Baby Undergoes Third Head Surgery for Hydrocephalus, Family Seeks Aid
Translated from Malay, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
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- A nine-month-old baby girl, Nayla Ameena, has undergone three major surgeries due to hydrocephalus, a condition causing abnormal head enlargement from excess fluid in the brain.
- Her parents face significant financial and emotional strain, frequently traveling to the hospital and dealing with lost income as the father takes time off work.
- The family is appealing for financial assistance to cover medical expenses, milk, diapers, and the costs associated with frequent hospital visits.
Nayla Ameena Mohd. Azamirrizan, a nine-month-old infant, is bravely battling hydrocephalus, a condition that has necessitated three major surgeries to manage excess fluid buildup in her brain, causing her head to enlarge abnormally.
This challenging medical journey has profoundly impacted her parents, Nurul Najwa Nabila, 24, and Mohd. Azamirrizan Udin, 35. Their lives now revolve around frequent trips to Tengku Ampuan Afzan Hospital (HTAA) in Kuantan, located about 35 kilometers from their home in Felda Lepar Hilir 1. At times, these visits occur twice a week, placing immense strain on the family.
The tube needs to be used for life. After the surgery, there was bleeding in the left side of the head, even though the surgery was performed on the right side.
The infant's condition was first noticed when significant changes appeared in her head. After her hair was shaved on January 4th, prominent veins became visible, and her fontanelle continued to rise daily. The first surgery occurred when she was about a month old, followed by another at seven months, and the most recent in July to implant a lifelong shunt to drain excess fluid to her abdomen. Complications arose even after the third surgery, with bleeding detected on the left side of her head despite the procedure being on the right.
If he takes a lot of leave, my husband's salary is sometimes not enough to pay monthly commitments. We have to use our savings, and some friends have also helped.
Mohd. Azamirrizan, a lorry driver, has had to take extended leave from work, sometimes nearly two months, to care for his daughter. This has significantly impacted their income, as his salary is based on mileage. The reduced earnings, coupled with monthly commitments, have depleted their savings and led them to rely on help from friends. While milk and diapers cost around RM300 monthly, the travel expenses and lost income create a substantial financial burden.
Despite the hardships, Nurul Najwa Nabila finds strength in her husband's unwavering support. "We don't know what will happen next, but we are facing it one step at a time. What's important is that Nayla Ameena continues to receive treatment, and we will do everything we can for her," she stated. The family is seeking financial assistance to help manage the ongoing medical costs and daily needs.
We don't know what will happen next, but we are facing it one step at a time. What's important is that Nayla Ameena continues to receive treatment, and we will do everything we can for her.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by Utusan Malaysia in Malay. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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