The man lost the ability to move, and doctors spoke about a vitamin deficiency (4 photos)

Martin Williams, 52, suddenly began to lose the ability to move his arms and legs. Doctors initially thought Martin had a vitamin B deficiency or Guillain-Barré syndrome, which affects the nerves. But after two MRIs and numerous tests, the Briton was given a rare diagnosis.





The man was diagnosed with POEMS syndrome, a rare type of plasma cell disease that can affect many body systems. Martin had to use a wheelchair and needed 24-hour care. Due to his illness, he lost 40 kg.



A supermarket worker from Suffolk first noticed something was wrong in February 2017. He said: “I began to feel that my body was collapsing under me. I had problems walking, my toes became numb. I gradually lost my ability to work.”

Martin went to see doctors who suggested he might have a vitamin B deficiency. But by March 2017 his condition had worsened and he was only diagnosed in October.

"I lost the use of my arms and hands. I couldn't eat or go to the toilet. I needed 24-hour care. Every day I felt the strength leaving my body to the point that I couldn't take a tissue out of the box."

All this time, his 44-year-old wife Elena helped him.





“Doctors discovered two tumors that were actively producing a harmful protein that was attacking my peripheral nervous system. The tumors were in two ribs and had to be removed. I was told that treatment would consist of five months of chemotherapy and a transplant.

Williams underwent chemotherapy and underwent a stem cell transplant in April 2018. Within a few weeks the patient regained control over his body.

"Before the transplant, I talked to a friend and asked him to take care of my wife and children if I didn't survive. My main concern was for my daughters. My youngest was two years old at the time."



“What the doctors did was simply a miracle. They took my healthy cells and replaced the damaged ones. It’s incredible. For the first time in many years, I was able to stand and walk. I got behind the wheel again.”

The father of two children returned to his former life and returned to work in January 2019.

"My condition will never go away, but it can be controlled. I have blood tests every year. I can't run or play sports. I have trouble lifting weights and I can't squat. My legs only have 20% of their previous strength. But if I If I can do something, I will do it, and if I can’t, I’ll ask for help,” Williams admitted.