After Ariana Alder had a large cyst removed from her ovary more than seven years ago, she thought her health would be on the up. Following surgery, however, Ariana developed a cough. Starting small, she thought nothing of it. But when it worsened, and she found herself at pains to hold her stomach muscles each time she coughed, she knew something was wrong.
This would continue for years, and Ariana developed a hernia in the process. A hernia can occur when part of an internal organ or other type of tissue pushes through weakened muscle. Most hernias are external, which Ariana’s was, meaning it was visible outside her body, and caused her great discomfort and pain.
Despite this, Ariana found it difficult to have her hernia diagnosed and treated. She was referred multiple times to the public health system for a specialist appointment over eight years but was declined every time.
“The movement of the hernia was the biggest struggle,” says Ariana. “I felt heavy at the front of my body, and I’d be consciously trying to hold it in all day while I was at work. I’m on my feet all day, and some days I’d be OK, other days would be hard.”
A visiting GP and local surgeon take her case on
Last year, public health advocate Dr Lance O’Sullivan had been visiting rural regions and Ariana, who lives in Ōtorohanga, was able to get an appointment with him.
“He took the time to really look into my case; he was thorough and finally I felt like someone was listening to me,” says Ariana. She was referred to a specialist in the public system for an appointment – but again, was declined.
“I don’t know why I was declined, you’re not told why, but at this point I was feeling pretty defeated.”
Ariana’s GP practice, alongside Dr O’Sullivan, then referred her to Braemar Charitable Trust’s Community Surgery Programme. The programme enables life-changing surgeries and procedures for those who have been declined from the public health system, do not have private medical insurance or ACC cover, or the financial means to pay privately.
General and colorectal surgeon Simi Lolohea offered to perform a hernioplasty on Ariana pro bono, and his rooms got in touch with Ariana to book her in for a consult immediately.
“I was very surprised, but extremely happy,” says Ariana. “It was like, there’s a solution in sight.”
Ariana, who had her surgery at Braemar Hospital, says the experience there was impeccable.
“The nurses were lovely, I left feeling well, and the recovery was also very manageable. And, since my surgery, I’ve lost a pant size and have been back working full days on my feet for months now. I’m so grateful to Dr Lolohea and Braemar Charitable Trust for helping me get my health, and life, back.”