- Request received11/01/2024
- Checked & confirmed30/01/2024
- Fundraising30/01/2024
- Treatment provided30/05/2024
- Invoice paid25/03/2025
- Case closed15/05/2025
Why is treatment sometimes done earlier than the payment?
When a case is urgent and vital, hospitals often proceed with delivering medical care right away to save a life, even before the finalisation of admission procedures. Usually, when this happens, hospitals put the bill on our credit until the funds are transferred to their accounts. That’s why the chronology can sometimes be in disorder.
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Alex J., 18
Report publishedBones & joints
0
$535
About bones & joints
The patient has sickle cell disease but hasn't been getting proper medical care. They came in with a long-standing wound on their left leg that started slowly over 10 years ago. Despite having multiple surgeries and taking oral medication, the wound hasn't gotten better. The wound is quite large, measuring about 16cm by 8cm, and it goes all the way down to the bone. It's also giving off a bad smell and has pus coming out of it. During examination, both bone cement and bone were seen. Additionally, the patient is dealing with anemia, which means they have low levels of red blood cells.
Thank you for saving this life!
100%
$535 raised of $535
Background
Alex has sickle cell disease, but he hasn't been able to afford regular medication or check-ups. About 5 years ago, he developed a wound on the bone of his leg, and this wound has been getting worse over time. People with weakened immune systems, like those with sickle cell disease, are more likely to develop a bone infection called osteomyelitis. His leg has been oozing pus and has a foul smell. Despite attempts to surgically drain the infected fluid or remove damaged tissue and bone, it hasn't improved. A significant amount of bone tissue has been lost, and his leg has become very weak and hardly functional. After several consultations and reviews, it was unfortunately decided that the best course of action is to amputate Alex's leg.
Medical history
Alex, a known patient with sickle cell disease (SCD), had been suffering from a chronic wound on his left leg. Despite being diagnosed with chronic osteomyelitis and undergoing a sequestrectomy a year ago, the wound persisted. On examination, Alex appeared very pale, which is common in SCD patients, especially when a wound reaches the bone, as it can lead to severe anemia. His leg wound was severely infected, with exposed bone and eroded bone cement, giving off a foul smell and pus. The damage to his leg was too severe to be repaired, but the doctors knew they could save his life through an above-knee amputation. Alex was taken to the operating theater, where the procedure was successfully done, and he received a blood transfusion to help stabilize him. Afterward, Alex underwent physiotherapy sessions and was trained to walk with crutches and one lower limb. Today, Alex is doing well and was discharged in good health. A visit to his home found both Alex and his parents overjoyed and deeply grateful for the life-changing help provided by Helpster Charity. Their hearts were full of joy, knowing that Alex has a brighter future ahead, thanks to the support and care he received.
Prognosis
Diagnosis of chronic osteomyelitis was made, debridement and sequestrectomy was done. There was significant bone and muscle lose. The blood supply is compromised. Due to the extensive osteomyelitis and tissue loss, the prognosis is poor. Patient needs above knee amputation and later prosthesis and physiotherapy.
