A father from Coffs Harbour, Australia, is battling a rare and severe case of cadmium poisoning that has left doctors perplexed. Chris Wilson, 38, has suffered debilitating neurological symptoms and a significant decline in health, with medical professionals admitting they lack the knowledge to treat his condition effectively. The toxic metal exposure, typically linked to industrial environments, is almost unheard of in Australia, leaving Chris and his family searching for answers.
Chris and his wife, Nikki Wilson, have been navigating this challenging journey since their marriage in 2019, shortly before Chris began experiencing alarming symptoms, including seizures and hallucinations. Initially, doctors diagnosed him with functional neurological disorder (FND), a label the couple struggled to accept. “I told the neurologist I thought it could be a neurotoxin,” Nikki recounted. Unfortunately, their concerns were not acted upon until a doctor in Toowoomba conducted a toxicology test, revealing dangerously high levels of cadmium in Chris’s blood.
6.9 micrograms per litre was the initial measurement, which raised alarms at poison control. At that time, they were informed that his levels might be elevated due to his history of smoking, as cadmium is naturally occurring in tobacco. However, the situation worsened significantly when a subsequent test revealed even higher levels: 17.3 micrograms per litre. “That’s when we knew it was killing him,” Nikki said.
Chris’s work history may provide a clue to his exposure. He previously worked at a steel factory in Canada, which is one of the few potential sources the couple can identify. “We believe he was exposed there and it’s just been sitting in his liver,” Nikki explained. “Now it’s slowly leaching into his system.” With no known cure for cadmium poisoning, Chris faces a terminal prognosis.
As his health continues to decline, Chris requires special nutritional liquids to maintain his strength, as the poisoning hampers his ability to absorb nutrients from food. This meticulous dietary management comes with its own risks, particularly the potential for refeeding syndrome—a dangerous complication that can arise when a malnourished person resumes eating or receives nutritional support. This condition can cause severe shifts in fluids and electrolytes, leading to potentially life-threatening complications.
“Palliative care has stepped in to manage his symptoms, doing what they can,” Nikki said, highlighting the challenges they face. Chris is scheduled for a gastroscopy, but doctors remain cautious about the potential damage caused by cadmium to his internal tissues.
To assist with his mobility, Chris now relies on a walker, and his family is urgently seeking a custom wheelchair, a financial burden that comes at a difficult time for the household, which is now surviving on a single income. “His supplements just to keep him going are incredibly expensive,” Nikki noted. “Even getting him a wheelchair that fits properly has proven to be a costly challenge.”
In light of their struggles, the Wilson family has launched a GoFundMe campaign. This initiative aims to cover medical costs and fulfill one of Chris’s wishes: to see his best friend from Canada one last time. “It’s about creating an opportunity for love, support, and shared strength during a very fragile time in my life,” Chris said. Additional funds raised will be directed towards creating lasting memories with their children—River, Willow, and Julian—while ensuring that Chris remains as comfortable as possible during his remaining time.
