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Qatar tribune
A Qatari triathlon athlete who sustained severe injuries as a result of a traffic accident has made a full recovery and is praising Hamad Medical Corporation’s (HMC) Qatar Rehabilitation Institute (QRI) for the care he received after undergoing two extensive surgeries to repair his spine and shoulder.
Last year, Mr. Muath Al Qasimi, a 30 year old Qatari national, was preparing to participate in Ironman Austria, an annual event that attracts 3,000 athletes from over 60 countries and consists of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bicycle ride, and a marathon 26.22-mile run. While riding his bike in preparation for the event he was struck by a car. 
Mr. Al Qasimi was rushed to Hamad General Hospital by ambulance and diagnosed with a severe spinal fracture and a complete dislocation of his right shoulder. A team of surgeons, led by Dr. Abdulaziz Al Kuwari, performed urgent surgery on his spine, followed by a second surgery to repair his shoulder. Mr. Al Qasimi remained in the hospital for one month before being transferred to QRI where he began an intensive two-month, inpatient rehabilitation program.
Mr. Al Qasimi, who has been a member of the QTRI Triathlon Club since 2017, said the support of care teams at HMC and the encouragement of family and friends got him through what was a difficult recovery.
“I was so confused. I felt devastated at the thought of losing my ability to practice my sport and accomplish my hopes and dreams. Thankfully, with the support of my family and friends and the medical teams at HMC, I regained my confidence and my health,” said Mr. Al Qasimi.
“After undergoing surgery at Hamad General Hospital I was transferred to QRI. This was a major milestone in my treatment journey. The first week was very hard, as I could not walk or stand. My therapists supported me with easy exercises that helped me re-learn how to walk. One of my therapists recommended I wear my training outfits while completing my rehabilitation exercises because he knew how much I loved my sport. I think he knew that seeing myself as an athlete again would help create a more positive, mindful experience,” said Mr. Al Qasimi.
“Slowly the exercises became more advanced and my health progressed. Soon I was able to walk short distances and eventually run. Two months after beginning my rehab program at QRI I had recovered enough to be discharged and was able to complete my rehabilitation in outpatient clinics,” added Mr. Al Qasimi.
“I thank God that I have recovered and that I did not choose to have my treatment abroad. The care I received at HMC here in Qatar was wonderful,” concluded Mr. Al Qasimi.
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07/09/2019
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