Only person in world with allergy has to be fed through his heart
A teenager is living with a 'heartbreaking' digestive disorder that forces him to go to hospital twice a week. Finley Ranson first captured media attention as a toddler, due to his body's ability to digest only one type of food.
The 14 year old's allergy prohibits him from consuming most foods. When he does eat, his body perceives it as an alien substance and launches an attack on his digestive system, leading to internal bleeding.
It's thought that he's the only person in the world with this condition, which is so rare, it doesn't yet have a name. Currently, he undergoes twice-weekly six-hour sessions at Broomfield Hospital in Essex, where lipids – fatty compounds or oils – are injected directly into his heart to sustain his life.
"It's heartbreaking at times," his mum, Rhys Wiseman, 37, confided to NeedToKnow. "People don't see what Finley goes through day-to-day. They see the happy, chirpy young man, but psychologically, he goes through a lot."
"The emotional impact has been very tough. He's missed so much time at school due to hospital and illness. Normal things like holidays are tricky, as he has to be in hospital twice a week.
"People don't see what Finley goes through day-to-day. "But he has so much great support around him. " Rhys had "no warning signs" after giving birth to Finley.
She realised something was wrong when he kept reacting "horrifically" to breast milk. He would scream constantly, didn't sleep, put on any weight and was generally very unsettled. After Rhys transitioned Finley to a free-from diet and hypoallergenic formula, his condition deteriorated, culminating in over 20 operations at GOSH as doctors sought clarity on his mysterious ailment.
The medical experts eventually opted for a very uncommon solution: to nourish Finley intravenously through his heart, circumventing his gastro system entirely. Remarkably, Finley still enjoys helping out in the kitchen despite his inability to eat. Rhys explained: "He's always helped cook, we go to restaurants and each year, he has a birthday cake.
"He might not be able to eat it, but it's to give some normality as everyone else. There's no one else that we know of that has lipids infused directly in this way. And there isn't a name for what he has, so we call it 'Finley-itis.
"Who knows, there may be a time when he is able to tolerate fat. "But if not, we just carry on with what our 'normal' is and go from there.
"People don't see what Finley goes through day-to-day. He's remarkable. The most loveable boy who wants to help other people because of what he's gone through. I'm so proud of him."
Presently, alongside the unique lipid infusion, Finley's regimen includes a three-times-daily cocktail of carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes delivered to his stomach.
His extraordinary medical case is due to be documented in a scientific journal. Dr Manas Datta, a consultant paediatrician at Broomfield Hospital who has known Finley since he was born, said: "Finley's condition is unique; we have never encountered a case like this before.
"Finley has shown remarkable courage throughout his treatment, and we are committed to ensuring that he can thrive and live life to the fullest."
Over the years, Finley and his family have raised £30,000 for the Mid and South Essex Hospitals charity and a further £10,000 for Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH). He was this weekend set to take on an abseiling challenge down the tower block at Southend Hospital as a heartfelt thank-you to the team who've cared for him, with a goal to hit his £25,000 fundraising target.
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