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CoRSU Rehabilitation Hospital

Flavia's story

Flavia can walk, run and dance without fear

After the birth of her third child, Flavia lived with a childbirth injury for about three years. A radio advert led her to free surgery and rehabilitation at CoRSU.

Care received
Fistula (VVF) services
Condition
Childbirth injury (stool incontinence)
Source
From the CoRSU Annual Report 2022

Before CoRSU

Flavia gave birth to all three of her children by normal delivery. Her difficulties began in 2018, after her third child was born. Immediately after the birth she realised she could not control her stool. She thought it would soon pass.

“Stool would come through without me realizing and, sometimes with blood. I have been like this for about 3 years. I have never had peace with my body since then.”

Flavia, aged 30

She visited different local health centres without success, and she lost hope. Then one day she heard a radio advert for a VVF outreach in her area and called the number provided. On the other end of the call, a community mobiliser assured Flavia that treatment for the condition was free at CoRSU.

Care at CoRSU

At CoRSU, Flavia was assessed by Dr Judith, a gynaecologist, who diagnosed stool incontinence. Dr Judith explains that tears like this are caused when no midwife attends the delivery. The damage includes the sphincter muscle, which helps to control stool.

With funding from Fistula Foundation, Flavia received free surgery and rehabilitation.

Flavia now

Flavia says she can walk, run and dance without fear, and she thanks Fistula Foundation with a smile.

Made possible with support from Fistula Foundation.

Stories are shared with the consent of patients and their families. We use first names only.Read how we share stories.

“Thank you Fistula Foundation for helping me feel like a woman again. I can walk, run, and dance without fear.”

Flavia

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