Charla Nash underwent a face transplant five years ago after being attacked by a chimpanzee.
In 2009, Nash lost her nose, lips, eyelids and hands when she was mauled by her employer’s 200-lb chimpanzee in Stamford, Connecticut. Doctors also had to remove Nash’s eyes because of a disease transmitted by the chimp.
But following the transplant, Nash discovered unusual patches on her face, and after a biopsy, doctors determined Nash’s body was rejecting the transplant. According to NBC News, Nash’s publicist, Shelly Sindland said that doctors now hope to reverse the rejection by ending the experiment.
Since 2011, Nash has been taking part in an experiment in which doctors at Boston’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital have tried to wean her off the anti-rejection drugs she has been taking since her operation. The military funded Nash’s experiment in hopes that the alternative treatment could help those needing transplants after the war.
“I gave it my all and know my participation in the study will still be beneficial,” Nash told The Associated Press. “I’d do it all over again, if I could. The men and women serving our country are the true heroes.”
Sindland said that doctors plan to put Nash back on her original medication, but if that doesn’t work, it isn’t immediately clear what the next step will be.
Transplant patients are usually required to be on immunosuppression drugs for the rest of their lives, and these drugs carry risks like cancer, viral infections, and kidney damage. Because of these risks, transplants of non-vital body parts, such as thumbs, are not considered worth doing. But, doctors say that could change if the drugs don’t have to be a lifelong commitment.
“I’m just happy I had the chance to help. I wish I could have done more. I believe in the power of prayer and appreciate everyone who is praying for me,” Nash said.
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[Featured Image Credit: Getty- Win McNamee]
Woman Mauled By A Chimp Gets Devastating News About Her Face Transplant is an article from: LifeDaily