A 36-year-old woman in Thailand has recently revealed that a painful medical oversight left her suffering for nearly two decades. During the birth of her child 18 years ago, a needle was mistakenly left inside her body by medical staff and only discovered last year.
The woman, who has chosen to remain unnamed, sought help from the Pavena Foundation for Children and Women, a nonprofit organization in Thailand. She shared that, during childbirth, a nurse dropped a needle into her vagina while stitching her after delivery. According to the foundation, medical staff attempted but failed to retrieve the needle. Worried that delaying the suturing might lead to excessive bleeding, the medical team continued the procedure, unknowingly leaving the needle in her body.
Over the years, the woman endured recurring pain in her lower abdomen that often became unbearable. However, without knowing the source of her pain, she spent years enduring the symptoms and managing her life as best as she could.
It was only last year, after seeking medical attention at a local hospital, that an X-ray revealed the needle lodged in her vagina. Following this discovery, doctors referred her to a hospital in Songkhla province for surgery, but the procedure was delayed several times. The needle had shifted within her body, making removal challenging and increasing her need for regular monitoring. Today, she makes hospital visits up to four times a month to ensure her condition remains stable.
Financial strain has added to her suffering, as her family cannot afford the transportation costs for her frequent hospital visits. Although most medical expenses are covered by insurance, other related costs have taken a toll. She turned to the Pavena Foundation for assistance, and they arranged transportation support and coordinated her treatment with a nearby hospital.
The story has sparked outrage on social media, with many users criticizing the medical staff responsible for the incident. Calls for compensation and legal accountability for her years of suffering have flooded online forums, where users have shared their sympathy and voiced their frustration.
The foundation has pledged to continue supporting her through this painful journey, coordinating with local authorities to ensure she receives the care and support she needs. The hospital has not yet commented publicly on the case, and it remains unclear whether any legal action will be taken.
