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Daily Record
2 days ago
- Health
- Daily Record
Scots teen suffered 'severe stomach pain' before life-changing diagnosis
Lucy Maine thought her symptoms were linked to her Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (PoTS), which she was diagnosed with at age 14. A Glasgow teen has opened up about her shock rare condition diagnoses following spells of nausea and extreme abdominal pain. Lucy Maine has told that her symptoms were initially thought to be linked to her autonomic nervous system disorder, Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (PoTS), which she was diagnosed with at age 14. However, last summer, the now 19-year-old's symptoms worsened and she was rushed to hospital. She told Glasgow Live: 'When I was admitted, I had low blood sugar. I was nauseous and I just kept throwing up. I was struggling to keep anything down and had excess saliva. It was put down to a virus because I had a high temperature, but the symptoms continued after I was discharged. 'After going back and forth to the GP, gastroparesis was mentioned as a possible connection to PoTS because they can both co-exist. I had such severe stomach pain and needed stronger pain relief, so I was then sent for testing.' Lucy had never heard of the condition before her diagnosis and what living with gastroparesis would involve. That's before she stumbled across Guts UK, which helped her make sense of the condition. 'Guts UK was the first charity I came across when I was looking at information about the condition. The website explained gastroparesis in a really simple way, and there were pictures showing how food goes into your stomach and gets stuck, which made it easier for me to learn about it. 'I also read a woman's story, which connected a lot with mine. Although I saw she had a feeding tube, which I hoped I would never need. It was nice to see someone else with the condition, knowing that it wasn't just me, especially because she was close to my age.' Lucy's initial treatment involved dietary changes, medication and nutritional supplements. However, not long into this year, Lucy was raced to hospital again after experiencing extreme weight loss, low blood sugar, nausea, and vomiting and she was fitted with an NJ feeding tube. 'There wasn't really a choice with getting the tube; I was barely able to speak and move in the hospital bed because I was so exhausted and weak", she explained. "I just remember crying, I didn't want a feeding tube at all. I was really scared, and I didn't know anyone who had one. I thought a feeding tube meant I was going to be in the hospital all the time, which I've realised now, it doesn't mean that at all." Lucy's NJ feeding tube goes to the start of her small intestine and bypasses her stomach, which is affected by her gastroparesis. Her tube is connected overnight and runs for around 13 hours. Talking about life after her feeding tube, Lucy said: 'I have so much more energy. Even after a week of starting the feeds, I just felt so much more like myself. My weight has gone up, and my low blood sugar is much better controlled. I'm also about to start university, which at one point I never thought possible.' National digestive health charity Guts UK is raising vital awareness of gastroparesis – a rare and often misunderstood stomach condition – as part of Gastroparesis Awareness Month this August. The campaign aims to break down stigma, spark conversation, and provide reliable information about this debilitating condition that affects 14 in every 100,000 people in the UK. Reflecting on why she wanted to share her gastroparesis story, Lucy said: "I think I just want to raise awareness of the condition because it's not that well-known. And share my experience so that if there's anyone else who's newly diagnosed, or suspects that they may have it, they may be able to relate and feel a bit less alone with it. 'I've learned to take each day as it comes, because there will be tough times, but also better ones ahead. It's so important to remember that. I always try to remember that this is my situation right now, and I don't know what the future will look like. "I know there isn't a cure, and that can be scary. Also, try not to be afraid of having a feeding tube, it's there to support you, so try to accept it even though I know it's incredibly difficult.' Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Glasgow Times
21-06-2025
- Health
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow woman diagnosed with little-known bowel condition
Lorna, 56, from Glasgow, began experiencing symptoms in 2019 and initially suspected food poisoning, but her health continued to deteriorate. She said: "I lost two and a half stone in weight. "If I went out, I had to make sure I was near a toilet. "I'd even wake up at night with urgency." Eventually, under the care of gastroenterology, she underwent an endoscopy and colonoscopy. Four weeks later, biopsy results confirmed she had collagenous microscopic colitis, a type of inflammatory bowel disease. Lorna said: "After going home, I couldn't move for a week and a half without soiling myself. "I was passing pure watery stool and dreaded eating, even though I was so weak. "I was also started on prescribed steroids and had times where I felt more okay, until I started to taper off them, then my symptoms came back. "Four weeks later, the biopsy results showed that I have collagenous microscopic colitis." Read more: Portaloo transformed into mini-cinema puts spotlight on hidden health issue Microscopic colitis causes chronic diarrhoea and bowel control issues, often disrupting people's daily life and sleep. After being informed about her condition, Lorna was struck by the lack of awareness but found guidance through Guts UK, a national charity focused on digestive health. Lorna said: "After my diagnosis, I was never given any information. "I was left to learn about my condition myself. "This is when I came across Guts UK charity's information. "Microscopic colitis needs to be recognised more for what it is. "I feel the professionals don't know much about it, and nobody picked up on the warning signs sooner. "There also needs to be more awareness and support. "I don't want anyone to go through what I have, and I'd love to help contribute to more public awareness of microscopic colitis, as awareness is vital to steer future research on the condition." Guts UK is currently working to raise awareness through education and public awareness campaigns. As part of this, the team will be visiting The Forge shopping centre in Glasgow on June 26, with a "much-loved" member of their team - Colin the Colon. Read more: Glasgow students have 'best day ever' at state-of-the-art Scottish Ambulance base (Image: Supplied) Colin is a 5.5-metre-tall inflatable colon designed to help people visualise and learn about digestive conditions. This immersive experience is designed to allow visitors a chance to walk through a colon replica and explore its many digestive conditions, including Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and diverticular disease. Suzanne Hudson, chief executive of Guts UK, said: "We always get a really positive reaction to Colin. "People can't help but stop and look twice when they see a large inflatable colon. "Colin is a visual representation of our invisible and misunderstood digestive system, and he creates much-needed conversations surrounding our gut health, and we love him for that. "He is a vital part of our team."
