Patient Stories l Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi

01 Jun 2023

Team of experts and big dose of positivity helped patient overcome rare neurological condition

To achieve her treatment goals, Carmen’s rare neurological condition required a multidisciplinary team approach, as well as a strong, positive attitude. Carmen, a 19-year-old student, suffered from a rare neurological condition called upper extremity dystonia. The condition caused tightness in her hands, and a loss of balance, and made simple day-to-day activities very difficult. This caused her a lot of distress, frustration and embarrassment. Regaining the ability to do simple daily activities was extremely important to Carmen, so when she came to Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, a multidisciplinary team of experts came together to discuss the most appropriate and effective treatment approach, specific to Carmen. The team of specialists reviewed all options to ensure every part of her life, including her symptoms, her ability to perform activities, and her overall well-being, were improved as much as possible. Her treatment plan included intense physical therapy as well as botulism toxin injections, administered directly into the affected muscles, via a sophisticated electromyography machine. Today, Carmen is a different person. With the ongoing support of her multidisciplinary team, she has reached her treatment goals. Her positive, brave, and strong attitude have helped her to regain the life of an independent 19-year-old.

01 Jun 2023

Donor Lungs Give The Gift of Life

A rare yet serious condition caused Hussena to become critically ill. A lung transplant was her only option, and thanks to the selfless act of a donor, she was given the greatest gift – life. In 2008, Hussena noticed she wasn’t as physically active as normal. She experienced breathlessness and severe chest pain when breathing. She was suffering from something called pulmonary hypertension – a rare condition that affects the blood vessels around the heart. The condition puts pressure on the lungs, and over time, can cause the right side of the heart to fail. Hussena’s condition then became critical. She was unable to walk and could not sleep at night without oxygen. She was admitted to Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi where tests revealed her right ventricle was significantly enlarged, very weak and under enormous pressure. In cases like this, when medication can no longer offer relief, a lung transplant is the only option to restore the heart’s function. The Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi Transplant Center team prepared Hussena for a lung transplant and thankfully, a donor was found quickly. A lung transplant is an extremely high-risk, complex condition, particularly in patients with impaired heart and lung function like Hussena. The 10-hour surgery, which required Hussena to be supported by a heart-lung bypass machine, involved a multidisciplinary team comprising many experts and specialists. Before long, Hussena began to recover, and the function of her major organs improved. She says she is overwhelmed with gratitude that a complete stranger has given her the gift of life. Hussena’s donor also donated their liver, kidneys and many other organs, saving multiple lives through their selfless gift.

01 Jun 2023

Minimally Invasive Surgery Removes Giant Brain Tumor

After several incorrect diagnoses, doctors at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi discovered that Hisham has been living with a ‘giant’ brain tumor. Hisham had been experiencing tiredness, headaches, unexplained weight loss and impaired vision for some time. He visited several doctors and received several incorrect diagnoses. He was referred to Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi where the team tested his vision thoroughly. The results showed a loss of Hisham’s peripheral vision, which can be an indication of pituitary dysfunction. An MRI was performed which revealed a ‘giant’ pituitary tumor. Despite the rareness of Hisham’s tumor, the team at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi was confident of providing the best care as they had a lot of experience treating such complex cases. The tumor was thankfully benign but was in an extremely sensitive position within Hisham’s skull, close to his optic nerve. Without surgery, such large tumors can significantly impact the patient’s quality of life and may lead to blindness. A multidisciplinary team undertook the intricate surgery, which, thanks to the advanced treatment options available at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, was performed in a minimally invasive way. An endoscope was inserted through the nose, meaning Hisham did not undergo traditional open brain surgery, and the tumor was removed. The complex procedure was a complete success. Due to the expertise of the multidisciplinary team at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Hisham’s pituitary function was returned to normal, and his vision was fully restored.

