Man with no face - medical science offers new hope

That poor man! How wonderful of that surgeon to offer him the treatment!

First, I use my brain so I wouldn't be part of a religion that prohibits blood transfusions. But if someone believes deeply enough in their religion, they have to suffer the consequences.

I tried explaining once to some zealots like this that God gave us brains so that we could overcome such things and He expects us to use our brains. The zealot replied that such things were the devil's way of seducing us away from our faith. I just couldn't win with my argument so I don't present it anymore--I don't argue with them.

I feel for this man, but I wonder if they took HIS blood periodically to return to him if his religion would permit it. The Bible talks about eating blood and I think it is on this that their beliefs are based, but if it's his own blood, it wouldn't be strange or unnatural - it would just be his going back into himself. I can't remember how they stand on that particular thing. From the looks of him, if he goes on much longer, he'll literally suffocate. Horrible thing to have happen with something so fixable.

If he truely believes, he will not have the blood transfusion. As for myself, I regard all forms of Christianity, Islam, and Judaism to be false beliefs. I'd have no trouble with the operation. No, I'm not an athesist. I believe in God, just not any of the con men who have tried to make a living off of Him.

I'd definitely disregard the religious belief and go ahead with the operation. It's really sad that some people let their religious beliefs to deprive them of doing what is right. This story reminds me of the CPM (Ceylon Pentecostal Mission) here in my country who forbid their followers to take any form of medicine which ultimately leads to some even dying. As a Christian I do strongly believe in faith but at the same time I also believe in using my common sense.

Thank God for that doctor. I understand his religions convictions, but, c'mon, look at the guy. He has no chance for a normal life without the surgery. I can't say if I would disregard my belief, because I can't put myself in that guys' shoes. I think it's ridiculous myself, but, hey...who am I?

I'm not the one to push my own belief on others, all I can do is to state mine & let others make their own decision... Having said that, it's easy to stand by your belief when times are easy... It takes a real faith to stand by your convition when times are hard... For example, I can say I don't believe in stealing but as soon as I run into a financial difficulties, I go out & start stealing... In my opinion, not only am I a hypicrate in that case, I lack the conviction to carry out my own belief... Our faith &beliefs are tested everyday... Good for him for not backing out on his belief even at the risk of such a horrible health issue... That shows the real character in a person... I'm sure there's a way to fix his health issue that does not conflict with his beliefs... I'm not familiar with his religion enough to make a suggestion but I'm sure with enough research, they can come up with one...

I would like to say that i would stand by my convictions and for myself i might, if it was one of my children, i'm afraid it would be an entire different matter.

I actually saw that documentary and it moved me to tears. I couldn't imagine how the taunts from disrespectful people must have hurt him, especially given the fact that this was not his fault.

As for him not being able to have surgery because of his faith and not having a blood transfusion, thats totally his choice. If he believes deeply in something such as faith, why should he have to disregard that in order to look "normal" again?

I think it's wonderful that the Doctor from the UK has offered this treatment as a way around needing a Blood Transfusion. It goes to show that if you really want something and something else is stopping that, there CAN be a way around it.

I say kudos to Jose for sticking to his faith and beliefs, even knowing that the chance of surgery without a blood transfusion were slim at best.

I hope now that he will have the surgery, and begin to enjoy his life as he should be able to. He's lived with this growth for such a long time, it'll be a huge weight off his shoulders, literally.

Hii Mechanicone-I would not abide by the Jehovahs Witness's beleifs-what I would do is do what I thought best for my face and have the surgery-littleowl

This man needs to get better Doctors cause I have a sister that is a JW and she needed surgery for a tumor that involved her voice box..after 6 hours she lost her voice box,the tumor but is alive and has been for 2 yrs all with bloodless surgery a gluecose that all JW's know about and carry cards with them for this reason.I still have mine and not that i'm a JW now..haven't been for 25 yrs but i really don't trust the blood out there when i know it can be done without using someone's blood that may have been tanted.
This ultra sound wasn't done for my sister in california.