A Belfast man who has been struggling with a debilitating medical condition is calling on the NHS to fly him to England for a crucial operation that could save his life.
Alan Foster, 58, has been battling the effects of cellulitis linked to a lymph node deficiency since losing more than 20 stone.
His condition has led to massive overhanging skin, which has significantly impacted his health and quality of life.
Struggling with Overhanging Skin and Multiple Health Issues
Alan’s journey has been a series of medical setbacks, beginning with weight loss and continuing with serious health complications.
He now faces a complex physical battle that has affected both his body and his mental health. Living with this condition has forced him to remain housebound, and he worries that without the operation, his situation could become life-threatening.
In an interview with MailOnline, Alan shared the reality of his condition, revealing the daily struggles he faces due to the overhanging skin.
He explained that the surgery he needs requires special equipment, including a bariatric theatre with a hoist above the table.
The operation involves lifting the excess skin to avoid blood loss during the procedure, something Alan’s medical team in Belfast is prepared to assist with, though the surgery needs to be performed in Plymouth.
The Journey to Getting Help
Alan has received incredible support from his healthcare team in Belfast, but his condition requires a specialized surgical team in England.
His stepdaughter, Nikita Sloan, explained that while the surgery team is ready in Belfast, they will need to travel to Plymouth with Alan to carry out the procedure.
The family hopes that the operation will help Alan recover and improve his quality of life.
The family has made it clear that they do not want to pursue crowdfunding for private treatment but are placing their trust in the NHS to address Alan’s special case.
Despite the significant costs involved in transporting the medical team and Alan via Air Ambulance, Nikita emphasized that this operation could be a life-changer for Alan, allowing him to regain some independence and hope for the future.
A Long History of Health Challenges
Alan’s health issues have been ongoing for over two decades.
He first began experiencing problems in 2001 when he lived in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, where he was diagnosed with liver issues.
However, it wasn’t until he was prescribed the painkiller Tramadol that his weight began to increase dramatically.
Alan explained that he gained six stone within six months due to the steroids he was prescribed, and his health rapidly declined from there.
Throughout his adult life, Alan had been active and healthy, but the series of health setbacks led to a loss of independence.
After returning to Northern Ireland in 2007, Alan sought help from the NHS, which encouraged him to lose weight.
Through walking alone, he successfully lost 25 stone, without relying on a gastric band or other weight-loss methods.
Dealing with Cellulitis and its Impact on His Life
Alan’s current condition is the result of cellulitis, a skin infection that has worsened due to his lymph node deficiency.
This condition leaves his immune system vulnerable, and a simple infection can escalate into sepsis, a potentially fatal complication.
Alan’s doctors have warned that he faces a constant risk of sepsis, and his last encounter with it was so severe that he had only 20 minutes to reach the hospital.
This ongoing health battle has deeply affected Alan’s life, both physically and emotionally.
He has experienced mini-strokes, and at 59, he worries that his health could deteriorate further if he doesn’t receive the surgery soon.
He is particularly devastated by the impact his condition has had on his family life.
Alan has missed out on creating memories with his children and grandchildren, unable to take part in family holidays and events due to his limited mobility.
Hoping for a Future After the Surgery
The family remains hopeful that the operation will be the turning point Alan needs.
If successful, they plan to celebrate his recovery with a long-overdue family holiday.
Alan dreams of regaining his independence, something he’s been without for years due to his medical condition.
He described his current life as a “nightmare,” marked by exhaustion, physical pain, and anxiety.
Despite the setbacks and challenges he has faced, Alan remains determined to live a full life.
With the support of his family, healthcare team, and the community, he is clinging to the hope that the NHS will soon approve the surgery he desperately needs to turn his life around.
The family continues to wait for news from the NHS, hoping that this crucial operation will become a reality soon, giving Alan the chance to live his life with more freedom and less pain.