In my 40s I was a size 18. I didn't want to die young so got fitter than ever... then I went on a spa break and discovered a deadly hidden cancer. This is how I defused the ticking timebomb: TRACEY WOODWARD
As I lay on the bed in the clinic, I felt relaxed and calm. It was June 2023, and I was in my one of my favourite locations, Palazzo Fiuggi – an exclusive and beautiful art deco hotel with a spa and medical wellness centre set in the wooded hills outside Rome.
After years of dieting and exercising, I was the fittest I'd ever been. I'd swapped cocktails for juice fasts, my skin glowed and I looked younger than I did ten years before.
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Daily Mail
3 hours ago
- Daily Mail
In my 40s I was a size 18. I didn't want to die young so got fitter than ever... then I went on a spa break and discovered a deadly hidden cancer. This is how I defused the ticking timebomb: TRACEY WOODWARD
As I lay on the bed in the clinic, I felt relaxed and calm. It was June 2023, and I was in my one of my favourite locations, Palazzo Fiuggi – an exclusive and beautiful art deco hotel with a spa and medical wellness centre set in the wooded hills outside Rome. After years of dieting and exercising, I was the fittest I'd ever been. I'd swapped cocktails for juice fasts, my skin glowed and I looked younger than I did ten years before.
Daily Mail
4 hours ago
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE I ended up with irreversible brain damage and partial blindness after my gastric sleeve operation... but I don't regret a thing
In June 2021, Chelsea Connell forked out £9,000 for a gastric sleeve that she hoped would change her life. After the birth of her first child, the then 28-year-old from Hamilton, Glasgow, weighed 16 stone and was a size 20 but was struggling with her body. After three years of research, the mother-of-two booked herself in to Spire Hospital, a private clinic in Manchester to go under the knife on June 22, 2021. But her dream quickly turned in to a nightmare when the former beautician found herself unable to walk and struggling with blurred vision, migraines and vertigo after her seemingly successful operation. Following a series of tests, Chelsea claims doctors gave her the news she had irreversible brain damage and had developed the neurological condition Wernicke's encephalopathy. Despite the debilitating condition, the Scottish-native has said she doesn't regret her decision and said her weight loss allowed her to conceive her daughter and she would do it again in a heartbeat. Chelsea, now 32, told MailOnline that she had struggled with her weight and wasn't happy with her body but instead of flying out to Turkey, she decided to go private in the UK for her gastric band operation. After detailed research, the then mother-of-one decided to go for it but said she wasn't prepared for the results. Chelsea explained that while the gastric band operation itself was a success, she quickly realised there was something very wrong. Just three weeks after her surgery, the Glaswegian found herself suffering from vertigo and was unable to keep anything down. Two weeks after her initial operation Chelsea was admitted to Glasgow Royal Infirmary where medics tried to get to the bottom of her issues. After several rounds of testing, doctors realised Chelsea had suffered from malnutrition and a thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency resulting in an acute form of brain damage often seen in alcoholics. Chelsea told MailOnline that she believes if she had been given better aftercare after her gastric bypass operation, she would now be living a normal life. The trained beautician said that doctors failed to ensure she was eating and drinking normally before discharging and she criticised the private hospital for not providing in-person check ups. She said: 'I should've gone to Turkey because it's better care over there. It was rubbish over here - they just phoned for a check up. 'They just wouldn't listen and they checked the gastric band but it wasn't until the tests they realised it was actually brain damage.' 'For three to four weeks I had nothing. No thiamine and not one person noticed - there's only so long the body can go without thiamine. 'I was being sick all the time, just sicking everything up.' Chelsea says she has her mother to thank for making sure she was taken seriously by doctors and said at one point she feared she might die. The Scot described how after weeks of little to no food or water she couldn't stand or use the toilet independently and was receiving bed baths by nurses because she was so weak. She explained: 'My mother stormed in and said "my daughter is 28 and when she came in she was able to walk and now she can't stand". 