that time, her husband had come home for a visit. She went to her local clinic with her husband as she was concerned, she might be pregnant. At the clinic, the medic ran a urine test to see if she was pregnant, but the result was negative. That medic had received training at Mae Tao Clinic (MTC) in Mae Sot, Thailand and suggested that Tin go to MTC to undergo further investigation.

While her husband stayed at home to look after their daughters, Tin went to MTC. At the clinic, a midwife performed an ultrasound as well as a blood test. The midwife told Tin that she had a mass in her uterus and that she would need surgery to remove it. She was also told that she would have to go to Mae Sot Hospital for further investigation. The following day, MTC staff took her to the hospital, where she received another ultrasound. The doctor also ran another blood test and performed an X-Ray. The doctor diagnosed Tin with a dermoid cyst in her uterus, but only told her that she needed surgery. The doctor also recommended a total hysterectomy to prevent her symptoms from returning. Tin consented to the procedure and said that she did not want any more children anyway. The doctor then scheduled her for surgery. Since she did not have enough money, when she returned to the clinic, MTC staff referred her to Burma Children Medical Fund (BCMF) for assistance. Tin was then admitted for surgery at Mae Sot Hospital on 25 March 2019. The next day, she received the hysterectomy, and she was discharged on the 29 March 2019. After surgery, Tin had difficulty walking and using the toilet because she did not have any carer to help her get out of bed. However, all the doctors and nurses were very kind and took good care of her.

RECOVERED, FIT AND WELL

Since her recovery from surgery, Tin feels more active and more rejuvenated. Her family was happy when they heard that she was making a full recovery. Tin no longer feels dizzy, nor does she have headaches or cold hands. Her appetite has returned, and she is now able to sleep more. Tin said, “I’m very happy I’m recovering. I don’t feel stressed and now I want to wear makeup. I can’t express how grateful I am that I got the chance to receive treatment. When I recover fully, I will volunteer and give more of my time to my community.”

“My husband can’t wait to see me, and he’s very happy for me,” Tin added. “He said that he missed me and asked me to come back home to him as quickly as possible. I really appreciate the help and kindness you [BCMF] have shown us [my family]. I wish you further success in the future. Thank you so much for your support.”