Tesfanesh is 25 years old. She is the oldest of eight siblings and was born and raised in the Checho kebele (district) of Ethiopia.
After getting married, Tesfanesh and her husband, Tsegaye were very excited to be expecting their first child together. They had always wanted to start a family.
But after an agonizing two-day labor at home, Tesfanesh was taken to Hosaena Government Hospital where she gave birth to a stillborn baby. Immediately afterwards, Tesfanesh started leaking urine because of the obstetric fistula she had developed.
“After the stillbirth, while I was in the hospital, I began to experience uncontrollable urine flow. I hoped it would stop, but it didn’t. The odor was too strong for people around me. I washed my clothes three times a day, hid from people and was afraid to meet my neighbors. I couldn’t have a child. All of this happened because of the fistula. The suffering is unbearable. After six years I am still suffering.” - Tesfanesh
The devastation of obstetric fistula
Like so many women living in remote areas of Ethiopia, Tesfanesh had never heard of obstetric fistula before. She asked herself why this had happened to her. She was afraid to tell anyone and didn’t consult a health professional.
Tesfanesh’s husband, Tsegaye, was also devastated by her condition. He told us: “What worried me the most was that she was always crying. She has been living a very stressful life. Seeing her suffer sometimes made me cry too. Not having children, combined with her suffering, always made me cry."
Assured of a cure
It was only when a Hamlin Patient Identification Officer came to her village searching for women with obstetric fistula that Tesfanesh learned about Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia and the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital.
“Throughout the six years I had fistula, I never thought I could be cured. When I heard from the health professionals that I would go to Addis Ababa and get cured, I was so happy.
After my cure I hope that I will forget all the suffering and crying I endured because of the fistula. I will freely go to church, pray in thankfulness, visit markets and play and chat with friends.” - Tesfanesh
On arrival at Hamlin’s Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital, Tesfanesh was welcomed with a beautiful Comfort Package including a hand-knitted Hamlin blanket, slippers and nightgown and hygiene items. Hamlin’s Medical Director and surgeon, Dr Binynam explained that he would perform fistula repair surgery and assured her of a cure.
A dream come true
Since her surgery, Tesfanesh’s life has changed in ways she never imagined. She feels like she has been given a second chance. This is what she told us after she was cured.
“Being back at home feels like a dream come true after all the pain and isolation. When I returned, my husband was so emotional. It was truly touching to see how much my recovery meant to him. I feel lighter now, both in body and spirit, as if a huge weight has been lifted from my shoulders.
Visiting the market and church has brought me so much joy. I can laugh and enjoy conversations without worrying about my condition. When I went to church, it was such a beautiful experience. I felt so welcomed and embraced. Being surrounded by familiar faces reminded me just how much I have missed those connections.
It is such a relief to finally live without the fear and shame that once held me back. I have regained my confidence and now enjoy simple pleasures like spending time with my loved ones and joining social activities without constant anxiety hanging over me. Every day, I cherish this freedom to live fully. It is a gift I am thankful for.”
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