Coventry woman's donor plea after having life-saving plasma
A woman who received blood plasma after being diagnosed with a rare condition called thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) has said she would not be here today without donors.Michelle, from Coventry, who asked not to share her surname, spoke out after the NHS said blood stocks were running low.Health chiefs have called for 200,000 new donors to come forward to avoid a "red alert", where there is a threat to public safety.Michelle said it took about 150 donors to save her life a couple of years ago.
"I wouldn't be talking to you today without people donating plasma. I developed a very rare blood condition a few years ago and in the space of a week, I needed over 150 units of plasma to keep me alive," she said."They took my plasma out of my blood and gave me donor plasma back."NHS trusts describe TTP as a rare disease, related to blood clotting, that has to be treated in hospital.Michelle said donating blood and plasma "saves lives", adding: "If you've never done it before, it doesn't take long, it's a really simple thing to do, but it makes such a huge difference to people like me".NHS Blood and Transplant, the body that oversees England's blood donation system, has said the number of regular donors needs to rise from about 800,000 to more than one million to maintain a safe and reliable supply.
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Telegraph
39 minutes ago
- Telegraph
SNP leaders ‘snubbed' nurse at centre of NHS trans row
SNP leaders have been accused of declining to meet a nurse at the centre of a tribunal about a trans doctor being allowed to use a female changing room. Sandie Peggie held talks with several MSPs ahead of her employment tribunal against NHS Fife, which resumes in Dundee next month. The nurse launched legal action after she was suspended for raising concerns over the use of a female changing room by Beth Upton, a trans doctor. Ms Peggie met with senior Tories including Russell Findlay, the party leader, and Alexander Stewart, the Mid Scotland and Fife MSP. The nurse also spoke with Labour politicians and Alba's Ash Regan, and was joined in Holyrood by campaigners fighting for single-sex spaces including Maya Forstater, of the gender-critical charity Sex Matters. According to The Courier, John Swinney, the First Minister, and his deputy Kate Forbes declined an invitation to meet Ms Peggie. Mr Findlay said it was a 'privilege' to meet Ms Peggie 'and to hear a first-hand account of her appalling ordeal'. He added: 'It is outrageous that a dedicated NHS nurse's career has been destroyed and her life consumed by a suffocating legal process simply because she stood up for women's rights. 'Sandie has paid a massive price for her brave and principled stand against the SNP Government's promotion of gender politics which now infects Scotland's entire public sector.' Mr Findlay also accused SNP leaders of declining to meet Ms Peggie 'because so many SNP politicians are still in the grip of these dangerous and damaging beliefs'. Ms Peggie, an A&E nurse at Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy, was suspended in January last year and subjected to a disciplinary investigation after she challenged Dr Upton for using a female changing room on Dec 24 2023. Dr Upton filed a complaint against Ms Peggie, accusing her of bullying and creating a hostile environment, and describing the encounter as a 'hate incident'. An employment tribunal hearing was adjourned in March after Ms Peggie's lawyer accused the health board of failing to comply with a request to disclose internal documents relevant to the case. It is scheduled to resume on July 16. 'Politicians need to hear from Sandie' Margaret Gribbon, Ms Peggie's solicitor, said: 'Politicians needed to hear directly from Sandie to understand how the sheer depth of the discrimination and harassment she and women like her have endured in workplaces – in her case, as a nurse with 30 years unblemished service, simply because she objected to having to undress in front of a man. 'We were grateful for the politicians' time and welcomed the opportunity to share insights into how misguided actions by public bodies such as NHS Fife have devastating real-life consequences and come at great expense to the Scottish taxpayer. 'We had productive meetings, and the door is always open for any politicians who were unable to meet Sandie today.' Ms Forstater said: 'It was important for politicians to hear directly from Sandie Peggie, given that Scottish public bodies, from NHS Fife right up to the Scottish Government itself, are continuing to delay policy changes following the Supreme Court judgement. 'We urged politicians to consider this as a matter of urgency, as the Supreme Court made crystal clear that organisations which allow men to identify their way into female facilities are operating outside the law.' A Scottish Government spokesman said no meeting between ministers and Ms Peggie took place, adding: 'It would be inappropriate to comment further while judicial proceedings in an employment tribunal are ongoing.'
Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
I lost 8st on fat jabs but felt severely hungover & was constantly on the loo – but I'm happier than ever being skinny
A MOTHER has revealed that she lost over eight stone whilst using Mounjaro, but has been accused of 'cheating' her weight loss. Not only this, but Kelsey, the mum from Glasgow, has constantly found herself on the loo and has been battling with feeling severely hungover, despite not having a drop of alcohol. 4 A mother has opened up on her Mounjaro weight loss and her battle with diarrhoea and exhaustion Credit: 4 Kelsey also clapped back at those who accuse her of "cheating" her weight loss Credit: 4 Mounjaro is typically used to treat type 2 diabetes Credit: Getty The content creator, who has lost 8 stone 13lbs since August 2024, got candid on the unfortunate fat jab side effects, but despite this, claimed that she is 'happier than ever' being slim. Posting on social media, alongside a picture of Kelsey shortly after giving birth to her baby, she confirmed that as a result of taking Mounjaro, which is regarded by some as the King Kong of weight loss jabs, she has been accused of 'cheating' her weight loss. But just seconds later, the brunette beauty showed off her newly slimmed down frame as she wore a cropped co-ord, held up a drink and beamed: 'I'll forever cheers to 'cheating'.' Eager to clap back at those who hail Mounjaro 'the easy way out', Kelsey explained: 'You don't know the years I spent trapped in a cycle of diets that didn't work. 'You don't know the pain of battling a body that felt like it was working against me because of PCOS.' Not only this, but Kelsey also claimed that prior to using Mounjaro, she was exhausted and faced 'quiet moments' where she 'nearly gave up.' She then claimed that she is 'not 'stealing' from anyone', and instead, is 'reclaiming' her health and 'showing up' for herself in a way she never thought she could. Now, Kelsey claimed that her 'mum tum' is 'barely noticeable'. Not only this, but she stressed that Mounjaro 'changed' her life and now she feels 'happier than ever.' Sun GP Dr Zoe Williams claimed that Mounjaro, which could soon be rolled out on the NHS, can save the lives of people with 'life-threatening levels of obesity'. Weight Loss Jabs - Pros vs Cons But despite this, the NHS warned: 'Never take an anti-obesity medicine if it has not been prescribed to you. "These types of medicines may not be safe for you and can cause serious side effects.' I have been up since 5:30am feeling sick, really, really sick - back and forward to the toilet Kelsey In another clip, Kelsey got candid on her side effects after increasing her Mounjaro dose to 12.5mg. The mother explained that she had initially been 'so lucky' when it came to experiencing Mounjaro side effects, but after starting on the 12.5mg dose, things all changed. She admitted: 'Oh my goodness, I feel severely hungover, I feel like I've got the worst hangover. 'I feel so, so tired. I have been up since 5:30am feeling sick, really, really sick - back and forward to the toilet.' Kelsey explained that not only has she been dealing with diarrhoea and stomach cramps, but she also claimed that her body, particularly her feet, are 'so swollen.' Everything you need to know about fat jabs Weight loss jabs are all the rage as studies and patient stories reveal they help people shed flab at almost unbelievable rates, as well as appearing to reduce the risk of serious diseases. Wegovy – a modified version of type 2 diabetes drug Ozempic – and Mounjaro are the leading weight loss injections used in the UK. Wegovy, real name semaglutide, has been used on the NHS for years while Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a newer and more powerful addition to the market. Mounjaro accounts for most private prescriptions for weight loss and is set to join Wegovy as an NHS staple this year. How do they work? The jabs work by suppressing your appetite, making you eat less so your body burns fat for energy instead and you lose weight. They do this my mimicking a hormone called GLP-1, which signals to the brain when the stomach is full, so the drugs are officially called GLP-1 receptor agonists. They slow down digestion and increase insulin production, lowering blood sugar, which is why they were first developed to treat type 2 diabetes in which patients' sugar levels are too high. Can I get them? NHS prescriptions of weight loss drugs, mainly Wegovy and an older version called Saxenda (chemical name liraglutide), are controlled through specialist weight loss clinics. Typically a patient will have to have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, classifying them as medically obese, and