The prospect of a large-scale invasion of Rafah, where around 1.2 million civilians are sheltering, has sparked intensifying global alarm
world2 hours ago
The UAE's first double-lung transplant patient has spoken about how it feels to be breathing again and getting a second chance to live after a historic surgery.
Rahima Younis, a 46-year-old Palestinian expat, underwent the complex procedure at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi (CCAD) on June 10, 2018, after suffering from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a debilitating, progressive disease that causes extensive scarring of the lungs, for the past few years.
The patient, who had to use a wheelchair and oxygen cylinders prior to the operation, told Khaleej Times that she's now living a normal and healthy life.
"I am so glad that I had this surgery. I am now breathing freely," Younis said on the sidelines of an event organised by CCAD on Tuesday to celebrate transplant successes in the Year of Tolerance.
Younis is a mother of four boys and two girls and has been living in Abu Dhabi for 33 years. "I cannot describe how it feels to breathe again normally like other people. I spent more than three years being plunged into oxygen. But after the successful operation, I can now walk freely, do everything on my own, including the house chores and taking care of my children."
Youinis, who worked as a private tutor before she was diagnosed with IPF, added: "I thank God for giving me a second chance to live. I am so grateful to the doctors at Cleveland Clinic and the family of the donor."
Dr Redha Souilamas, chair of thoracic surgery at CCAD, who led the double-lung transplant, told Khaleej Times that the surgery, the first of its kind in the UAE, took just over five hours to complete.
"While a double-lung transplant is a complex procedure, Rahima has recovered almost 100 per cent following the surgery and she can do everything like a normal healthy person," said Dr Souilamas.
"There is no definitive cure for IPF and patients have a low survival rate after diagnosis without transplant surgery."
Younis had spent four months on the waiting list before the hospital got the organs from a deceased donor.
The Algerian doctor, who worked in Paris for 15 years, said patients with IPF are typically given just a three to five-year survival rate after diagnosis.
The prospect of a large-scale invasion of Rafah, where around 1.2 million civilians are sheltering, has sparked intensifying global alarm
world2 hours ago
The festival saw the participation of 120 students in school theatre, Arabic calligraphy, and visual arts
uae2 hours ago
The PTI founder emphasised a deal is made by someone who wants to leave the country or avoid incarceration
asia3 hours ago
The ministry said later that Russian aircraft and air defence systems had downed a total of 15 ATACMS in the past week
world3 hours ago
Judge ordered the police to ensure the appearance of nine suspects in the Jinnah House attack case, and five others in the Askari Tower case on May 15
asia3 hours ago
Honouring Sharjah as the Guest of Honour at this renowned cultural event also recognises its central role as one of the key World Book Capitals
uae4 hours ago
This year's contest has so far been dominated by calls for Israel to be excluded over its war in Gaza, which the organisers rejected
europe4 hours ago
Dubai's Crown Prince, Sheikh Hamdan, mourned his passing by posting a heartfelt tribute on X
gulf4 hours ago