A 24-year old man continues to grow out of his own wheelchair as a result of a rare condition called Proteus syndrome, according to Daily Mail.
Robert Smith suffers from a condition that causes his skin and bones to grow continuously. A similar condition was first reported in the late 19th century after Joseph Merrick was diagnosed with the same disorder, calling him the 'Elephant Man'. Smith currently weighs 19 stone and has a 16-inch feet and 40-inch inside leg. He is also suffering from sight and hearing problems and has since his diagnosis undergone approximately 74 staggering operations.
Other than these conditions, Robert has also been suffering from gigantism, hydrocephalus and epilepsy. Three years ago he suffered from meningitis which left him unconscious for seven weeks and has since then been unable to walk, according to News RT. His mother, Rita, 66, said, "Robert has only been out four times in three years - I can't push him out because he is too big and heavy." "A motorized wheelchair will totally transform our lives", she added. Rita is Robert's main caregiver but she's also suffering from osteoporosis, arthritis, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
"I just want to go out with my sister Marie Louise and visit Asda in Wisbech to buy some DVDs, CDs and chocolate caramel sweets", Robert said. Proteus syndrome is a rare condition that affects 120 people worldwide. It results to obvious bone overgrowth. Smith, for instance, has 21 more bones in his hands compared to other people so he suffers from a great deal of pain and discomfort. 'His knees and elbows are also very large and his skin is so thin that only a tap will make it rip,' his mother said.
