Fleshgod Apocalypse frontman Francesco Paoli has shared a new health update, revealing the results of his latest reconstructive surgery as he continues recovering from a serious accident in 2021.
In a lengthy social media post, Paoli explained that his recovery remains ongoing five years after the accident, which left him with significant injuries to his arm, hand and foot.
“After 5 years I’m still working on fixing what’s fixable and after sorting out my arm and foot, we finally moved on to my left hand,” Paoli wrote.
The musician explained that damage to his ulnar nerve caused him to lose sensation and much of the muscle tissue between the bones of his hand. While those effects are permanent, he has developed ways to continue playing music, including using rubber bands to compensate for the loss of muscle function.
However, additional surgery was needed to protect the remaining structures in his hand.
“My hand was almost skeletal and we had to do something to protect the structures that were still working in there, like bones, ligaments, veins, tendons, etc.,” he explained.
Paoli underwent another reconstructive procedure a couple of weeks ago, during which surgeons transplanted tissue from his hip into areas of his hand where tissue had been lost.
“It looks and feels much better!” he said, sharing photos of the results.
Although the surgery was successful, Paoli expects to undergo another procedure next year to further refine the reconstruction. He assured fans that the operation has already been accounted for in Fleshgod Apocalypse’s schedule and will not interfere with any shows.
The frontman also expressed gratitude to the medical professionals who have helped him throughout his recovery, as well as the fans, family, friends, bandmates and crew who have supported him.
“I feel so fortunate and thankful to be here sharing more positive news with you all; it’s miraculous indeed,” he wrote, while acknowledging others he has met during his recovery who have faced more difficult outcomes.
Paoli concluded his update by thanking everyone for their continued encouragement, adding, “Back to riffs and blast beats, over.”
