Hernia has woman in pain since 2016

More than four years ago, 30-year-old Crisie Elliot's life changed due to complications from an incisional hernia she allegedly got after giving birth via C-section.

The Steer Town, St Ann, resident has been trying unsuccessfully to raise J$1 million for corrective surgery but her condition is worsening.

"Right now it swell so big and it is stiff. All I can do most times is sit down and cry because I'm trying to help myself and it is not working out," she told THE STAR. An incisional hernia is caused by a surgical wound that didn't heal properly. Persons may see tissue protruding from the site of their scar.

"I was on the verge of opening a hair salon but everything changed. I can't stand up to do any hair so I'm just home and can hardly even do anything to provide for myself," she said. Elliot said she developed a fever after her C-section in 2016. A private doctor diagnosed the hernia.

"The hospital called me in to do a surgery but I was scared to go back and let them correct it when they caused the hernia in the first place," she said. Elliot said she was transferred to another hospital but doctors there said her case was unique and transferred her back.

"I couldn't take the run around anymore and tried to get the money on my own after a private doctor told me how much to get the surgery done," she said. Gynaecologist Dr Michael explained that after surgery, the stitch can burst or some people may not have strong enough tissue and the hernia will form.

"The risk with a hernia depending on the size is that bowels may get trapped in it and become incarcerated and when it is really bad, the bowel will get compromised and it can lead to death if the bowel can't get back in," he said.

Those who wish to assist Crisie Elliot may contact her at 876- 358-9193 or donate to account #801645 in the name Crisie Elliot at Scotiabank's St Ann's Bay branch.