Tree Man - Half Man, Half Tree

I found this article on the internet. Its really interesting, and very sad. Go to the site to have a look at the pictures if you would like to.

The Man Who Turned into a Tree

by Sara on November 14th, 2007

tree man

A 35-year-old Indonesian man named Dede suffered a simple cut as a teenager and thereafter began growing tree-like warts all over his body. The warts soon worsened into mossy, branching growths, virtually incapacitating him. His wife left him, he was out of a job, and he was made the village freak. Doctors could never figure out what Dede’s condition was, and the growths worsened with each passing year. It wasn’t until an American dermatologist traveled to see Dede’s odd growths and cutaneous horns that the proper diagnosis was made: Dede was simply suffering from HPV, or human papilloma virus. HPV causes warts (frequently of the genital variety) and is quite common in humans. Unfortunately for Dede, he happens to have a rare genetic flaw that causes his immune system to be as weak as someone with AIDS. The chances of this genetic fault? Less than one in a million. Fortunately for Dede, proper treatment and several surgeries offer the promise of a normal life. The doctor is also trying to get more American support for this special patient. Good luck, Dede! (Check out the video here.)

So What did you think? I found this to be really sad. This man has had to put up with so much while he was a child, and if you do have a look at his picture, you will see that it has not been easy. I wonder what kind of a life he must live, and how he manages to eat and drink and ho the nutrients and stuff from the food and water are used in his body. It is amazing that for such an exquisite mutation, it is possible for the person to be cured. I think that the level of medicine we have today (although not perfect, and with flaws) is amazing. I wish Dede the best of luck! What about you? Post a response in the comments section. If you would like to know more about the Tree Man, google Tree man, and you will find a lot of stories, as well as some videos about him.