Buzzin Bizarre

On the 11th March 2008, I reported on a story of the ‘Tree Root Man‘ who lived in Java. His name is Dede Koswara and he has lived for 20 years with huge tree-like growths covering his limbs.

Now Dede is hoping to get married after doctors have performed not one, but four major operations to rid him of the bark-like warts sprouting from his hands and feet.

Dede can now use his hands, and has become somewhat of a sudoko addict as he can now hold a pen, and use his feet without so much pain, after the doctors cut-off 4lbs of the growths from them.

The 37-year-old patient said “What I really want first is to get better and find a job. But then, one day, who knows? I might meet a girl and get married.”

The report told of the trouble that had begun with the Indonesian Government who raised concerns about the blood and tissue samples leaving the country. However, this has now been resolved and Dr Gaspari has once again returned to Indonesia to meet the health minister. The doctor is now liaising with the medics caring for Dede at the Hasan Sadikin Hospital in Java.

Dede had his first operation in January and his last in March and they are now trying to work on ensuring the warts don’t return. Dede is taking vitamin A tablets to boost his immune system and Dr Gaspari is hoping to get hold of some expensive anti-viral medicine which is only available in America.

Dr Rachmat Dinata, who is the leading skin specialist caring for Dede said, the final phase  should be completed in about three months. They will take skin from Dede’s back and thigh and graft it onto damaged areas. He said “There is still a high risk that there will be recurrent growth of the warts. So far, though, there has been some thickening of the skin, but no recurrent warts. Dede is very happy. Hopefully he will be able to socialise and work again.”

Dede’s father, Ateng who is 72-years-old said “You can see the form of his 10 toes now. He can wear flip flops. He loves doing sudokos. He is in good condition. The first priority is to get cured and to get a job, but as a father, of course I want to see my son to remarry. He is a normal guy and he is still a young man.”

Here is a video after Dede’s first operation;