UAE teen overcomes chronic lung infection after life-changing surgery

Al Ain: Teenager Fajer has finally found freedom – she can breathe normally, run, play and focus on her studies without exhaustion. The 17-year-old Abu Dhabi resident bravely underwent a complex video-assisted surgery to remove part of her lung.
This marks a major turning point in a lifelong affected by severe respiratory problems. Since the age of three, the Jordanian girl had suffered from chronic coughs and breathing difficulties.

Despite visiting multiple medical facilities, years of misdiagnoses took a toll on her physical and mental well-being. Her symptoms persisted, and the simplest of tasks like walking would leave her breathless.
The condition affected her academics and personal aspirations, forcing her to put dreams on hold and live a restricted life.
“The fatigue and constant struggle to breathe made even simple daily tasks hard for me. It held me back from truly enjoying my life.”

Surgical intervention through VATS

When she finally consulted Burjeel Royal Hospital in Al Ain, doctors discovered that part of her right lung had been completely damaged due to a chronic infection, likely stemming from an earlier pneumonia episode.

The pulmonology team identified the underlying infection and referred her to thoracic surgery.
“The middle lobe of the right lung was almost destroyed from the infection. It was beginning to spread to other parts of the lung,” said Dr Taj Mohammed Fiyaz Chowdhry, Consultant Thoracic Surgeon.
To prevent further damage and restore her quality of life, he recommended Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) – a minimally invasive, uniportal procedure performed through a single 3cm incision, ensuring less pain and faster recovery.

Initially, the idea of losing part of her lung was terrifying for Fajer. But with the support of her parents Fouad Fawzy Abdullah Mohamed and Noura Fathy Abdelkarim Mohamed and the expert medical team, she overcame her fear.
“Though her right middle lobe contributed 10 per cent to her breathing capacity, it had to be removed. During the procedure, her right lung was isolated, and she breathed solely through her left lung. Fajer recovered remarkably, with her chest tube being removed just a day after surgery,” said Dr Chowdhry, noting that Fajer will be able to lead a full, active life.
Dr Chowdhry was assisted by a team of specialists, including Dr Khaled Mohsen, Consultant, Anaesthesiology, and Dr Karim Nael, Specialist, Anaesthesia.

From lethargic to energetic girl

Now brimming with energy and gratitude, Fajer is back to doing what she loves – running, drawing, writing, and studying.
“I feel like I can finally live the life I wished for. This experience has taught me the importance of caring for my health and staying hopeful even in the face of adversity,” she added.