 |
|
|
|
|
September 23rd, 2011
10:06 AM ET
Human Factor: Two beautiful handsIn the Human Factor, we profile survivors who have overcome the odds. Confronting a life obstacle – injury, illness or other hardship - they tapped their inner strength and found resilience they didn't know they possessed. This week, meet Sheila Advento, a young woman who had to have both hands and feet amputated after a bacterial meningitis infection in 2003. Wow! It has been a year since undergoing hand transplants - and a truly remarkable year. I lived a life as a quadrilateral amputee for seven years, and then I received a blessing - these two beautiful hands, which I see every day from the moment I wake up until I go to sleep. The idea of a possible hand transplant was embedded in me almost instantly following the amputation of my hands (by a plastic surgeon at Hackensack University Medical Center). The idea stayed with me. However, hand transplantation was not - at all - something I thought of from the very beginning of my journey. You see, it all started in 2003 when I got very ill. I went from having an upset stomach (as I was in and out of the bathroom) to severely deteriorating. Suddenly, I no longer had energy. In fact, my mother found me on the bathroom floor partially discolored. Then, I started to lose my vision. It was a race for time. A mere quick ride to Hackensack University Medical Center seemed forever as I also started to gasp for air. I was helpless. I was sent off to the emergency room with doctors and nurses surrounding me, and then I was out. I was put in a coma. Tick tock! Tick tock! Then what? The doctors wanted to “pull the plug,” believing they had done everything they could. “The talk” with my family occurred. Thankfully, my family didn’t give up. Aside from being comatose for eight days, all of my four limbs were affected by the illness. As I woke up on the ninth day, I immediately noticed my hands - black and lifeless with only my manicured nails looking alive. And, eventually I saw my feet in the same state. Somehow, though, I just accepted right away that they had to go - THAT’S IT! It was almost like I blocked off any possible negative emotion. And (surprisingly), there was not a moment of wondering "Why?" I must add, though, that it was probably more difficult for my family - first, seeing me deteriorate, then in a coma and being warned by the doctors that they had done everything they could, and,then the physical changes. Please don’t get me wrong, I cried - a lot. The reality of amputation rapidly emerged. Nevertheless, I had to accept it. Yes, there were multiple attempts to save my limbs. One doctor suggested hyperbaric chamber treatment - 100% oxygen infused inside a large clear tube where a patient would go in for a certain amount of time. I did this for about 14 times. As hopeful as everyone was, I knew deep down that my hands and feet would need to be amputated. And they were. A few months later, I was transferred to Kessler rehabilitation as an inpatient for a month. There, I worked out a lot until I received my prosthetics. Afterwards, I became an outpatient and recuperated. Then I had to start living actively again - I went back to work at Quest Diagnostics and regained (as much as I could) a social life. Also, I moved into my own apartment and later began driving (with hand controls). A lot more happened in my life since the amputations. There were many bumps, but I made sure there were a lot of positive moments too. There were certainly many frustrating moments as I tried my very best to get used to the idea of being dependent, and as I tried to do things on my own. However, as I’ve mentioned, the idea of hand transplants lingered - the many things I could do even with just one hand. Seven years later and the idea came to life. The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center made it come true. Nine months after passing the intense screening tests, they called me in for the surgery. September 18, 2010, was truly an unforgettable day. Now, I stand with these remarkable hands. With a lot of therapy and hard work, my progress is outstanding (even to myself). I did not have any expectations. But, I am extremely joyous with the developments - I write, draw, paint, live on my own, drive (hand controls), etc. I am able to attempt (even more) to be INDEPENDENT. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO ME!
Next entry »Which burns more calories, walking or running?
