From the first time I met Adama* her face has stuck out in my memory. Only once have I seen her without a bright smile and gentle chuckle that warm my heart. Having been encouraged so often by her hope, it was difficult to hear her tell her story and to see the pain behind her courageous exterior. Married at sixteen, Adama became pregnant two years later. When it came time to give birth, she spent five days in labor at home and was taken to three other health centers before her dead baby was finally pulled out. Spending five days in labor caused severe damage to Adama's body, including a vesico-vaginal fistula and destruction of much of her pelvic floor musculature. Because of her urinary incontinence, she was separated from her husband and returned home to live with her parents. After four unsuccessful surgeries at two other hospitals, Adama heard of the Danja Fistula Centre (DFC). “When you come to Danja, they receive you”, she says. This has certainly not been the case elsewhere. At home, the other women in her village say bad things about her. At the other hospitals she has been to she never knew if the surgery she had gone for would actually be performed. Adama says it is the care she's received at DFC that encourages her to keep coming back.
When I asked her about the hope and joy she shows each day, she admits that, in fact, she has cried many tears. She has cried and cried, she says, but she must be patient. Patient she certainly has been! After ten years and eight surgeries, she was still leaking urine. Even so, she speaks strongly that fistula is a curable condition and encourages any lady with a fistula to come to DFC to receive surgery and find healing. Her obstructed and prolonged labor may have caused severe physical damage, but it has not taken away her strength to persevere. Adama's face is, indeed, one that I will always remember – it is the face of bravery and hope. In late 2015, Adama's persistence was rewarded. Thanks to the collaboration between Dr. Itengre Ouedraogo and the visiting surgeon, Adama had a ninth surgery and afterwards her condition greatly improved. We rejoice together with her.
By Nancy
*Name has been changed
