A 24-year-old Turkish woman who lost both of her arms and legs after catching a life-threatening blood illness is hoping for a rare double-arm transplant to improve her life, according to reports.
Dental technician Beyza Dogan contracted meningococcal meningitis while living in Cologne, Germany, four years ago, the UK’s Mirror reported. Her kidneys collapsed due to blood poisoning and she ended up having all four limbs amputated.
Her mother, Mihriban Dogan, 54, donated a kidney to her two years ago, according to the report.
After coming to terms with her fate, Dogan became determined to transform her life by undergoing a double-arm transplant. With the help of Dr. Levent Yilmaz, a general surgeon, she ended up in Antalya, Turkey, where she was introduced to Prof. Omer Ozkan of the Akdeniz University Faculty of Medicine.
The expert in plastic and reconstructive Surgery is world-renowned for his double-arm and face transplants, the news outlet reported. The young woman has since been put on a waiting list for a donor.
“I thought that the most suitable place for multiple limb transplants was Akdeniz University Hospital,” Yilmaz said.
“Currently, she is using her prostheses. She continues her life, but she has certain problems,” the doctor said. “She seems motivated and willing for limb transplants. She is a suitable patient.”
Yilaz added that “when a suitable donor is found, there is no obstacle in terms of transplantation for Beyza.”
Dogan said she tries to stay positive, adding: “Dr. Omer Ozkan is very experienced in this. I am very happy, and I am eagerly waiting for his good news. My only dream is to have surgery as soon as possible.”
