John: Examining Fidel

  John: Examining Fidel 
  Originally uploaded by interplast.

Today, I examined a 50-year old gentleman named Fidel, who came here from Puno (see photo). Simone had performed surgery for Fidel on an Interplast trip to Puno last year. He suffered a terrible burn about four years ago in a household fire when gas fuel and alcohol exploded on his face and arms. Unfortunately, Fidel was robbed on his way to Cusco last weekend, so he missed our clinic day on Monday. However, we included him at the end of today’s schedule because of the extent of his injuries and the distance he has traveled to get here. Simone performed surgery to release some of the burn contractures on his forearm to give him more movement of his arm and hand. Simone is also working on recommendations for Interplast’s partner surgeon in Puno, who can hopefully perform additional surgeries for Fidel in the future.

Fidel’s story is illustrative of how much the people want to be treated, and how incredible the need is around the world. It also shows the great lengths to which patients will go to visit an Interplast team. On past trips, I have met parents who have walked for seven days to see Interplast. Our journey by plane from the U.S. seems so small in comparison…

Comments

[kristin stueber]

We also operated on him in Puno in Sept. He had been in an MVC coming to clinic and tore off part of the skin grat on his left cheek. We regrafted it. I'm wondering how it looks

[lore mayo]

John, I admire your kindness and help you
give to people in need!
Thankful to know you.
lore