[Blindside]

I've never seen neurofibromatosis as bad as this before.

A mother-of-two has been left with a 'bubble-wrap' face after the birth of her second child triggered the growth of thousands of tumours.

Charmaine Sahadeo, 38, who suffers from an extreme case of neurofibromatosis, is covered in agonising bumps, with three giant growths swamping her right leg making it nearly impossible to stand or walk.

Ms Sahadeo, from Chaguanas, Trinidad, believes her appearance is responsible for the breakdown of her 18-year marriage, as well as her financial difficulties due to employers being horrified by her disorder.

She also has to endure cruel comments and stares from strangers, with children running away from her and some people even suggesting she commit suicide.

Ms Sahadeo, who is mother to Caleb, 19 and Osiris, 15, said: 'I have one of the most serious cases of neurofibromatosis in the world.'

Despite the seriousness of her condition, Ms Sahadeo manages to remain positive, saying: 'I see myself as a beautiful person and I try not to let people affect me.'

Ms Sahadeo, who has endured two surgeries to help ease her disorder, believes she has run out of treatment options in Trinidad and is speaking out to seek help from medical experts abroad.

WHAT IS NEUROFIBROMATOSIS?
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a common genetic condition that affects one in 3,000 people in the UK to some extent.

It's caused by a genetic mutation that affects nerve tissue growth.

Around half of cases are inherited from a parent and the other half occur spontaneously.

Early symptoms include flat brown birthmarks, and lumps and bumps in unusual places.

It is also associated with mild learning difficulties, although most people with NF1 are otherwise healthy and live to a normal life expectancy.

There is no cure, however, surgery can be performed to remove the benign growths.

[Ninjavandal]

I don't even know what to say.

[vagabond]

Terribly sad... I truly hope someone can help her!

[durt]

nasty condition

[mintycbo]

Growing up, was a man in my city with this..always freaked me out.
He ended up dating a friend/acquaintances mom when i was 14 in 1994.
For years I thought he had some fucked up STD.

[Bletch]

Damn that’s horrific, poor girl

[kellyhound]

Nature can be cruel sometimes

[Wren]

Originally Posted by mintycbo ↗

Growing up, was a man in my city with this..always freaked me out.
He ended up dating a friend/acquaintances mom when i was 14 in 1994.
For years I thought he had some fucked up STD.

Still had game :) good for him.

[Spiffyfable]

That's a Rough go at things

[Susan]

wow my friends husband and kids have this, not to this extent, just a few on the eyelids and body etc but the little boy has a glioma in his brain. 3rd round of chemo. Bless him <3