Bangladesh ‘tree man’ relapses after 24 surgeries
Dhaka: A year ago, Abul Bajandar, a Bangladeshi rickshaw-puller dubbed “tree-man” for the bark-like growths that once covered his body, appeared to have made a full recovery from the rare condition that has afflicted him for a decade.
But 12 months after doctors declared him all but cured following 24 surgeries, Abul’s hands are once again covered in the growths that characterise his rare condition.
Surgeon Samanta Lal Sen, who last year hailed his cure as a milestone in medical history, now admits Abul’s case may be more complicated than first thought.
His patient, who has been unable to work for years and whose young family lives in the hospital, says he fears he will never be cured.
“I am scared to have any more surgeries. I don’t think my hands and feet will be okay again,” the 27-year-old said at the Dhaka hospital where he first came for treatment in January 2016.
Abul suffers from epidermodysplasia verruciformis, an extremely rare genetic condition known as “tree-man disease”.
Intrigued by his condition, doctors at the Dhaka Medical College Hospital treated him for free, surgically removing more than 5kg of growths from his hands and feet.
He has been there ever since with his wife and family, who live together in a small room in the hospital.
“We thought we had achieved (a cure). But now it seems to be a time-consuming case,” surgeon Sen said.
“We will keep on investigating to reach the ultimate success, though it’s tough to say how long it will take.”
This week, Abul underwent his 25th surgery to remove some of the growths from his hands.
For his wife Halima Khatun, life is on hold as she tends to her husband and looks after their fouryear-old daughter.
“We’re grateful for the free treatment, we couldn’t have afforded to pay for it,” said Halima, who passes her time in the ward making jewellery for a little cash.
Meanwhile Abul worries about money, and how he will pay for his daughter’s education.
“She’s growing up so fast,” he said. “I always wanted her to become a doctor. But if my condition worsens, how can I even send her to pre-school, let alone a medical college?” — AFP