28 Apr 2023

Brain Surgery Gives Patient New Lease of Life

Discovering a life-threatening condition left Geordon anxious about what the future would hold. But it led to the beginning of a new lease of life, for which he is extremely grateful. Geordon visited Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi when he experienced a drooping of the eye lid. He was sent for a brain MRI, which revealed two cerebral aneurysms. Miraculously, the aneurysms were completely unrelated to the eye lid droop and were discovered by chance. Aneurysms are prone to rupture, so surgery was needed to remove them. Surgeons warned Geordon of the risks that are associated with this type of surgery, which include stroke, disability or even death. Geordon admits he was very scared ahead of the surgery, but he had complete faith in the doctors. The complex surgeries, which removed the two aneurysms a few weeks apart, involved a multidisciplinary team of experts including neurosurgeons, neurologists, radiologists, and anesthesiologists. Both surgeries were successful and without complications. Geordon lives a very active lifestyle, and thanks to his good overall health, he recovered quickly and returned to normal activities almost immediately. Geordon was overwhelmed by the competent, compassionate care he received at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, which gave him absolute trust in a successful outcome. He says, “When you stare death in the face and are then given the gift of life, it’s a powerful experience. I feel the medical team at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi have truly given me my life back.”

27 Apr 2023

Mother Gives Her Son the Gift of a New Life

When Yousef needed a life-saving liver transplant, his mother knew the gift of a new life must come from her. Yousef had experienced health problems since childhood. At the age of 17, his health deteriorated, and doctors diagnosed him with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis, an autoimmune disease that affects the bile ducts inside and outside of the liver. After a referral to Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, doctors informed Yousef’s family that he needed a life-saving liver transplant as soon as possible. The family were anxious at the prospect of waiting for a suitable donor to be found. Yousef’s mother was adamant that she should be the one to donate a part of her liver to her son. Tests revealed that Yousef’s mother was a match. As a living donor was the most suitable type of transplant for Yousef, the surgeries went ahead. Doctors removed a part of Yousef’s mother’s liver and then used this to replace his diseased liver. Both surgeries were extremely long and very complex. The surgeries were successful and both patients recovered well. Yousef’s new liver is now functioning properly and allowing him to live a full life. Yousef’s mother says, ‘When my son opened his eyes after surgery, it was one of the most beautiful moments of my life. Doctors say I have given him a new life and it is my proudest achievement.”

19 Apr 2023

Patient’s Crippling Spine Curvature Cured by Multidisciplinary Team

Jalal’s severe spine curvature meant he was in danger of never walking again. A multidisciplinary team performed the complex surgery needed to fix the curve and now Jalal lives pain free. Artist Jalal Iuqman discovered he had a curvature of the spine by chance, over 30 years ago. In the last five years, the curve and the pain got significantly worse and some days, he was unable to move at all. If left untreated, there was a danger that Jalal would never walk again. Surgery to correct the curvature was Jalal’s only option, but this type of operation is very complex and has a high risk of paralysis and a risk to life. Jalal met with doctors at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi to discuss not only the surgical options to correct the curvature of his spine, but also the risks and benefits that such a procedure involves. The multidisciplinary team involved in Jalal’s care included experts ranging from neurosurgeons, neuro anesthesiologists, and pain management specialists, through to electrophysiologists, counselors, and physical therapists. It was a true team effort to get through not only the surgical journey, but to support his recovery as well. The surgery was a complete success. Over 95% of the curvature was removed and the pelvic and shoulder tilts were straightened. Within weeks, Jalal was able to exercise and return to the work he loves. He can now walk for hours without any pain. Jalal says, “Pain was limiting my productivity and my life. After the operation, I have a different view and a new vision to express my work. The pain is over, and I feel like I have a new life!”