« Previous entryDiana Nyad begins new attempt at swim record
|
  About this blog
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the latest stories from CNN Chief Medical Correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Senior Medical Correspondent Elizabeth Cohen and the CNN Medical Unit producers. They'll share news and views on health and medical trends - info that will help you take better care of yourself and the people you love.
 |
|
|
|
You really make it seem really easy with your presentation but I to find this matter to be really one thing that I think I'd never understand. It sort of feels too complex and very large for me. I'm looking forward on your subsequent put up, I will attempt to get the hang of it!
http://www.travelful.net/location/4464972/united-states/laws-of-color
Highlighting Camera Batteries Online UK. A commendable blog and very useful content that really helped and i can see it is helping many others, bravo, keep the good work going.
https://mpbglobes.com/product-category/camera-batteries/
I want to to thank you for this excellent read!! I definitely enjoyed every little bit of it. I've got you book marked to look at new things you postÖ
https://anotepad.com/notes/r3jg9dcg
There's certainly a lot to learn about this issue. I really like all of the points you made.
https://www.free-ebooks.net/profile/1297936/godwin-birk
Very nice post and right to the point. I am not sure if this is actually the best place to ask but do you folks have any ideea where to hire some professional writers? Thank you 🙂
https://images.google.ae/url?q=https://soccernet.ng/2020/08/players-wearing-hats-and-other-football-clothing-rules-you-probably-didnt-know.html
Hello there! This blog post couldnít be written any better! Looking at this article reminds me of my previous roommate! He always kept talking about this. I am going to send this post to him. Pretty sure he'll have a very good read. Many thanks for sharing!
http://forum.eduglobe.net/member.php?action=profile&uid=80297
What an incredible manner of checking out things.
https://www.storeboard.com/blogs/freelance/the-advantages-of-buying-fitness-equipment-online/4846430
Hi, I do think this is an excellent site. I stumbledupon it 😉 I am going to return once again since I book-marked it. Money and freedom is the best way to change, may you be rich and continue to help others.
https://xe365.co/xe/profile.php?section=personality&id=515710
Manganese resembles iron in its chemical and also physical properties, however it is harder and also a lot more fragile. Manganese is possibly one of the most adaptable component that can be included in copper alloys.
http://www.hislibris.com/foro-new/profile.php?mode=viewprofile&u=33479
Hi there! This blog post could not be written much better! Reading through this post reminds me of my previous roommate! He always kept talking about this. I most certainly will forward this post to him. Fairly certain he's going to have a good read. I appreciate you for sharing!
https://morphomics.science/wiki/Triggerpoint_Care_Exactly_What_it_Is_and_the_Way_it_Can_Help_Relieve_Your_Pain
Way cool! Some extremely valid points! I appreciate you penning this article and the rest of the website is also really good.
http://120.116.38.11/dis/home.php?mod=space&uid=5002220
I’ll immediately seize your rss feed as I can't find your email subscription link or e-newsletter service. Do you've any? Kindly allow me recognise in order that I may subscribe. Thanks.
https://docs.google.com/drawings/d/1KGER-wxgO5m-dL1PelOom6G0YZSCoRf-CkXFCl28ZFI/edit
Hi, I do believe this is an excellent website. I stumbledupon it 😉 I am going to return once again since i have book marked it. Money and freedom is the greatest way to change, may you be rich and continue to guide other people.
https://www.victoriaeducation.co.uk/members/anma3chinenemy6/activity/463158/
I'm excited to uncover this website. I wanted to thank you for ones time for this particularly fantastic read!! I definitely liked every little bit of it and i also have you book-marked to look at new stuff in your web site.
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/133490685-rosario
After I originally left a comment I appear to have clicked on the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now every time a comment is added I recieve four emails with the same comment. There has to be a way you are able to remove me from that service? Many thanks!
http://gigglyu.com/members/anma4laughdouble4/activity/96443/
You have actually covered this topic properly.
https://canvas.instructure.com/eportfolios/69360000000043674/Home/Discount_Stand_Up_Paddle_Boards
When I initially left a comment I seem to have clicked on the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now whenever a comment is added I get four emails with the exact same comment. Perhaps there is an easy method you can remove me from that service? Thank you!