also have a weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure. GPs generally do not prescribe the drugs for weight loss. Private prescribers offer the jabs, most commonly Mounjaro, to anyone who is obese (BMI of 30+) or overweight (BMI 25-30) with a weight-related health risk. Private pharmacies have been rapped for handing them out too easily and video calls or face-to-face appointments are now mandatory to check a patient is being truthful about their size and health. Are there any risks? Yes – side effects are common but most are relatively mild. Around half of people taking the drug experience gut issues, including sickness, bloating, acid reflux, constipation and diarrhoea. Dr Sarah Jarvis, GP and clinical consultant at said: 'One of the more uncommon side effects is severe acute pancreatitis, which is extremely painful and happens to one in 500 people.' Other uncommon side effects include altered taste, kidney problems, allergic reactions, gallbladder problems and hypoglycemia. Evidence has so far been inconclusive about whether the injections are damaging to patients' mental health. Figures obtained by The Sun show that, up to January 2025, 85 patient deaths in the UK were suspected to be linked to the medicines. According to WebMD, swelling in the feet, ankles or legs can happen when using Mounjaro, especially if you are dehydrated, which can happen if you aren't drinking enough water or are dealing with diarrhoea. The pros also acknowledged that diarrhoea, as well as stomach pain, are just two of the 'most common side effects of Mounjaro'. Social media users react The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @kelseymounjaroandme, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly amassed 175,600 views. Despite her side effects, social media users were stunned by Kelsey's incredible weight loss and many eagerly raced to the comments to express this. One person said: 'Oh my you look incredible!!' What are the other side effects of weight loss jabs? Like any medication, weight loss jabs can have side effects. Common side effects of injections such as Ozempic include: Nausea: This is the most commonly reported side effect, especially when first starting the medication. It often decreases over time as your body adjusts. Vomiting: Can occur, often in conjunction with nausea. Diarrhea: Some people experience gastrointestinal upset. Constipation: Some individuals may also experience constipation. Stomach pain or discomfort: Some people may experience abdominal pain or discomfort. Reduced appetite: This is often a desired effect for people using Ozempic for weight loss. Indigestion: Can cause a feeling of bloating or discomfort after eating. Serious side effects can also include: Pancreatitis: In rare cases, Ozempic may increase the risk of inflammation of the pancreas, known as pancreatitis, which can cause severe stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. Kidney problems: There have been reports of kidney issues, including kidney failure, though this is uncommon. Thyroid tumors: There's a potential increased risk of thyroid cancer, although this risk is based on animal studies. It is not confirmed in humans, but people with a history of thyroid cancer should avoid Ozempic. Vision problems: Rapid changes in blood sugar levels may affect vision, and some people have reported blurry vision when taking Ozempic. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar): Especially if used with other medications like sulfonylureas or insulin. Another added: 'Wow!! Incredible transformation.' Meanwhile, a third commented: 'You're stunning!' Fatal consequences In addition to diarrhoea and stomach cramps, those debating whether to begin using Mounjaro should know that the jabs can have fatal consequences. The injections are licensed for patients with type 2 diabetes and are administered every seven days. 4 They are also available to assist those who are clinically obese (with a Body Mass Index of 30 or over). The drugs can be prescribed by a practitioner - such as a doctor, nurse or a pharmacist-independent prescriber. But increasingly, we are seeing more and more people buying them through online pharmacies, without sufficient checks. Not only this, but figures from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency revealed that fat jabs had been linked to 82 deaths across the UK. Following the death of a man from Burton upon Trent, Staffs, who died after taking Mounjaro, his family are now calling for a probe into the jab's "potential to kill." 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Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE My toddler had a fall when she was playing and woke up the next day with completely BLACK eyes... now she's been diagnosed with an ultra-agressive cancer and we don't know how long we have left