'I just couldn't keep anything down - even a sip of water was coming back up. 'When I woke up from the anesthetic I couldn't see, I couldn't walk, the room was spinning. 'I thought the gastric band was bad but it wan't until after - that was worse, they thought it was just my body not reacting well. 'Even now I look back I don't really know how I managed - it was kind of like I was dying, I was grey and I was just sicking up bile. 'If my mum hadn't insisted on seeing a consultant I wouldn't be here today.' Chelsea added that she found it difficult to advocate for herself because she couldn't think straight she was so hungry. 'It was terrible and I wasn't even well enough to care about anything,' she said. 'I just wasn't in my right mind because of not eating. I was just happy to be alive because I couldn't even move. It was horrific.' Chelsea revealed her life has been turned upside down since her three-month hospital stay and diagnosis and now simple tasks are a challenge. The mother-of-two explained she suffers from nystagmus where her eyes move involuntarily from side to side meaning she is unable to focus on anything. Chelsea is registered as partially blind and said she can't even go in to Glasgow centre to enjoy an afternoon of shopping because the crowds give her migraines. She added that she also suffers from acute vertigo and described the condition as like feeling drunk all the time. Chelsea's Wernicke's encephalopathy left her unable to walk at one point but now sees her suffering from migraines and has resulted in the mother-of-two partially losing her sight The Glaswegian explained she struggles to live independently and can't use public transport or drive drive due to her partial blindness. She confessed: 'I can't judge distances and steps so public transport is hard - I count all the steps around my own home.' Chelsea added: 'Not being able to drive has massively affected me, I'm just much less independent and stay at home more.' She explained after she was discharged from hospital her nine-year-old son had to help her go to the toilet and move around the house and her sister moved in with her but now she can walk unaided and has systems to make sure she is safe in her house. The mum says she counts the steps on her staircase but even then she described walking up and down them as like trying to 'walk up stair while paralytically drunk'. And Chelsea has also had to make changes to her home including replacing her walk-in shower with a bath and giving up her dream of opening up her own nail and eyelash business in her home. She added: 'I had to get a bath put in because when I was bending down to shave my legs I would just fall over whereas now I can sit in the bath and lift my leg up. 'There have been lots of little changes day to day but I just try to manage. 'One of the worst was not being able to work. I did a nail and eyelash course and bought a summer house as a salon but the gastric sleeve has meant game over and I just had to get rid of it all.' While Chelsea is glad she had her gastric sleeve fitted, she said she 'wouldn't wish this on her worst enemy' and revealed she had tried a number of treatments to ease her symptoms but with little success. Despite the litany of side effects, Chelsea remains positive and said she no longer has diabetes, bowel or kidney issues and at a size 12 weighting ten stone,she no longer worries about her body. But most of all she's glad she underwent the procedure because her weight loss allowed her to welcome her daughter, now two. 'I won't get anything else done because I'm happy and I'm lucky to be here and I don't want anything else. I've got my daughter and that's all I wanted.' Spire Healthcare told MailOnline: 'We are sorry to hear about Ms Connell's condition. We are now in direct contact with her to discuss her concerns and will review the care she received accordingly. 'We are unable to share further detail due to patient confidentiality. 'Spire Healthcare continuously invests in patient safety, and as a result 98 per cent of our inspected hospitals and clinics are rated Good, Outstanding or the equivalent by health inspectors in England, Wales and Scotland. 'This includes Spire Manchester, which is rated 'Outstanding' by the CQC. We have more hospitals rated 'Outstanding' than any other independent acute hospital provider.'