http://massage7tifardtupt.yousher.com/20-up-and-comers-to-watch-in-the-chuljang-anma-industry
I must thank you for the efforts you have put in writing this blog. I really hope to check out the same high-grade content by you later on as well. In fact, your creative writing abilities has encouraged me to get my own, personal website now 😉
https://www.transtats.bts.gov/exit.asp?url=https://massage8clerkage9.edublogs.org/2021/04/13/massage-therapy-education/
I like the way you have ended this article ...
http://ovensun13.bravesites.com/entries/general/why-buy-vibration-plates-online
I needed to thank you for this fantastic read!! I certainly enjoyed every bit of it. I have you book-marked to check out new things you postÖ
https://zenwriting.net/massage5p8sxkvm100/h2-aroma-therapy-massage-benefits-h2-aromatherapy-massage-is-actually-a
Hi there! I just wish to give you a big thumbs up for the great information you've got here on this post. I'll be returning to your site for more soon.
https://www.fitpa.co.za/forum-members/massage4hubnancy9/activity/182286/
This is a topic which is near to my heart... Many thanks! Where are your contact details though?
http://gging.ru/user/bufferankle8/
https://k12.instructure.com/courses/266736/pages/nvme-ssd-why-everyone-is-crazy-about-this-storage-technology?module_item_id=3605127
https://penzu.com/public/ec6cf779
I blog often and I truly thank you for your information. This article has really peaked my interest. I will book mark your site and keep checking for new details about once a week. I subscribed to your RSS feed too.
https://sciencewiki.science/wiki/Prenatal_Massage_and_Infant_massage
This is a topic that's close to my heart... Many thanks! Exactly where are your contact details though?
https://www.fitpa.co.za/forum-members/weekside24/activity/182539/
Your style is very unique compared to other people I have read stuff from. Many thanks for posting when you have the opportunity, Guess I will just bookmark this web site.
https://www.ptc.nsw.edu.au/community/profile/caseberet6/
I've been browsing online greater than 3 hours lately, but I never found any interesting article like yours. It’s beautiful value enough for me. Personally, if all website owners and bloggers made excellent content as you did, the web will probably be much more helpful than ever before.
http://zipmovesupdate8617.jigsy.com/entries/general/trying-to-find-the-best-boston-to-florida-long-distance-moving-company
Everything is very open with a precise clarification of the issues. It was truly informative. Your website is very useful. Thank you for sharing!
https://blogfreely.net/massage7drillwhite2/4-types-of-massage
Hmm it appears like your site ate my first comment (it was extremely long) so I guess I'll just sum it up what I had written and say, I'm thoroughly enjoying your blog. I too am an aspiring blog blogger but I'm still new to the whole thing. Do you have any tips and hints for newbie blog writers? I'd certainly appreciate it.|
https://training.joniandfriends.org/eportfolios/42157/Home/Home_Stuff_Store__Best_Way_to_Make_Friends_With_Your_Home_Stuff
Hello! I could have sworn Iíve visited this blog before but after going through a few of the posts I realized itís new to me. Anyways, Iím certainly delighted I discovered it and Iíll be bookmarking it and checking back regularly!
http://www.errorbase.net/user/casino8h2icfjx495
This is a great tip especially to those fresh to the blogosphere. Simple but very precise informationÖ Thanks for sharing this one. A must read article!
http://35online.ru/user/profile/10373
I like the valuable information you provide in your articles. I will bookmark your blog and check again here regularly. I'm quite certain I'll learn lots of new stuff right here! Good luck for the next!|
http://www.gardenershub.xyz/
Your preferred action mobile game can possibly be extra fun for you ... if you check out our web page right now! We provide free cheats for your personal favorite action mobile game, which will provide you with millions of resources! Our Android & iOS hacks let you take joy in your personal favorite action games without being left behind by other players. Fuel up your action game right now with our unlimited resources and prosper across the gaming world.
