Umi's Story

Umi married at 18 and became pregnant soon afterwards. Everything went well and she led a happy life with her husband. But there was a series of misfortunes when Umi was five months pregnant. Her husband fell ill and died a week later. No matter that Umi was pregnant, she was thrown out of the house by her husband's relatives. It was difficult to find another place to stay, because her own parents had died long ago. She was finally able to persuade a relative of hers to let her stay at her place. 

Pregnancy and Childbirth without Professional Help
Contractions started when she was at her relative's house. Despite the fact that the birth lasted for two days with great pain, no-one offered to accompany her to the nearest health centre. A short time after the birth, Umi began to lose urine uncontrollably. The flow of urine did not stop, no matter if she stood, sat or lay down. She was ashamed and tried to hide it. Her relatives were not particularly understanding and started to scorn her. To make matters worse, her seven-month-old child died shortly afterwards.

"I Spent Months Alone in The Dark"
Umi tells about her past in tears: "I could not live with others, because I was considered a disgraceful and cursed woman. No-one came to visit me. I spent days, months, a year in the house. I stayed hidden in the dark, wept and cried about why I had gotten into this   situation." Umi was finally brought to the WAHA Fistula Section of the University Hospital in Jimma and received surgery. She is now completely healed, but the expression on her face remains indifferent when she speaks: "I am unsure if I am completely healthy and if I will truly never be incontinent again. I thank God and all of the professionals who made the  impossible possible." Umi will soon leave the Fistula Centre. 

 We wish for her that she can start a better life with new hope.

Umi married at 18 and became pregnant soon afterwards. Everything went well and she led a happy life with her husband. But there was a series of misfortunes when Umi was five months pregnant. Her husband fell ill and died a week later. No matter that Umi was pregnant, she was thrown out of the house by her husband's relatives. It was difficult to find another place to stay, because her own parents had died long ago. She was finally able to persuade a relative of hers to let her stay at her place. 

Pregnancy and Childbirth without Professional Help
Contractions started when she was at her relative's house. Despite the fact that the birth lasted for two days with great pain, no-one offered to accompany her to the nearest health centre. A short time after the birth, Umi began to lose urine uncontrollably. The flow of urine did not stop, no matter if she stood, sat or lay down. She was ashamed and tried to hide it. Her relatives were not particularly understanding and started to scorn her. To make matters worse, her seven-month-old child died shortly afterwards.

"I Spent Months Alone in The Dark"
Umi tells about her past in tears: "I could not live with others, because I was considered a disgraceful and cursed woman. No-one came to visit me. I spent days, months, a year in the house. I stayed hidden in the dark, wept and cried about why I had gotten into this   situation." Umi was finally brought to the WAHA Fistula Section of the University Hospital in Jimma and received surgery. She is now completely healed, but the expression on her face remains indifferent when she speaks: "I am unsure if I am completely healthy and if I will truly never be incontinent again. I thank God and all of the professionals who made the  impossible possible." Umi will soon leave the Fistula Centre. 

 We wish for her that she can start a better life with new hope.