While fleeing to Turkey, he was unaware that he would not only find a new life but also a solution to the health issues he had been suffering from since the age of four.

INTERVIEW WITH YAŞAR SÜLEYMAN

"Unfortunately, at the age of four, I contracted a disease commonly known as elephantiasis, which often affects the legs or arms and is characterized by swelling throughout the body. Due to the blockage of my lymphatic vessels, I had visited every doctor in my hometown without success. My legs and feet swelled up to at least three times their normal size and were gradually getting worse each day. The doctors did not know what it was and therefore could not treat it. In the end, they told me there was absolutely no cure for the disease. I only learned what my illness was, and even its name, after arriving in Turkey."

"In my country, ISIS terrorized us, and every night my siblings and I lived in fear, wondering if they would come to get us next. The war and our life-threatening situation never seemed to end. I decided to come to Turkey via Syria to survive and help my family. I walked for days. In the end, not only did my living conditions change, but I also had the chance to find a solution to my greatest health problem."

"I had started working at a company in Istanbul that produced hospital beds. Due to my health problem, I was on the brink of losing my job. The friends I met there began searching for doctors who could help with my condition. I couldn't fit into clothes and faced difficulties in walking, maintaining a normal life, and with every movement due to my swollen legs. My legs truly resembled elephant legs. After researching, my friends found Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgeon Prof. Dr. Mehmet Veli Karaaltın. After meeting him and explaining my story, he agreed to perform the surgery immediately. My condition was diagnosed. I had elephantiasis. I can't find words to describe the joy I felt at that moment."

"My surgery took place on April 12, 2017. I used to have a lot of difficulty walking, couldn't dress myself, sometimes couldn’t even leave the house, struggled to find work, and was in depression. Dr. Karaaltın gave me a life I had never experienced before. I had no financial resources. Dr. Karaaltın took on my surgery without any regard for money. I can never forget that. I owe my life to my Turkish doctor; I was given a second chance. If I hadn't received treatment, my condition would have progressed further and I would have reached a point where I couldn’t even get out of bed.

Now, I can support my family and approach the future with hope."

Source: https://www.birhaberoku.com/isid-den-kacan-yasar-a-turk-profesor-hayat-verdi-20316