Alejandro “Willy” Ramos Martínez suffers from a condition known as decompression sickness, which occurs when a person experiences a sudden drop in ambient pressure. The condition is common among divers who perform deep dives and don’t follow proper decompression protocols. In 2017, Willy was diving to a depth of over 100 feet off the coast of Pisco, Peru, in search of seafood, when a boat ruptured his oxygen hose, forcing him to surface quickly. The sudden rise causes nitrogen bubbles to form in his chest and arms. Doctors could only help him by administering oxygen in a decompression chamber. At the time, they managed to eliminate about 30% of the nitrogen bubbles in his body and were optimistic that he would recover in time. However, eight years later, Willy is still looking for a cure. His case is considered unique in the world, as decompression sickness typically has different symptoms, including pain, bone and joint damage, and even damage to the nervous system. In rare cases, it can cause paralysis or death, but no one has ever suffered the deformities that Willy has had to deal with. His biceps have grown to a circumference of approximately 28 inches — the average normal size is 13-14 inches. Because the nitrogen bubbles have adhered to his muscles and organs, surgery is not a viable solution, so he has to walk around like an inflatable balloon and hope that someone can come up with a safer option. “I was saved by a miracle. I thank God for that. I’m deformed, but I’m alive,” said Willy, who hopes to return to diving someday.
