A 6-month-old baby’s bladder ballooned in size and ‘crushed his kidney’ because of a rare medical condition that caused a urine build-up in his organ.
Little Oliver Smith was diagnosed with Eagle-Barrett syndrome which prevents his urethra from developing while in the womb. This meant that his body can’t get rid of his urine.
One month before he was born, Oliver already underwent surgery to drain the organ from inside his mother’s womb. However, it already caused chronic kidney disease and the damage could no longer be repaired when he was born.
At only one-week-old, he had to be placed on dialysis as he was in complete kidney failure. While he miraculously regained some function and started to urinate properly, his diagnosis still means he will need a transplant.
His parents, Lionel and Violet, are now saving up for the operation and other surgeries their child may need in the future.
Speaking about Oliver’s condition, Mrs. Smith said: “She added: “Oliver’s urethra didn’t form properly, causing his urine to back up until his bladder was bigger than his whole body while in utero [the womb].
“His distended bladder was crushing him, causing kidney damage, prohibiting his lungs from growing properly, and making it so he was unable to build abdominal muscles.”
“Oliver is the sweetest baby you’ll ever meet. He’s always smiling and thinks his big sis is incredibly funny no matter what she’s doing,” Mrs. Smith shared.
“He has spent a majority of his life in the hospital and has had five surgeries to date with many more to come. The nurses at his hospital joke that nobody bothered to tell him he’s sick.
“We’re so proud of him and hope to encourage this sweet and carefree attitude throughout his life dispute the difficulties he will face.”
“He is going to face a lifetime of medical needs, but we’re prepared to face whatever challenges his condition presents.”
One internet user commented: “God, please help this sweet little angel. Bless. What a lovely and smiling baby.”
Another wrote: “Poor baby. I hope that doctors can help him and that an organ is found to help save him. I can’t imagine how painful it must be.”
A third added: “And the sweet angel is smiling.”
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