Daily Mail
6 hours ago
- Daily Mail
I've tried thousands of skincare products - but there's only ONE 'magic potion' I'd spend my money on for real results (and the experts agree): POLISHED by Elise Wilson
Welcome to Polished with Elise Wilson, where FEMAIL's qualified makeup artist and hair stylist answers your questions, shares advice and trials the up-and-coming beauty and skincare trends so you don't have to. If I had a dollar for every time a friend or family member whispered, 'Do I really need a serum?', I'd be writing this from a villa in Tuscany. In my opinion - and that of countless derms and facialists I've talked to over the years, I should add - those slippery little potions you might be skipping in favour of a thick cream, are actually the MVP of your skincare shelf. (A pic of my 'shelfie' below for context). And if you're not using one yet? Consider this your official nudge to learn just how a great serum can transform your skin into that glowing glass-like complexion that only seems to be reserved for the stars. One of the best parts of my job as a beauty editor - aside from the overflowing shelves of face masks and lip balms - is the sheer volume of skincare I get to try. Trust me, if there's a serum worth knowing about, it's probably passed over my face at some point. After nearly two decades in the industry, my skin has been through just about everything. (Ask me about the lip-plumping gadget that turned my mouth blue for four days!). In full transparency: I've had filler, and for the past eight-or-so years I've been no stranger to the world of neuromodulators (those magic injections that start with the letter 'B', if you're also in the club, fine if not though of course). But I'm always trying to stretch out the time between those appointments, and I honestly believe it's the clever, hardworking serums in my routine that are helping me do just that. Of course, the skincare I relied on in my late 20s doesn't quite cut it anymore. Now that I'm well into my 30s, my skin's needs have shifted. While I've always prioritised looking after my complexion, and have a few professional treatments under my belt, I still deal with congestion, unpredictable Sydney weather, and full-time exposure to recycled office air. And that combination? It's not exactly skin friendly. So, I rely heavily on smart, targeted serums to keep my glow going, even when life (and air con) tries to dull it down. I'm very aware too that some people are layering five of them morning and night like it's a chemistry experiment, while others aren't even sure what they are, let alone know where they slot into their routine. Between TikTok influencers spruiking 12-step routines and shelves groaning with alphabet creams - A for anti-ageing, B for barrier-boosting, C for collagen, D for... who knows - it's enough to make anyone break out from stress alone. But if you care about your skin (and chances are, if you're reading this, you do), serums are not optional. They're essential. I'm not saying you need to mortgage your house to buy them, or that you'll wake up with Hailey Bieber's glass skin by Friday. But used correctly, the right serum can absolutely change your skin. Whether it's brightening dullness, softening lines, fading pigment, and helping you age a little more like Jennifer Aniston and a little less like a shrivelled apricot. So, what are serums, really? When should you start using them? What's the deal with Retinol vs Retinal? And do you really need these skincare A, B, C's, or is the industry just gaslighting us all? To answer all of that and more, I tapped one of Australia's most trusted celebrity skincare experts, Ingrid Seaburn, for her no-nonsense intel, because we all need a bit of expert guidance to cut through this serum circus. Let's get into it. What is a serum, anyway? Let's start with the basics. According to Ingrid, 'A serum is usually defined as a concentrated version of active ingredients (or non-active) to deliver to the dermal layer of the skin a specific effect on the health of the skin.' As for application? 'They are applied after cleansing and before moisturising,' she added. Ingrid also likened serums to tiny skin soldiers, packed with potent actives that actually do something, unlike many moisturisers, which mostly sit on top and feel nice. Do I need one? (And if so, when?) Short answer? Yes. Long answer? Also yes, but it depends on which one. 'You can start using antioxidant serums from your late teens,' Ingrid explained. 