A mother has told how her two-year-old was a 'normal happy, healthy toddler' just days before a devastating diagnosis left the child fighting for her life. Carlyn Dooley, from Corby, rushed her daughter Paisley to hospital on April 2 after she woke up with black rings around her eyes. Initially, the 25-year-old thought Paisley might have injured herself playing and never expected she was about to hear news that would make her 'whole world fall apart'. 'They called us through and they said, "We're really sorry, but we found a mass in your daughter's tummy and we think it might be cancer." 'I didn't want to understand it at the start. My heart broke instantly', Ms Dooley, who is 34 weeks pregnant, told MailOnline. Paisley has Stage 4 High-Risk Neuroblastoma, a very aggressive and rare childhood cancer with a devastating 50% survival rate. The diagnosis came as a huge shock given that the child showed no prior symptoms of being unwell. Paisley's family have set up a GoFundMe to help them cover the future cost of her treatments - which could be in excess of £250,000. Initially the 25-year-old thought Paisley might have injured herself playing, and never expected she was about to hear news that would make her 'whole world fall apart' 'Paisley was a normal, happy, healthy little one year old. She would run around, she would play, she'd go to playgroups three times a week', said Ms Dooley. 'She was full of life. There were never any signs. There were never any indicators. She was just a normal, happy, healthy toddler.' Paisley is currently undergoing chemotherapy treatment which has had 'horrible side effects' including sickness and hair loss. 'I don't even have the words to describe it. It's something I wouldn't wish on anybody. We were just a normal, happy family,' Ms Dooley said. 'We were supposed to be bringing her baby brother into the world as a normal, happy family of four, and now we're watching our daughter who has just turned two years old fight for her life. 'It's literally ripped us apart'. Ms Dooley added: 'It's heartbreaking to see your normal, happy, healthy little girl that had beautiful long blonde hair be told she's got cancer, start chemotherapy and lose her hair, I can't even explain it'. The distraught mother says Paisley is confused about why her hair is falling out but is too young to comprehend what's happening. 'She, she doesn't really understand. We just say, "You're just poorly, it will come back', because how do you tell a two-year-old that they could die?', Ms Dooley said. Ms Dooley said Paisley has an an 'amazing' attitude and has stayed cheerful throughout her numerous hospital visits. 'She even runs up and down when she's having chemo,' her mother said. The night before her diagnosis Paisley had fallen over while playing with her father Ross, but showed no signs of injury. But, when Ms Dooley went in to wake the toddler up the next morning she was shocked to see 'Paisley had big black bloodshot panda eyes.' 'I had no idea what was going on. I thought maybe worst case scenario, like, she's like, hurt herself, like quite badly,' the mother recalled. She took the child to hospital, expecting doctors to agree with her theory but knew something was 'very wrong' when medics told her this couldn't be the case. 'Even the hospital was concerned because I told them what had happened and they didn't understand how the nature of her fall would cause the injuries that her face had. 'Her face did look obviously really bruised but her eyes were bloodshot, a child falling over shouldn't get bloodshot eyes,' Ms Dooley said. After conducting numerous scans and tests doctors found it was a cancer called High Risk Neuroblastoma that had caused the marks on Paisley's face. 'It's a really hard cancer to tackle. That's why treatments are minimum of 18 months long. 'So much can go wrong at any time', said Ms Dooley. She added how Paisley could get to remission but the chances of the cancer returning are more than 50%. And, If she can't get to remission or she does not get to remission and then she relapses, Paisley survival rate drops to 5%. Ms Dooley said if this happens there is 'not much that can be done on the NHS' and she will need to pay for Paisley to be taken further a field for treatment - the cost of which 'can be in excess of £250,000.' 'There's things that can be done overseas but that's self-funding, which isn't going to be cheap. That's going to cost a lot of money,' the mother added. The toddler's parents have set up a GoFundme page to help them afford to pay for further treatment should it be needed.
