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Posted on 10/17/2012 5:38:36 PM PDT by Tolerance Sucks Rocks
The Virginia man, who about 100 days ago underwent the most extensive face transplant surgery ever performed, has regained the ability to smell and taste, as well as what he called a sense of normalcy after 15 years of hiding.
Richard Lee Norris, 37, on Tuesday credited the work of the University of Maryland’s plastic and reconstructive surgery team with ending his life in isolation. He said they helped him close out the routine he was forced to adopt in 1997, when a gun accident destroyed his upper and lower jaws, as well as his lips and nose.
“For the past 15 years, I lived as a recluse, hiding behind a surgical mask and doing most of my shopping at night when less people were around,” Mr. Norris said. “People used to stare at me because of my disfigurement. I am now able to walk past people and no one even gives me a second look. My friends have moved on with their lives, starting families and careers. I can now start working on the new life given back to me.”
The face transplant was done over a 36-hour period between March 19 and March 20 at the university hospital’s R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore.
The lead doctor, Eduardo Rodriguez, said Mr. Norris was “exceeding my expectations” for post-surgery recovery as the Hillsville resident continues to gain movement and strength in his new face.
Doctors transplanted facial bones, nerves, muscles, teeth, soft tissues, and even a tongue to Mr. Norris‘ damaged face, Dr. Rodriguez said.
The surgery was the first of its kind performed by a team of doctors who specialize in facial injuries and reconstructive plastic surgery.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtontimes.com ...
Great job!
Maryland PING!
I cannot believe the after photo is real! It is just amazing. Excellent job, Shock Trauma!
Golly. Moochelle does stand a chance. But Ima fraid there is no hope for Hillary.
VA Ping!
If you want on/off the VA Ping List, please freepmail me.
If you see posts of interest to Virginians, please ping me.
Thanks!
truly amazing!
I was gonna try to say something pithy.
Good for all concerned.
pretty remarkable
how wonderful for this man, and what an excellent job his surgeons have done!
Bet this same kind of thing won’t happen under Obamacare cuz the death panels will not support this kind of extensive risky surgery.
Our country is gonna soon be in a real world of hurt with fewer American trained doctors, fewer nurses, and decreased quality and quantity of care.
Amazing for that poor young man.
I have to ask, though - what does Shock Trauma have to do with fixing a 15-year-old accident?
I imagine the trauma teams know how to manage mangled bone and cartlige better than the gallbladder cowboys or the regular plastics.
Didn’t see the after photo, wasn’t at the link.
How horrible, what a good looking kid at his prom.. Can you imagine? I have kids getting to that age.
Tragic, but The Lord comes through for those who are patient
Absolutely astonishing.
I wish him well.
.
Agreed. They probably would only pay to let him die, not improve his quality of life.
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