'Once you hit your 30s and 40s, anti-ageing serums with Vitamin A and C should be non-negotiable to slow down oxidative and cellular ageing.' If you're still in your twenties and glowing like a glazed donut, you can keep it simple. However, by 30, your skin starts producing less collagen and cell turnover begins to slack off, which is where serums step in to speed things back up. I make it a very indulgent skincare ritual every morning with a great cup of coffee and some Maria Carey in the background on loop. It certainly puts a pep in my step, and my skin. So which one do I buy? (Enter the ABCs of skincare…) There are a lot of serums out there, and as you've probably gathered if you've made it this far, the ingredient list can read like a science textbook. But don't worry, I've broken down the big three you actually need to know: Vitamin A (aka Retinol or Retinal): This is the gold standard in serums according to Ingrid. 'Retinol is the most important anti-ageing ingredient. It regulates oil, increases cell turnover and makes your skin act like younger skin.' But here's the kicker: not all Vitamin A serums are created equal. You might've heard the ongoing 'Retinol vs Retinal' debate, and yes, there is a difference. 'Retinal is the second phase of conversion of retinoid acid in your skin, and in my opinion, it's the most effective and well-tolerated form of vitamin A. It works faster than standard Retinol and is gentler too.' And what about the trendy natural option, Bakuchiol? 'It's not half as effective, but can be nice to build skin health in the right formula,' she added. TLDR: Retinal is your best bet if you want results and comfort. Apply at night only and always follow with an SPF the next day a it can make skin more sensitised. I have used the Medik8 Crystal Retinal formulas ($99) for years and I like that they have a staging process starting at level 3 and building up. So newbies can start at the gentle, lower end of potency and then work up as their skin tolerates. Vitamin B (aka Niacinamide): The ultimate team player, Niacinamide is a brilliant all-rounder that boosts your skin's barrier, helps with redness, and plays well with other actives. Pictured: Paula's Choice Niacinamide 20% Treatment ($78) The ultimate team player, Niacinamide is a brilliant all-rounder that boosts your skin's barrier, helps with redness, and plays well with other actives. 'It also helps combat rosacea and other issues,' If your skin is sensitive, this one's a winner. A product like Paula's Choice Niacinamide 20% Treatment ($78) is a good potent formula that can happily be layered in with your other favourite serums. Vitamin C: Brightening, protective, collagen-boosting, this antioxidant does it all. 'Vitamin C plays a big role in collagen production and helps repair and prevent UV damage,' Ingrid noted. You'll want to use this in the morning under SPF for that radiant, glowy skin we all fake with highlighter. Brightening, protective, collagen-boosting, this antioxidant does it all with Ingrid noting 'Vitamin C plays a big role in collagen production and helps repair and prevent UV damage'. Pictured: iS Clinical's Super Serum Advanced+ ($161 right) and La Roche-Posay 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum ($75) left Any dermatologist (or beauty editor) would agree with me that La Roche-Posay 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum ($75) is a great pharmacy find. And it's often on sale for a fraction of the price, btw. Whereas iS Clinical's Super Serum ($161) is another great vitamin C option, and a brand loved by the likes of Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and actress Meghan Fahy for both this cult formula and their multi-use Pro-Heal Serum Advance serum too. Hyaluronic Acid Technically not active, but absolutely essential nonetheless. It's like a tall glass of water for your skin. 'It sits in your epidermis and helps retain water,' Pro tip: always apply it to damp skin and follow up with a moisturiser to lock it in. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 ($15.90) is one of the most budget-friendly and reputable formula I've come across. Can you just use one serum at a time? You can, but you don't have to. My personal routine includes a hydrating hyaluronic serum in the morning, followed by Vitamin C, then at night I rotate between Retinal and Niacinamide (depending on how sensitive my skin's feeling). The trick is to ease into actives slowly, and to listen and see what your skin really needs. In winter, I need moisture and glow, so my Retinal is usually pared back a bit. 'Introduce them by trialling small amounts gradually,' Ingrid advised. 'The results will take time. Do not expect overnight miracles, be patient!' Remember, your skin journey is a marathon, not a sprint with the magic word being 'consistency' according to Ingrid. 'Be guided by a professional and tweak your routine based on your age and skin needs.' So, if you've been wondering whether it's time to up your skincare game, I hope this guide has helped just a little bit so you can go forth and serum like a pro. And as I like to say, your future is in your hands… and on your face.
