In a heartbreaking tale of resilience and suffering, 43-year-old Ghanaian man Seth Norbi has shared his harrowing journey of living with a debilitating movement disorder.

The mysterious condition has forced him to stand for the past 13 years and left his right hand immobile for nearly three decades, allowing him only brief moments of lying down.

Seth’s father noticed early signs of abnormalities in his son's development. According to Seth, his health struggles began when he was just two weeks old.

A doctor’s diagnosis later confirmed that he was suffering from progressive swelling, a condition that has significantly affected his life.

“Growing up, I could walk like anyone else,” Seth recalled.

“But my father said that when I was two weeks old, they noticed things were not normal with me. A part of my body would swell, and as it went down, that part would become stiff. Even at 15 years old, I could walk, but it was not normal,” he added.

Seth's condition has drastically impacted his daily life, making simple tasks such as sitting, resting, or sleeping an enormous challenge. The relentless pain he endures has left him struggling to find relief.

A medical diagnosis confirmed that Seth suffers from anasarca, a condition characterized by a general buildup of fluid in the body’s tissues, potentially affecting multiple body parts.

His right hand became swollen and immobile in 1996, while he was working as an apprentice tailor.

“My right hand, for instance, became swollen, and I could not move it. When the pain and swelling subsided, I found that I could no longer move my hand. So, my hand has been hanging since 1996. I had to stop learning the tailoring job,” he explained.

Despite his challenges, Seth remains determined to sustain himself.

He currently works as a Mobile Money vendor. However, his condition has worsened over time, affecting his ability to sit normally. Since 2012, he has been unable to sit without experiencing severe pain and must lean against objects for temporary relief.

“It started in 2012 when I fell and felt immense pain. I could not sit, and when the pain subsided, I found I could no longer sit,” he said.

Medical professionals have offered varying opinions on his condition. An orthopedic specialist in Koforidua has stated that there is no cure, but a doctor at the 37 Military Hospital in Accra is exploring the possibility of surgery to improve his condition.

Seth’s story has gained widespread attention on social media, with many people expressing sympathy and frustration over the lack of available medical solutions.

His case raises important concerns about access to healthcare and support for individuals living with rare and debilitating conditions.

For now, Seth remains hopeful that sharing his journey will inspire change and open doors to better treatment, not only for himself but also for others facing similar struggles.

NAD/AE