UAE | General
Just can't wait to get up and walk around by myself, says Yousuf
After spending almost two weeks recovering from surgery to correct severe deformity in his legs, Yousuf Halahla, 13, left hospital on Thursday in high spirits.
- By Zoi Constantine, Staff Reporter
- Published: 00:00 June 23, 2006
Dubai: After spending almost two weeks recovering from surgery to correct severe deformity in his legs, Yousuf Halahla, 13, left hospital on Thursday in high spirits.
He is now well on the road to recovery after a successful eight-hour operation. The deformity had restricted his ability to run, play sports and even walk. "I am so happy to finally be able to move more, especially as the pain is now not nearly as bad," Yousuf said, as he left the International Modern Hospital in Dubai.
Like any teenage boy, Yousuf is happy to be leaving the confines of his hospital room, eager to progress to the next stage of his recovery, which could see him up and walking in three months.
Dr Marc Sinclair of the Dubai Bone and Joint Centre praised Yousuf's progress, saying that his recovery so far has been very encouraging. "We removed Yousuf's stitches yesterday and he has been taking small steps with the aid of the walker," he told Gulf News.
"He's really motivated and has a great attitude, so we are on track. He realises that this is a huge opportunity and is now just looking forward to leaving the hospital so he can start the next stage of his recovery."
Dr Sinclair indicated that it would probably be another month before the deformity is corrected and another two months before the new bone that is being formed becomes hard enough so that the frames on Yousuf's legs can be removed.
"I just can't wait for the moment I can get up and walk around by myself," Yousuf said. "I really want to see the snow here and also to go back to the beach. It was the most beautiful place I have been to in Dubai."
In the meantime he is keen on keeping up with the World Cup, naming Japan as his favourite. "Because the Japanese government built most of the schools where I come from in Palestine, including mine," he said.
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