What condition caused Pema Drolma to be bedridden?

Pema Drolma was diagnosed with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis at 14, which caused severe joint deformation and confined her to bed for over 14 years.

Where did Pema Drolma receive her treatment?

Pema Drolma received her treatment at Daping Hospital (Army Medical Center) in Chongqing, Southwest China.

What kind of medical care is Pema Drolma receiving?

She is undergoing complex surgeries for hip and knee replacements, alongside physical rehabilitation, nutritional guidance, and psychological support.

Home / Health / Tibetan woman walks again after 14 years

Tibetan woman walks again after 14 years

19 Mar

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Summary

A Tibetan woman regained mobility after 14 years confined to bed.
She received complex hip and knee surgeries in Chongqing.
Medical teams focused on physical, nutritional, and psychological recovery.

Tibetan woman walks again after 14 years

Pema Drolma, 29, once confined to bed for over 14 years due to a severe joint condition, is now on a path to recovery and mobility. Diagnosed at 14 with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis in a remote Xizang village, her life was dependent on constant care.

Her situation came to light in 2024, initiating a journey to Chongqing for advanced medical treatment. By early 2025, she underwent successful hip replacement surgeries, followed by knee procedures, marking a critical turning point.

A multidisciplinary team at Daping Hospital is overseeing her recovery, which includes ongoing surgeries, physical therapy, tailored nutrition, and psychological support to address her social anxiety.

Doctors anticipate that Drolma will eventually be able to stand and walk, with the treatment timeline reduced to two to four years. Chongqing has a history of providing medical aid to Xizang since 2015.

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