A Bangladeshi known as the “Tree Man” because of bark-like growths on his body said Monday, June 24 that he wanted his hands amputated to relieve him of the unbearable pain.

The man, Abdul Bajandar, has had 25 operations since 2016 to remove a growth from his hands and feets caused by a rare syndrome called Epidermodysplasia Verruciformis.

In May last year doctors believed that they had beaten the disease but Bajandar fled from the clinic in Dhaka following a relapse. The man who is a father of one was again admitted to hospital in January because his condition worsened with some growths several inches long.

“I cannot bear the pain anymore. I can’t sleep at night. I asked the doctors to cut off my hands so I can at least get some relief,” he told AFP. His mother Amina Bibi supported the plea. “At least he will be free of pain. It’s a hellish condition,” she told AFP.

Bangladesh ‘Tree man’ regains use of his hand after 16 surgeries

The man had said that he wanted to go abroad for better treatment but he does not have money to bear expenses. The chief plastic surgeon of Dhaka Medical college hospital said a board of seven doctors will discuss Bajandar’s case on Tuesday.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has promised free treatment for the man after his plight made headlines. During the first round of his treatment, the man lived in the hospital’s private wing for nearly two years.

Less than half a dozen people around the world are believed to have the syndrome.

Earlier the hospital also treated a young Bangladeshi girl suffering from the condition in 2017. But the family has halted the treatment has the growth had returned in greater numbers after the doctor declared the surgery success.

Bangladesh ‘Tree man’ regains use of his hand after 16 surgeries