Turkish Professor Karaaltin Gives a New Life to Yasar, Who Fled ISIS

“Unfortunately, when I was four years old, I contracted a disease commonly known as elephantiasis, which usually affects the legs or arms and is characterized by swelling throughout the body. Because of the blockage of my lymph vessels, I went to every doctor in my hometown with no success. My legs and feet swelled up to at least three times their normal size and it was getting worse every day. The doctors did not know what it was and therefore could not treat it. Finally, they told me that there was absolutely no cure for the disease. It was only after I came to Turkey that I learned what my illness was and even its name.”

“ISIS terrorized us in my country and every night my brothers and I lived in fear, wondering if they would come to get us. The war and the threat to our lives seemed never-ending. I decided to come to Turkey through Syria to survive and help my family. I walked for days. In the end, not only my living conditions changed, but I also had the chance to find a solution to my biggest health problem.”

“I started working for a company in Istanbul that manufactured hospital beds. I was on the verge of losing my job because of my health problem. My friends I met there started looking for doctors who could help me with my condition. I couldn’t fit into clothes and I was having difficulties walking, leading a normal life and making every movement because of my swollen legs. My legs really looked like elephant legs. After my friends researched, they found Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon Prof. Dr. Mehmet Veli Karaaltın. After meeting him and telling my story, he immediately agreed to perform the surgery. My condition was diagnosed. I had elephantiasis. I cannot find words to describe the joy I felt at that moment.”