Lightning with double arm transplants: As if I had never had a transplant

In Antalya, Yusuf Oğuz Şimşek (30), who lost both arms due to an electric shock, underwent double arm transplants five years ago at Akdeniz University Hospital. His treatment is ongoing. Şimşek, who has not missed any of his physical therapy sessions, said, "Everything is just like before, thank God. It’s as if I had never had the transplant."

Yusuf Oğuz Şimşek, who lives in Antalya, was shocked by electricity during the installation of a solar panel in 2015. He suffered severe burns on both arms, and both arms were amputated during surgery at Akdeniz University Hospital. On November 26, 2019, Şimşek started a new life with two arms transplanted from a deceased donor and has been undergoing physical therapy for five years. His treatment continues at Akdeniz University Hospital, where Şimşek visited Professor Dr. Özlenen Özkan, who performed the operation and was recently re-elected as the rector of the university. Şimşek spoke with the rector, congratulated him, and shared that he can now use his arms very comfortably and take care of his needs. He also thanked him for the support.

The process had no problems

Rector Prof. Dr. Özlenen Özkan, who has closely monitored Yusuf Şimşek for five years, said that Şimşek has taken good care of himself and adhered well to treatment rules. “I am very familiar with the initial and subsequent processes. Five years ago, we performed the double arm transplant, and there were no issues throughout the process. These surgeries are challenging for both us and the patient. I saw that he adapted without problems. Yusuf can now live independently. His parents can leave him alone at home. Monitoring will continue for life. Over these five years, he took very good care of himself, and we did not encounter any problems,” said Rector Özkan.

Everyone around me supports me

Yusuf Oğuz Şimşek noted that he made every effort to go through the challenging treatment process as best as possible. He said that now, in the house where he lives with his parents, he can take care of his needs independently. He experienced an adaptation process before and after the surgery, which caused him discomfort, but he quickly overcame these issues with the support from the university hospital. Şimşek mentioned that he can now use his arms and hands as he wishes, even able to lift weights, and added, "Everything is just like before, thank God. It’s as if I had never had the transplant. Everyone around me supports me. My physical therapy continues."

Happier after the transplant

Father Mustafa Şimşek explained that they never left their son alone during the treatment or before it, and tried to provide psychological support. He noted that the process was tough, but they have started to experience better days now. "From the early days to now, his psychological state and physical movements have improved. The process was difficult, but after the transplant, things became better and he is happier. He didn’t think about marriage before, but now he has started considering it. He can take a shower, shave. He has reached a state where it’s hard to tell that his arms were transplanted,” said the father.