Shahla's Story

"When I was 13, my father arranged a marriage for me with a man who already had a wife. I was desperate. At the time of the marriage, I had not yet reached puberty, but my husband desired me nevertheless, and I did not know what to do with him... One year after the marriage, I became pregnant. The contractions lasted for two days. There is no clinic nor any doctor where I live. My husband was worried and brought me to his parents' house. He then killed a sheep and laid the skin on my body; that is part of the traditional treatment in our region. After three days under the dirty and stinking skin, I gave birth to a stillborn child.  

Gloating and Aggravation
After the birth, I could no longer hold my urine. At first I thought that I would recover soon. But after several months, I told my husband that I still could not contain my urine and that I stank. He brought me to a local doctor who could not help me. My husband's first wife was gleeful at first. But when she noticed that I wasn't getting better, she was aggravated because I could not help in the household. We have almond trees and cattle, so the women have lots to do.
 
Unsuccessful Surgery in Afghanistan and Pakistan
After a few years, my husband brought me to Kabul for treatment. I was operated, but not healed. Later on, he took me to Quetta in Pakistan. Again I was operated, but there it did not get better. I returned to Kabul for a third try. Again, there was no healing. During my illness, I had eight pregnancies. Only six of my children are still alive. I became depressed and tense due to the many unsuccessful operations. I was desperate and without hope. One day, a neighbour visited us. She told me that she had also suffered from incontinence, but had finally been healed at the Cure Hospital. When my husband came home, I told him all about it. He said: "We will go to the Cure Hospital as soon as possible". After a four-day bus ride, we finally arrived."

"Sometimes I feel like a Queen"
Months later, Shahla looks back: "Due to the many previous operations, the surgery was very complicated. I was operated in July 2008, then a second time in November. My husband and two of my children visited me every day in Kabul. Fortunately, the second operation was successful. I am now dry and happy. I smile, and on some days I feel like a queen. Many thanks to all who support this hospital. I hope that more sponsors can be found so that you can help more women with this problem."