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From Coffin to Recovery: A Denver Man’s Medical Turnaround
A 65-year-old American man who built his own coffin after a severe kidney diagnosis has experienced a life-changing recovery following a clinical trial.
According to a report by Khaosod Online, Ben Lager, a 65-year-old pharmacist from Denver, USA, has shared his remarkable journey from preparing for death to regaining his health. In 2020, Lager was diagnosed with IgA Nephropathy (IgAN), a chronic kidney condition. After discovering that his kidney function had dropped by half, he chose to forgo dialysis or organ donation, instead opting to build his own coffin from discounted wood, which he decorated with biblical verses.
His situation shifted in 2021 when he enrolled in a clinical trial for the drug Trutakna. The medication, which has since received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), works by suppressing the immune response that damages the kidneys in IgAN patients. Lager reports that the treatment has allowed him to return to his hobbies, music, and home projects, describing the experience as receiving a second chance at life.
For residents and travelers, this story highlights the importance of not ignoring persistent health warning signs, such as blood in the urine, which Lager had overlooked for years. While this medical advancement offers hope for those with similar conditions, it remains to be confirmed how widely accessible this specific treatment will be globally. Lager continues to take the medication and hopes his story encourages others to seek timely medical attention.
Translated from Thai.
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