29th October, 2022
By Jethro Ibileke
A victim of Vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) (name withheld), has advised pregnant women never to ignore doctors advice to undergo caesarean sessions for delivery of their babies if advised to do so by medical doctors.
The VVF patient who is one of the latest beneficiaries of the free VVF surgeries carried out at the VVF Clinics in Edo state, gave the counsel on Thursday.
She was recounting her experience to the wife of Edo State Governor, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki, after the conclusion of their surgeries.
The VVF Clinics, set up by the Edo First Lady, operate at the Edo Specialist Hospital and the Stella Obasanjo Hospital, both in Benin City, where free surgeries are available to victims from within and outside of Edo State.
According to her, “In my case, what happened was that I went for a scan and an x-ray and they told me that I could not deliver normally. But after putting heads together, the doctors decided to try normal labour for four to six hours. They said if the baby does not come out, I will have to go for cesarean section.
“During that period, the baby came out, but then I had a tear that led to rectovaginal fistula,” she disclosed.
Another victim disclosed to Mrs. Obaseki that she had suffered the ordeal for 19 years.
She said: “I have had this problem for about 19 years, it started in 2003. My friend heard from someone that was operated upon from our village and informed me.
“I came to Edo Specialist Hospital and I was enlisted and operated upon without paying one Naira.
“I want to encourage every woman out there that is having VVF whether in Edo State or not to come. It is free,” she added.
On her part, another beneficiary who suffered the ordeal for two years, poured encomium on Mrs. Obaseki for the initiative which she said has given her a new lease of life.
She said: “I want to encourage every woman out there that is having this kind of issue whether in Benin City or not, to come out. You will come here with your challenges and will not go back the same way because they really do the work. No money is required, it is totally free.
“I am really grateful to Her Excellency Betsy Obaseki for this programme. It is helping a lot of women today.
“Initially, I never knew it would come to an end. But I am fine now and I am really grateful to Her Excellency for this.”