SJS has been associated with more than 2,000 medications, most commonly antibiotics, anti-inflammatory, and anti-viral medications. Those who suffer from SJS develop a rash on the skin that blisters over, causing the top layer of skin to peel away. Because of the sensitive nature of his condition, Bol may be transferred to a burn unit for treatment.

According to Sudan Sunrise, Bol was “so determined to help with the election in Sudan, he postponed needed medical care.” Tom Prichard, who worked with Bol in Sudan, told The Washington Post that Bol’s health had gone downhill while in Sudan. He had flown to Dulles and was expecting to catch a flight the next morning to Kansas to be with family when he was admitted to the hospital.

Bol sacrificed much to return to Sudan and influence positive chance. While he was gone, his wife had a baby, whom he has yet to meet. According to reports, Bol is slowly recovering. He is on morphine and in pain but he is proud of what he was able to accomplish in Sudan. ”He was fighting with every bit of his strength to try to keep southern Sudan on course toward a referendum in January of next year,” Prichard said. “It put him right on the edge of survival, and he made it.”

SOURCE: Stevens Johnson Syndrome › Retired NBA player Manute Bol suffering serious medication reaction

Late last December Ryan was diagnosed with pneumonia and days later he suffered a severe adverse reaction to the medication he was given to treat his illness. A rash formed over his body and his skin began to blister and peel away. Blisters also formed in his eyes and mouth, making his eyes and throat swell shut and leaving him unable to eat or drink. He stayed in the hospital for 12 days while doctors worked to save his life.

SJS is a rare but serious reaction to medication. More than 200 drugs have been linked to the condition, most commonly ibuprofen, antibiotics and anti-seizure medication. Some pharmaceutical companies are facing lawsuits from families affected by SJS, claiming they were not sufficiently warned of the possible life-threatening condition caused by the medications they or their family members were given. SJS, and its most severe form, toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), has a reported incidence of about one case per million people each year.

Ryan returned home from the hospital on Jan. 12. Though he was 28 pounds lighter and was extremely exhausted, he vowed to return to his wresting team. Last week he played in the tournament. Though he didn’t win, he says “I’m so glad to be back out there.”

SOURCE: Stevens Johnson Syndrome › High school wrestler’s fight against SJS heroic