https://youtu.be/TfigADMp1lw

Dear All,

Thank you so much for all the love and support you’ve shown me so far. I’m writing with a few updates.

After my last surgery- having the amputation, I had primarily two options in my mind- to go for either prosthetics, or a hand transplantation. The area of prosthetics research is evolving constantly and improving. Currently, the cost of prosthetics is quite high and it is still not the same as having a functional limb. However it is my hope that a few years down the line, this will change.

I had also visited Kochi and spoken to a few doctors about hand transplantation surgery. However this will require me to be on immune-suppressants for the rest of my life, and doctors advised that this would also reduce my life span by a decade or so. There is ongoing research into transplantation surgeries as well.

I am hence waiting for some time to take a decision to go for either of these.

Here is a detailed outline of how I’m planning to utilize the funds raised in Milaap:

1. Adaptive Devices for Daily Use:  1-1.5L INR per year
I’m currently doing well and trying to be independent in my daily life. In this regard, I’m looking to create more adaptive devices that can be useful for me. Like adaptive clothing (https://www.magnaready.com/ ) that will make my everyday life more comfortable.

2. 3D printing attachments for daily use: 4-5L INR per year.
I’ve designed a few 3D printing devices already- such as a pen attachment that helps me write. I’m constantly working on a few designs like this- that will help lead a normal life. I also plan to hire a few designers to help with this. I estimate each project to cost around 20,000-30,000 INR.

3.  The bulk of the remaining funds- around 50L, I’m planning to put it in a deposit. The returns of this will also be used to finance my other projects. Once I decide whether to go for prosthetics or transplantation, these funds will be used towards either cause.

The funds from this campaign are being transferred in two parts. Within 30 days of the funds being transferred to my account, I will provide documentation for the investment proof as well as invoices for ongoing projects. I will keep you regularly updated on any further progress I make. Once again, thank you so much for all the love and care you have shown me.

Thank you,
Vivekananda.

Dear Supporters,

Its been around one year since my accident had happened and I want to thank you all again from the bottom of my heart.

I would like to share how I am going to utilize these funds for my future living to get my independent life back.

• Pre and Post Hospitalization Expenses that were not covered by our family Health Insurance
• 3D Printing Customizations for my daily living - Even with Artificial Prosthetic hands, there are many things that I cannot do them myself. I have already started designing prototypes for me to make my life easier and will share them soon with you.
• House Customizations - I am researching a lot to find the best tools and things that will suit my house for ease of use in household activities such as Washroom activities, Clothing, Eating etc.,

• Functional Prosthetic Hands-  When it comes to prosthetic hands it's more important that each and every finger is as functional as a normal finger and still a lot of big international companies are making extensive researches on the prosthetic hands to make it near equal to normal hand and affordable to all people. The costliest hand invented so far is around 1,00,000 USD with just 30-40% equivalent to normal hand functionalities.

OR

• Double hand transplantation- This is almost similar to prosthetics in terms of cost and research, but with successful hand transplantation, I will get normal hands with the same functionalities ( Ofcouse with rigorous physiotherapy exercises for a couple of years ). But the success rate is very very low and there are large chances of rejection of hands. It is observed that people are getting Diabetes, Blood pressure, Skin cancers, and some allergies after some years of hand transplantation.

With day by day technology growth, Prosthetics are getting more affordable with good functionalities. Similarly, doctors in the health sector are also working on better improvisation process of transplantation techniques. So after considering these both, I am planning now on customization tools and wait for the correct prosthetic hand or will opt for hand transplantation once it reached more success.

I will share a humble thank you video very sooner with details and snapshots of my customization tools.
I am working on developing my website for communicating with all of you and I will share it in my new update.

Heartful Thanks
Vivekananda Nareddula
vivek.nrt@gmail.com

Dear Supporters,

Thank you all for supporting me.

After my surgery the wounds were left open and that has caused the skin on my arms to become flabby. So I might have have to undergo another surgery to tighten the skin. Only after one month of this surgery I will be able to go ahead and get the prosthetic hand.

I have decided on which type to hand I want to get, but the charges are around 35-40 Lakhs. We are trying to talk to the dealers to reduce the price and give me a discount.

As of now I am not taking any medication. Only after the surgery I will be taking medication for 2 weeks. Otherwise I am doing good and using my laptop as well.

Thank you all so much. I am very grateful to each and every one of you.

Regards,
Vivekananda