Prudence's story

Prudence is 28 years old and this is her story...

What happened to you?

When I was pregnant in 1999 my labour started in the morning.  I did not deliver that day so my mother decided to take me to the hospital which is some distance from our village.  We used a mokoro (banana-boat) to reach Lubwe, this journey took 7 hours.  I was examined only to be told that because we had taken so long to get to hospital the baby had died.  I had an operation immediately but shortly after the operation I started leaking urine.  I didn't understand what was happening to me, but they explained that my badder had torn due to the prolonged labour.

Have you had this operation before?

Yes, I was taken to Monze for surgery.  After the surgery I was dry again.  The staff advised me to abstain but my husband refused and forced me.  As a result I started leaking again.  I couldn't afford to go to Monze again.  Then I heard that you were coming here to Chilonga and Africare brought be here.

What difference will this surgery make in your life?

I will be very happy if this problem can come to an end because I have lost my marriage and my friends because I smell of urine all the time. People laugh at me.  I wish to have friends to comfort me, so I would be so pleased to have this problem fixed.

What do you have to say to those who paid for your surgery?

I am very thankful to them, and may the almighty richly bless them.