Rubber Man Syndrome

A gradually debilitating condition that inevitably becomes fatal. It is caused by the overuse of a new psychedelic drug called Skaaldi that's spread through the seedier communities of Omari, bringing thrill seekers into a potentially dangerous addiction.

Transmission & Vectors

Thankfully it is not infectious to other people. This condition is only developed/acquired from chronic drug use.

Causes

No one is certain the exact point of drug abuse it begins. This is still a new condition that needs to be better researched. People only know that if you go too hard on the specific drug that causes this, you'll eventually start noticing the process of your bones slowly turning into a rubber like material. No two people afflicted have started this process at the same time in their drug use.

Symptoms

Affected people may notice they're more clumsy than usual as the changes begin taking place. It doesn't transform your bones all in one go; it's a gradual process. From the outside in, the person's bones begin to soften and take on a rubber like quality. They may fracture easier or cause more falls and other stability related accidents. Some may experience fatigue, joint pain, or mild tremors. Blood cell creation eventually malfunctions if this process reaches the marrow.

Treatment

There is no known cure at this time. People experiencing this condition are referred to rehab to get their drug addiction that caused it under control to prevent as much damage as possible. Palliative and maintenance care is given to keep them comfortable with their newly weakened bone structure and the complications that come with it.  Research is being done to figure out if there can be a way to re-calcify / reverse and repair the rubbery part of the affected bones. In mild cases and the early stages, braces are often used to help support the body. More advanced cases always end up bed bound and need full supportive care.

Prognosis

If the drug addiction is caught early and worked through, the patient can still live a fairly normal life. They will just need to take extra safety precautions and keep in touch with their doctor to monitor bone health and related injuries. So far no other body systems seem to be affected. If the patient continues taking the drug, eventually the entire bone structure is affected and they'll die from related complications as, even with the best support, it will eventually reach the bone marrow and destroy it. So far doctors have observed people who refuse treatment last no longer than three years before dying.

Prevention

Until researchers figure out how the large amounts of the drug bring on this condition, the most that can be done is education. The drug itself is tentatively "safe" to use within moderation. Addiction help and rehab are always easily accessible and affordable or even free to Omari's inhabitants.

Type

Chemical Compound

Origin

Natural

Cycle

Chronic, Acquired

Rarity

Uncommon