Iraq-Jordan: Mouna, a double amputee - Part I: Step by Step
A five part video series provided by MSF on Mouna, a victim of the war in Iraq and a double amputee who was provided surgery and treatment by MSF surgeons, medical staff and physioterapists in Amman, Jordan.
Part II will be posted Monday, November 27.
MOUNA VIDEO SERIES
Iraq-Jordan: Mouna, a double amputee - Part I: Step by Step See video
Iraq-Jordan: Mouna, a double amputee - Part II: Her First Steps See video
Iraq-Jordan: Mouna, a double amputee - Part III: Put to the test See video
Iraq-Jordan: Mouna, a double amputee - Part IV: Overcoming the pain See video
Iraq-Jordan: Mouna, a double amputee - Part V: Walking again See video
Mouna, step by step Episode 1 – One day, three years ago...
"She was playing in the garden with her cousin," said her uncle. " A bomb exploded right next to her, less than a meter away. The explosion threw her across the room tearing one of her legs off. Her other knee and ankle were also injured… Her father was killed during the same explosion."
For the next three years, Mouna was carted around from one hospital to another. She no longer went to school and spent most of her time at home. A few months ago, Mouna joined the programme set up by Médecins Sans Frontières in Jordan. Her injured leg could not be saved. The doctor recommended amputation and she accepted.
"When the doctor told me that he was going to cut my leg off, I was very upset, I cried. My mother told me it was fate, that it was God’s will," said Mouna.
Laurent Daumas Ambiance : "you have no pain...no."
Here in Amman, the medical team provide all the necessary post-operative care and support following her amputation.
Laurent Daumas, orthopedic surgeon: "When we discussed the possibility of amputation, we explained the whole process of physiotherapy and helping her to walk again with prosthetic limbs. She also saw a psychiatrist. They had long sessions together during which she’d try to picture herself two or three months ahead when she’d be able to walk again with her artificial limbs."
"I’m going to get my false legs on soon. I think they’ll be easy to use," said Mouna.
The smile has come back to Mouna’s face - the doctors here in Jordan have given Mouna hope. Every week, she casts herself a little further in the future, imagining herself going back to school, of studying and becoming a doctor. But as we’ll see, it will be no easy task reaching that goal … it will be about 5 months before she can walk again.
