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Surgeons Remove Four Pounds of Warts From “Tree Man”

Posted 4/14/2008 12:44 pm by Stephanie Sturgis

Tree Man With Warts

Every time I read a story like the one about the baby born with two faces or about the “Tree Man of Java,” I remind myself how fortunate I am.

The medical tales certainly put my worries about my electric bills and my migraine in perspective.

Doctors are finally beginning to work together to help the “Tree Man” who has suffered for 20 years with an immune deficiency problem that has allowed warts to grow uncontrolled on his body.

The difference the physicians have made is already obvious.

Tree Man of Java after surgery

Known as the “Tree Man” because of the bark-like consistency of the growths, Dede Koswara is only recently able to distinguish the mere outline of his individual toes for the first time in a decade thanks to surgical procedures which have removed four pounds of the warts encasing his feet and legs.

The first surgery took place in January followed by another in March with more to come. Skin grafts are also part of his upcoming medical plan.

Things are definitely looking up for Koswara, who has lost jobs and a wife due to his malady. Love has returned to his life and he is hoping to marry when the surgical procedures are finished.

The Telegraph has the full story and videos.

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