Recovery and life lessons: Ayantu’s story

Ayantu has learnt so much about herself and how to live life to the fullest on her journey to recover from an obstetric fistula.

During the birth of her first child, Ayantu endured a two-day agonising labour. Her family took her to the local health centre but there was no one to help her. Devastatingly, Ayantu’s baby was stillborn and she sustained an obstetric fistula injury that left her incontinent. She said,

“I lived with the urine leakage for five months. I was afraid to go out and meet people. I thought I was the only one suffering from this condition.”

Ayantu went to another local health centre and they suspected she had an obstetric fistula and transferred her to Hamlin’s Harar Fistula Hospital.

Ayantu’s recovery begins with a Comfort Package

On arrival, Ayantu was given a Comfort Package, including items for her hospital stay and a beautiful Hamlin blanket, to mark the start of her healing journey. Ayantu’s healing continued with fistula repair surgery and loving care to restore her dignity and confidence.

“After I got this blanket and saw other women wearing it, I felt that I will be well. I learned to be disciplined. When I wake up in the morning, I take a shower and eat my breakfast. At night, I wear a different, clean pyjamas. I learned how to live and socialise with others.” – Ayantu

Dr Catherine Hamlin always believed that treating a fistula patient is about more than surgery. It’s about treating the whole women with love and care and giving her the skills and confidence to thrive after the trauma of her injury.

“We do not just treat a hole in the bladder. We treat the whole woman with love and care, literacy and numeracy classes, a new dress and money to travel home.”

Now she is cured and healthy again, Ayantu can’t wait to return home to her husband and family and be a productive member of her community. She is looking forward to working with her husband on his land and planting fruit and vegetables to sell at the local markets.

“Here [at Hamlin’s Harar Fistula Hospital], I got the care that I didn’t receive at home. I would like to thank all the staff who provided me with the love and care during my stay here in the hospital.

I brought my condition here, and I will leave it here. When they told me that I am cured of the fistula, I had a joyful moment. Now I am happy and my tears are dried. I feel like I am born again.” – Ayantu

Will you help another woman like Ayantu recover from devastating obstetric fistula injuries?