I am not giving up, I will fight!

Hello dear people, I am Svetoslav Nikolaev 43 years old from Shumen. I am an active, working man, a person who wants to continue enjoying life and his family. My struggle with life started in 2015 when I was diagnosed with Lymphodema disease of the lower left limb. Lymphoedema is a disease in which there is an accumulation of fluid in the subcutaneous tissue due to obstruction of the lymphatic system. After three years of treatment in Bulgaria I had to have surgery on two lymph pockets that had formed.

Unfortunately, due to lack of much experience with this disease here, they were unable to remove everything and the surgery was unsuccessful.

In a short time after that the disease developed even more violently and quickly reached its final stages. In the meantime, because of the difficulty of movement and the impeded function of the lymphatic system, I gained an awful lot of weight. Heart problems and other prodromal diseases were unlocked, which I began to treat. I started looking for options to lose weight, but most doctors in Bulgaria and abroad refused me because of the high risk to my life during such an operation. I did research for months until a doctor from Turkey agreed to see me, diagnose me and prepare me for surgery.

Despite the risks, I accepted because it was the only chance I had to be able to care for my family. I survived! The operation was successful. Since last April until now I have lost over 100 pounds, I have strictly followed all the doctors' recommendations and I feel much better now. But my hope that the lymphoedema would improve, unfortunately did not come true...

At the moment, although the weight has decreased dramatically, because of the huge lymph pocket, my movement is very difficult. I struggle to perform basic everyday things, every effort costs me pain and difficulty. I find it difficult to endure work, my whole life is tailored to this condition...

There is no treatment in Bulgaria anymore. The only chance I have left is surgery and treatment in Instanbul, Turkey.

The amount for the treatment is 28 000,00 euro, which is unaffordable for my family. The operation is again associated with possible complications, because of which I have to stay in hospital for more than a month for observation. But I am willing to take all the risks because I know I will cope with this as well.

I believe and dream that one day I will be able to go out with my family in peace, that I will be able to fulfill all my duties as a husband, father and worker. I ask for your help and support in my struggle for a normal life. I bow before you all!