https://gamehakz.netlify.app/war-machines-3d-tank-game-hack-cheat/
https://samsungifa.com/
https://samsungifa.com/taking-a-tour-of-the-samsung-galaxy-s21-ultra-5g/
Good day! I could have sworn Iíve been to this blog before but after looking at some of the articles I realized itís new to me. Regardless, Iím definitely delighted I discovered it and Iíll be bookmarking it and checking back often!
https://writeablog.net/massage7trowelseat7/low-back-pain-relief-through-acupressure
Iím impressed, I must say. Seldom do I come across a blog thatís both educative and entertaining, and without a doubt, you've hit the nail on the head. The issue is an issue that not enough men and women are speaking intelligently about. I am very happy that I stumbled across this during my search for something concerning this.
https://readsharewrite.com/members/baccarat8targetcloth9/activity/78608/
An intriguing discussion is worth comment. I do believe that you should publish more about this topic, it may not be a taboo subject but usually people don't discuss these issues. To the next! Kind regards!!
https://blogfreely.net/coilswiss29/watsu-the-secret-to-a-great-back-massage
After going over a handful of the blog posts on your website, I honestly appreciate your way of blogging. I book marked it to my bookmark webpage list and will be checking back soon. Please check out my website as well and tell me how you feel.
https://readsharewrite.com/members/casino2gastrail30/activity/75986/
Other articles where Manganese steel is discussed: steel: Wear-resistant steels: Manganese steels are usually called Hadfield steels, after their creator, Robert Hadfield.
https://uberant.com/article/1499171-what-are-the-applications-and-properties-of-manganese-steel/
http://feeds.feedburner.com/techstat/GHSw
http://feeds.feedburner.com/techstat/GHSw
Very good post. I will be experiencing some of these issues as well..
https://www.victoriaeducation.co.uk/members/sphereox8/activity/483904/
Howdy! I could have sworn Iíve visited this site before but after going through many of the posts I realized itís new to me. Nonetheless, Iím definitely pleased I discovered it and Iíll be bookmarking it and checking back frequently!
https://pastebin.pl/view/fea6da7e
Also known as carbon steel, this product is just one of the most common alternatives you'll discover for bearings The 52100 bearing steel is a high carbon, low alloy steel that contains chromium. These features make chrome steel a wonderful option for a lot of general applications in need of slim section bearings.
https://bibliocrunch.com/profile/h3tduku559/
I was able to find good advice from your blog posts.
https://uceda.org/members/spherebeach8/activity/195064/
I wanted to thank you for this very good read!! I absolutely enjoyed every bit of it. I have got you book marked to check out new stuff you postÖ
https://www.gatesofantares.com/players/pimplehate19/activity/715613/
Ever wish you can hack your beloved adventure mobile game to get limitless resources? Well, today your desire will be granted! Today you will certainly discover how to get endless resources in your desired adventure game – using just a couple of clicks. Therefore, do you really wish to get resources that are actually endless? Try our 100 game cheats to get tons of them in your mobile game! Enjoy unlimited resources by using these cheats – your fun is ensured!
https://gamecheatz.netlify.app/winx-club-butterflix-adventure-hack-cheat/
Aw, this was an extremely nice post. Finding the time and actual effort to generate a good articleÖ but what can I sayÖ I hesitate a lot and don't manage to get nearly anything done.
https://postheaven.net/diggerkayak21/kinds-of-massage
Leading Specialty Steel Plate Processing Service Center. Demand A Quote Today! ASME Certified Distributor Of Abrasion Resistant Steel Plates.
https://apicttermsekq.bloggersdelight.dk/2021/05/16/what-steel-job-best-in-manufacturing-lng-storage-tanks/
Very good article. I certainly appreciate this site. Stick with it!
https://postheaven.net/handoven56/traditional-chinese-medicine
I’m impressed, I have to say. Really hardly ever do I encounter a blog that’s each educative and entertaining, and let me inform you, you will have hit the nail on the head. Your concept is outstanding; the problem is one thing that not sufficient individuals are talking intelligently about. I'm very blissful that I stumbled across this in my seek for one thing referring to this.
https://www.slideshare.net/stpaulsseniors