A dad-of-two whose stomach swelled to the size of a 'beach ball' because of a rare genetic disorder described how he 'feels pregnant' because of the condition. Professional magician David Burgess, 37, is in hospital awaiting a liver transplant after being diagnosed with Wilson's disease in 2005, when he was around 20.
Wilson's disease is characterised by excess copper stored in various body tissues, particularly the liver, brain, and corneas of the eyes. The disease is progressive and, if left untreated, it may cause liver (hepatic) disease, central nervous system dysfunction and even death, reports the LiverpoolECHO.
He has also developed a condition called ascites, which is a fluid build up in the abdomen and lower limbs, causing his stomach to swell.
David became jaundiced earlier this month, and was taken into Royal Liverpool Hospital, where he was treated with antibiotics for what doctors thought was an infection in the water around his liver. However, he was unfortunately and unknowingly allergic to two different types of the treatments.
David said: “They asked was I allergic to anything and I said no and then we realised that I must have been allergic to the antibiotic. My legs went into a mad rash. They tried me on a different one and my arms went into a different rash.”
He was later referred to a liver specialist unit in Birmingham, where he has now been for two weeks, and is waiting until his stomach can be drained of fluid. However complications mean it can’t be done as soon as he would like.
He said: “I’m usually 14 stone 11 and I have gone up to 17 stone due to the fluid. My legs are like balloons too and my feet are massive. It’s like being pregnant - that’s the feeling of it. I get under-stomach stretching pains. It’s probably the size of a beach ball.”
David is waiting for a the decision on whether he will be eligible for a liver transplant. He said: “It’s all a bit scary at the moment.”
Explaining he hasn't seen his family face-to-face for more than two weeks, David said: "The most upsetting thing is my family can’t visit me because it’s like a two-hour drive for them so I have been in hospital on my own for a bit.” He explained that visitors aren’t allowed on the ward so he needs to go to a communal area of the hospital to see them.
Friend Charlotte Smith has set up a GoFundMe page to help because he has been unable to work. On the page, she describes him as: "genuine, positive and thoughtful person and always goes out of his way to be of help or be supportive."
To visit David's GoFundMe page click here.
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