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What seemed like fun and games was actually Haider training his right hand to function properly, along with a little horseplay that the jovial boy couldn't resist. The rehab session Monday with occupational therapist Ruth Hyde was his first since his surgery three weeks ago.
The Iraqi boy hasn't had full use of his hands since he was 2, after he was severely burned during a mortar attack in Karbala that also scarred his legs and face.
He came to Hilton Head Island in January through the Gift of Life program, which helps children with debilitating injuries get surgery they can't get in their own countries.
Earlier this month, Dr. Robert Laughlin, a plastic surgeon at Hilton Head Regional Medical Center and founder of the program, operated on Haider's face, hand and legs. Laughlin removed scar tissue from his face and gave the boy more mobility in his legs by releasing some of the tightness caused by the burns. He also reconstructed Haider's right hand, which had hyper-extended fingers and missing joints. His second surgery has not yet been scheduled.
While Haider will always have scars, he should regain function in his hand. Hyde said the boy has 25 percent mobility in his hand and should be able to use all fingers except the pinkie.
During therapy, Haider pointed out five stitches. Laughlin removed most of the stitches last week, along with pins that were stabilizing Haider's joints. But he missed a few, so Hyde called him to let him know she would remove the rest.
As Haider held his right arm steady, Hyde used tweezers to take out the remaining stitches. Haider watched the entire process with barely a wince.
Since surgery, Haider's hand has been kept steady in a splint. But his host mom, Debbie Heitmann said he finds ways to be resourceful and doesn't ask for help when he's having trouble with his hand. Last weekend he started wiggling his fingers and even started playing golf with a plastic club and balls.
He still would rather use his stronger hand since he is left-handed. But Hyde gave him a few right-hand-only instructions during therapy.
She asked him to make a fist and pinch his fingers together. It took a few tries, but the boy was able to slowly clench his fist, and pinching was easier when he had purple putty to work with.
Before going home, Hyde made the boy a new cast to wear at night. Haider will visit her twice a week until he passes all the hand tests.
Putty in hand, Haider left the therapist's office smiling.
