Luis Soria is a patient who came to us last spring during a MEDLIFE Mobile Clinic in the community of Cecel San Antonio del Cantón Licto of Riobamba, Ecuador. During his consultation, one of our doctors diagnosed Luis with inguinal hernias. An inguinal hernia occurs when tissue pushes through a weak spot in your groin muscle. This causes a bulge in the groin or scrotum which may hurt or burn.

Doctors informed Luis that he was in need of immediate surgery right on the spot. MEDLIFE staff proceeded to take him to the nearest hospital to get further medical examination and care. Doctors and the medical clinic confirmed that his condition was critical and he was prepped for surgery within a few hours.

Luis admitted to us that he had felt discomfort for many years, especially while working long hours as a taxi driver, and wore a back brace at all times. “I’m 47 years old and I’ve been suffering from this condition for over 10 years. I feel like a new man now thanks to the help this organization has provided me,” he shared.

After several lab tests, including uro-analysis, hematology, serology, blood, ECG, and echocardiogram tests, doctors concluded that Luis had two hernias and decided to split the surgery into two procedures — one on each side. The surgeries went well and Luis was told to spend 60 days recovering at home. Although it was difficult for him to wait that long to work again, he followed the doctor’s orders and today he can enjoy life without the pain he had suffered from for so long.

“Now I can work productively in my field and help out with family chores. I couldn’t even walk around and enjoy my time with my family of three children and my beautiful wife. Now I have that opportunity and I am forever grateful for that,” he said with a smile.