'I thought I had vitamin B deficiency - it was actually a three in a million disease'
manchestereveningnews.co.ukA dad who thought his symptoms were simply from a vitamin B deficiency was diagnosed with a "three in a million" disease. Martin Williams, 52, lost 40kg in weight, began losing function in his legs, and gradually lost the ability to control his arms and hands.
His symptoms because so severe that his wife, Elena, 44, had to feed him. Initially, doctors believed Martin was suffering from a common vitamin B deficiency or Guillian-Barre syndrome - a rare and serious condition that affects nerves.
However, two MRIs, a pet scan, and many blood tests later, the dad-of-two was diagnosed with POEMS syndrome - an incredibly rare plasma cell disorder. Read more: As a harrowing video was shared among neighbours, they simply said: 'Jesus Christ' Doctors treated Martin with five months of chemotherapy in an attempt to kill the two tumours causing the symptoms alongside a stem cell transplant.
Fortunately, he is now able to stand and walk for the first time and has even started working again. Martin, a supermarket worker from Newmarket, Suffolk, said: "I lost the ability to control my hands and arms.
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