When childbirth changed everything.
In the final days of her pregnancy, Agnes suddenly lost movement in one of her legs, a sign that nerves in her pelvic area were under severe pressure.
She went into labor at her hometown clinic, but after hours with little progress, her condition grew more serious. By the time she was referred to a regional hospital, Agnes could no longer walk.
There, doctors discovered that her uterus had ruptured.
Her baby had died.
A week after Agnes returned home, another complication appeared. She began leaking urine continuously. Agnes had developed an obstetric fistula.
Doctors at the hospital told her about TERREWODE Women’s Community Hospital in Soroti, where she could receive specialized treatment at no cost. Later that day, her son and daughter helped her make the journey.
A place where she felt cared for.
Agnes remembers being struck by the way she was received when she arrived.
“When we reached Terrewode, I was warmly welcomed right from the reception. Food was served with a great smile. I feared to dirty the very comfortable white beddings, but caretakers assured me it was OK, that every patient uses them.”
Her fistula was still very recent, so her medical team recommended waiting six weeks before attempting surgical repair.
That time became part of her treatment.
Because Agnes had also lost movement in her leg, she began physical therapy to help restore her strength and mobility while her body prepared for surgery.
The reassurance she received from the hospital staff mattered too.
“I felt loved and favored when I got all the assurance from the doctors about my treatment plans. Nurses and caretakers played a role in assuring me I will recover from fistula.”
The day everything changed.
About six weeks after arriving at TERREWODE Women’s Community Hospital, Agnes underwent surgery to repair her fistula.
The operation was successful.
For Agnes, the moment she realized her body was working normally again remains unforgettable.
“The day I felt like urinating, I considered that my miracle day.”
But her care did not end with surgery.
Agnes also received counseling and education about safe motherhood and participated in music, dance, and drama therapy through TERREWODE’s Reintegration Program.
Her recovery addressed more than the physical injury. It helped her regain confidence, reconnect with others, and begin imagining what she could do next.
Recovery becomes a way to help others.
Today, Agnes shares her story at public gatherings to raise awareness about obstetric fistula and other reproductive health concerns, including cervical cancer.
Her experience has given her a new purpose: helping other women recognize childbirth injuries and reach treatment sooner.
“I will be using my experience to help identify mothers with childbirth injuries and escort them for treatment at Terrewode Women’s Community Hospital.”
Agnes arrived needing care herself.
Now, she is helping create a path to care for the women who come after her.
“My advice to women out there who are living with fistula and child birth injuries, they should come out to get free treatment at TERREWODE. I will be using my experience to help identify mothers with child birth injuries including escorting them for treatment at Terrewode Women Community hospital.” – Akello
