Groundbreaking surgery could be life changing for Tullamore's David and Avril

A TULLAMORE woman and her partner are busy preparing for what they hope will be life changing surgery abroad.

In February next year, Avril O'Connell will accompany partner David Digan to Vienna for a number of revolutionary procedures which could result in David being fitted for a robotic arm.

In 2019, David's life changed forever following a horrific motorbike accident which left his left arm paralysed. He also sustained two breaks to his neck and injuries to his collarbone.

He later had his arm amputated and spent two weeks in a coma at Tullamore hospital where he remained for three months in total before being referred to the NRH (National Rehabilitation Hospital) in Dun Laoghaire.

Since then, David, the father of one daughter, has faced numerous challenges including the loss of his career as a commercial diver, a job which he loved.

David, who hails from Moate, has struggled to rebuild his life with this significant disability.

''Despite countless setbacks, I’ve never stopped hoping for a better future. Over the years, I’ve undergone multiple surgeries, including nerve transfers, a muscle transfer from my leg to my forearm, and eventually, arm amputation and bone reconstruction (derotational osteotomy) to prepare for a myoelectric prosthetic. Sadly, many of these efforts haven’t worked as planned.'' said David.

Now there is hope on the horizon for David as he has been selected for a number of groundbreaking trials in Vienna where surgeons will perform an ''osseointegration surgery on his forearm to secure a prosthetic by bone anchoring it. The next step will be to connect this robotic prosthetic to the remaining nerves and muscles in my arm/shoulder—a pioneering attempt to restore function where none seemed possible,'' said David.

David will be required to travel back and forth to Vienna next year, where it will be necessary for him to stay for an extended period each time. Partner Avril will be his carer for each trip.

While the surgery itself is funded as part of the trial, David needs help to cover the travel and accommodation costs required for these treatments. The funds will allow him to stay in Vienna for consultations, surgeries and recovery sessions.

David said, ''this isn’t just about a prosthetic—it’s about reclaiming independence, regaining a sense of normalcy, and rebuilding my life.''

David and Avril have set up a GoFund me page for those who wish to donate. This can be accessed on https://gofund.me/6a5ee618