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Emirati woman gets 2nd lease of life at 69

Dubai - Due to the complex nature of her case and her medical history, several hospitals across the emirates had not been able to completely treat Shaikah Al Zahmi Obaid's condition

An Emirati mother, Shaikhah Al Zahmi Obaid's obesity issue and her knee problem could have left her disabled. However, thanks to timely treatment from an Abu Dhabi hospital, she is now able to walk again.
Obaid has a painful medical history. She was treated in Germany for a problem in her left kidney followed by a thyroid surgery in the UAE. However, after the surgery, she experienced numbness and weakness in both legs. When she visited Burjeel Hospital, she came on a stretcher and had not been walking for almost two years. She was completely dependent on her family and caretakers and had drastically gained weight with a BMI of 50.
Due to the complex nature of her case and her medical history of nephrectomy, thyroidectomy and diabetes mellitus among others, several hospitals in various emirates had not been able to completely treat Obaid's condition. Obaid was 130kg when she came to Burjeel Hospital.
"The challenge in her case was not only the very advanced debilitating stage of osteoarthritis, but also her morbid obesity. The only way her case would be completely turned around is by using a multidisciplinary approach," said Dr Hans Werner Fuchs, consultant, orthopedic surgery, at the hospital. "After seeing her case and after series of diagnostic tests, we prioritised knee replacement surgery for both her knees, which were totally destroyed with advanced osteoarthritis."
After she lost significant weight, the knee replacement surgery was performed on the left knee. "With her weight down to 117.5kg, she is not just able to walk and move, but also is very active and bustling. She is now completely independent and is able to do tasks on her own without relying on anyone's help," said Dr Fuchs.
For the past two years, Mrs Obaid led a severely handicapped life. Walking and moving were extremely difficult and painful. However, after two years of chronic pain, 69-year-old Obaid is walking and moving pain-free now.
Dr Fuchs said: "In such complex cases, patients need to be provided with medical, surgical, as well as psychosocial support."
Obaid said: "I never thought this would happen to me. I am truly indebted to Burjeel Hospital, especially to Dr Fuchs. He and his medical team have given me a second life."
asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com