19 Apr 2023

Young Woman Given New Chance at Life After Kidney and Pancreas Transplants

When Nada’s kidneys began to fail, doctors warned a kidney and pancreas transplant would be her best chance for a life without insulin and dialysis. Nada had experienced health issues since childhood. By her own admission, she neglected her health due to lack of knowledge and understanding. By the age of 36, she had developed diabetes and had to check her glucose levels and inject insulin daily, significantly impacting her way of life. Following the birth of her son, Nada’s health deteriorated significantly. Her diabetes led to nerve damage, eye problems, and kidney failure. Eventually, her pancreas was also compromised. She sought help from Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, where she was diagnosed with complete kidney failure. She was told she had the option of continuing with insulin and kidney dialysis for the rest of her life or undergo a kidney and pancreas transplant – the best long-term option for patients with late-stage kidney disease. The search began for donors and, unexpectedly, Nada’s younger brother stepped in and generously offered her one of his own kidneys. He was a perfect match, and Nada’s health immediately improved. However, a donor pancreas was still a priority to ensure her new kidney didn’t fail. After an agonizing wait of over a year, a suitable donor pancreas became available. The transplant operation took place immediately and today, thanks to the selfless and life-saving gift from the donor and his family, Nada is living a healthy, disease-free life. Nada says, “I am so grateful to the staff and nurses at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. Unfortunately, while I don’t even know who the pancreas donor is or where he is from, I am so grateful that he and my younger brother gave me a new lease of life, free from the burden of a chronic disease.”

22 Dec 2022

A Runny Nose Reveals a More Serious Condition

Eram thought her runny nose was nothing to worry about, but the mundane symptom was actually caused by a serious problem in her skull base that required surgery. When Eram’s nose became runny, she brushed it off as a cold or ongoing allergy. After a year of experiencing the clear fluid leaking from her nostril, she decided to get it checked out. She was shocked when doctors at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi told her that it was in fact cerebral spinal fluid – the fluid that surrounds the brain to protect it – leaking through her nose. A leak of cerebral spinal fluid puts the patient at risk of meningitis, a very serious infection. A CT scan revealed a small hole in Eram’s skull base. Doctors informed Eram that surgery was her only option to eliminate the risk of infection or long-term side effects. With two young daughters at home, Eram was extremely anxious about surgery on her brain and the possible impact on her health. The highly experienced multidisciplinary team at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s Skull Base Center performed the surgery, which was a complete success. They were able to perform a minimally invasive procedure, meaning the length of surgery was reduced, risks were minimized, and Eram’s recovery time was decreased. Eram made a full recovery and is now enjoying a full, normal life with her family.

22 Dec 2022

Complex Double Lung Transplant Saves Young Teacher’s Life

Justin’s end-stage lung condition was threatening his life and an extremely complex double lung transplant was his only option. Thanks to a selfless act, a donor was found, and Justin’s life was saved. When Justin arrived at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, he was close to death. He was suffering from end-stage pulmonary hypertension, a rare yet deadly condition that damages the lungs and the heart, and severely impacts the patient’s quality of life. Justin had been living in constant fear that each breath would be his last. His condition had deteriorated so badly that a double lung transplant was his only option. He faced a very rare surgery and one of the most complex the team had faced – which also came with a high risk to his life. Working with the Abu Dhabi Organ Donation Program, a suitable donor became available, and the transplant went ahead the next day. The surgery, which involved a multidisciplinary team of experts came together, took over eight hours and was extremely intricate. Just a few days after surgery, Justin’s lungs and heart were functioning properly. He no longer needed surgery and life could return to normal. Justin says, “I want to tell every pulmonary hypertension patient out there that those miracles do happen. I encourage everyone to become a donor – it really does save lives.” The team at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi urge everyone to consider organ donation as it is a selfless act that can save multiple lives.

Inspiring Stories from Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi Patients.

A Patient Regains His Voice and Confidence After Undergoing Surgery and Rehabilitation

Patient Stories

Team of experts and big dose of positivity helped patient overcome rare neurological condition

Donor Lungs Give The Gift of Life

Minimally Invasive Surgery Removes Giant Brain Tumor

Brain Surgery Gives Patient New Lease of Life

Mother Gives Her Son the Gift of a New Life

Patient’s Crippling Spine Curvature Cured by Multidisciplinary Team

Young Woman Given New Chance at Life After Kidney and Pancreas Transplants

A Runny Nose Reveals a More Serious Condition

Complex Double Lung Transplant Saves Young Teacher’s Life

Share your Story