Raphael lives in the Namatala slum in Uganda; not a great place to have a prolapsed colostomy where his large intestines have come out of his body. Raphael entered our nursery school at Child of Hope at the beginning of this year having been identified as coming from a very needy family. He was born with Hirschsprung's disease, which is a congenital condition that affects the large intestine (colon) and causes problems with passing stools.
Recently Raphael's condition worsened, and he had to be taken to the hospital as his digestive system was completely blocked. The doctors advised that he needed surgery to permanently solve his problem. However, to carry out the operation immediately would cost around £450, which is far beyond anything that Raphael’s parents could afford. Meanwhile, they gave Raphael a colostomy.
However, the colostomy prolapsed, meaning that more of his large intestines have come out of his body. Our school nurse hurried to take Raphael back to the hospital, where the doctors have said that it would be advisable to carry out the operation as soon as possible, hence our appeal for the funds.
Before surgery, a blood transfusion was given Raphael as he was anaemic, which prompted the medics to put him on oxygen as another precautionary measure. Following six hours on the operating table at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital, he was taken to an intensive care unit for some close monitoring before being discharged.
Our health team and Raphael’s mother have continued to closely monitor him and the signs are that his bodily functions are returning to normal. And just one look at him shows he is recovering steadily and progressively. Thanks again everyone, this has probably saved his life.