A 25-year-old man finds himself trapped in the body of a 12-year-old boy due to a rare genetic condition.
Tomasz Nadolski, hailing from Olesnica, Poland, shares the difficulties he faces living with this uncommon disease.
Tomasz started feeling severe pain in his stomach, hands, and feet at age seven.
He often vomited after meals. Doctors first thought he had a mental problem and told him to eat more. This mistake meant he didn't get the right treatment for a long time.
Living with this rare genetic condition, known as Fabry disease, has taken a toll on Tomasz's personal life and relationships.
He really hates how he looks like a young boy and has a hard time getting his family to accept and understand him.
"I am 25 years old and I would like to look like a man of my age. I hate this boy who I see every day in the mirror, because it is not me," he admitted.
Because of this, he usually stays alone in his room, feeling lonely and not getting the help he really wants.
This disease has also made things difficult between him and his family, and it has caused a lot of harm that can't be fixed.
"When I'm at home, I'm just sitting in my room and spending my time alone. I feel lonely and I lack the support of my family and this is how it has been for many years. The disease has destroyed our family relationships," he recalled.
Tomasz's youthful appearance often leads to skepticism from those outside his immediate family.
People frequently doubt his age, which can lead to uncomfortable encounters when presenting his identification card or encountering law enforcement. These encounters often result in accusations of possessing a fake ID.
Severe stomach problems prevent him from eating normally, forcing him to rely on a drip for 20 hours a day to receive the necessary nutrition.
Chronic pain persists throughout his body, requiring the use of strong painkillers, including morphine, to manage the discomfort.
His feet have become deformed, necessitating the use of specially designed-shoes to alleviate some of the pain associated with walking.
Despite the hardships he faces, there is hope for Tomasz.
The company providing the drug for Fabry disease has agreed to offer him the treatment free of charge, relieving the financial burden associated with it.
However, the emotional and physical toll remains high, and Tomasz continues to endure the daily challenges of living in a body that does not match his age.
"My parents were torn. They saw something going on, but they believed the doctors that I was mentally ill and that I should just eat more," he sadly said.
