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Patrick HardisonA firefighter who received a full face transplant
Country:
 USA |
Content:
- Patrick Hardison: A Face Transplant Survivor
- A Life of Danger and Loss
- A Tragic Donor
- A Risky Procedure
- A Story of Survival
- The Road to Recovery
- A Difficult Adjustment
- The Search for Solutions
- A Face Transplant Offers Hope
- The Gift of a Donor
- A Long and Complex Procedure
- A New Beginning
- A New Lease on Life
Patrick Hardison: A Face Transplant Survivor
Patrick Hardison, a firefighter, had his life changed drastically after losing his face in a fire accident. His own children were scared of his appearance, and Hardison struggled to adjust to his new face. However, his situation took a turn when he met Dr. Eduardo Rodriguez, who was able to perform a complex surgery to give Hardison a new face.
A Life of Danger and Loss
Being a firefighter is a hazardous profession, and unfortunately, at the age of 41, Hardison suffered severe burns during a fire extinguishing operation. His face was particularly affected, leaving him disfigured and even scaring his own children. It seemed impossible to fix the situation, until a tragedy provided a solution.
A Tragic Donor
In August of that year, 26-year-old David Rodebaugh tragically died in a car accident. With his mother's consent, Rodebaugh's face was donated to Hardison. Interestingly, Rodebaugh had always dreamed of becoming a firefighter. Finding a suitable face for transplantation was just the first hurdle for Hardison.
A Risky Procedure
The facial transplant surgery performed on Hardison was the most complex and risky procedure of its kind at the time. He was warned that the operation could cost him his life, with a survival rate estimated at around 50 percent. However, after a successful surgery, Hardison found it easier to recall the tragic events that led to his disfigurement.
A Story of Survival
On September 5, 2001, Hardison's day started like any other. Alongside three other firefighters, he entered a burning house in search of a woman believed to be inside. The ceiling suddenly collapsed on them, causing significant burns to Hardison. Despite wearing protective gear, his firefighting mask began to melt onto his face, and his breathing became difficult. Removing the mask and closing his eyes helped Hardison preserve his eyesight and respiratory system.
The Road to Recovery
After spending 63 days in the hospital, Hardison underwent extensive reconstructive surgeries. A large portion of his face had been burned, and he lost his ears, lips, most of his nose, and almost all of his eyelids. Unfortunately, these losses also resulted in serious vision problems for him.
A Difficult Adjustment
Upon returning home, Hardison's three children, Alison, Dalton, and Avery, were terrified of his new appearance. He tried to lighten the situation by joking about losing his face in a fight with a bear, but his children couldn't find humor in the situation. It was then that Hardison realized there are things worse than death.
The Search for Solutions
Medical professionals attempted to help Hardison, and he underwent numerous surgeries to regain his features. Over the course of 10 years, he had approximately 71 operations, roughly seven per year. The doctors did everything they could to restore his mouth, nose, and eyelids.
A Face Transplant Offers Hope
Hardison's life took a turn for the better when a friend told him about Dr. Eduardo Rodriguez, who had previously performed complex face transplant surgeries. Hardison reached out to Rodriguez, who expressed a willingness to help the firefighter. However, finding a suitable donor was the next challenge.
The Gift of a Donor
Fortunately, the tragedy that struck another person proved to be a blessing for Hardison. David Rodebaugh, who died during an unfortunate bicycle ride, turned out to be a suitable donor. Even after his death, Rodebaugh was able to help numerous individuals, as his face, heart, liver, kidneys, bones, and even corneas were transplanted to those in need.
A Long and Complex Procedure
The face transplant surgery took a total of 26 hours and involved over 100 medical professionals. Rodriguez carefully separated the face from its previous owner and removed excess skin, nerves, and muscles. Simultaneously, Hardison's own face was prepared for transplantation by removing excess skin.
A New Beginning
The face was then placed on Hardison's face, and the intricate process of attaching it began. Though Hardison's new face initially looked foreign on his body, the swelling gradually subsided. Now, he looks much better than before the surgery, and the situation will continue to improve over time.
A New Lease on Life
Hardison is grateful for his new face and finally feels like a normal person after years of struggling. He will need to take medication to suppress his immune system, as the body may reject the new face. With the new eyelids and eye sockets, his vision has improved, allowing him to see the world with a renewed sense of hope.
