Latest news with #Vickie
Scottish Sun
13-08-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
I thought my Mounjaro sulphur burps weren't anything to worry about until I ended up in hospital – don't make my mistake
Plus, what to do if you find yourself losing weight too quickly JAB IT IN I thought my Mounjaro sulphur burps weren't anything to worry about until I ended up in hospital – don't make my mistake Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) FOR many, Mounjaro has been a miracle weight-loss drug, offering hope and a new lease of life. But as one woman discovered, the side effects that seem manageable on the surface can be a sign of something much more serious. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Vickie has shared a video on TikTok revealing why she has been in hospital Credit: TikTok/@vickie4567 TikToker Vickie has issued a stark warning after a frightening hospital scare, urging others to listen to their bodies and not ignore the warning signs. The video, shared on TikTok by user 'vickie4567', quickly gained over 91.9k views in just a few hours. In it, Vickie recounts her journey, which began three months ago with the successful use of Mounjaro. A passionate advocate for the medication, she revealed she had managed to lose "four or five stone" while on the 5mg dose. Like many on the medication, she had a common, if unpleasant, side effect: sulphur burps, which she admitted to experiencing for many weeks. But a few days ago, those familiar burps were followed by a trip to the hospital. There, after a battery of tests including an IV drip, scans, bloods, and urine, she was given a terrifying diagnosis. Doctors explained that Mounjaro had severely slowed her digestive system. They also suspected a serious and life-threatening condition: pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas, which is a known but rare side effect of the drug. The doctors also linked her ongoing diarrhoea, which she had been treating with loperamide, to a possible bowel twist. I went on fat jabs but the hair loss was unbelievable so I quit - I'd rather be chubby with hair than skinny and bald Vickie's sobering realisation came during her hospital stay. "I have been poorly for a long time," she admits, adding that she had been ignoring a number of symptoms, from feeling sick and having stomachaches to constant headaches. It was a wake-up call to not dismiss the body's warning signs. Her candid story gained 688 likes and spurred a wave of comments. It affects everyone differently TikTok comment While many were sympathetic, others shared their contrasting experiences. One user commented: "Omg mate hope you get better soon that's well bad." While another expressed concern: "Omg! I was on this for a month and considered taking it again but i'm gonna second think about this." 2 She urged people to be aware of their side effects Credit: TikTok/@vickie4567 A third user offered a different perspective, noting: "It affects everyone differently. "I've been on it since December and lost nearly seven stone," adding that the medication had positively impacted their liver health.
The Irish Sun
13-08-2025
- Health
- The Irish Sun
I thought my Mounjaro sulphur burps weren't anything to worry about until I ended up in hospital – don't make my mistake
Plus, what to do if you find yourself losing weight too quickly JAB IT IN I thought my Mounjaro sulphur burps weren't anything to worry about until I ended up in hospital – don't make my mistake FOR many, Mounjaro has been a miracle weight-loss drug, offering hope and a new lease of life. But as one woman discovered, the side effects that seem manageable on the surface can be a sign of something much more serious. Advertisement 2 Vickie has shared a video on TikTok revealing why she has been in hospital Credit: TikTok/@vickie4567 TikToker Vickie has issued a stark warning after a frightening hospital scare, urging others to listen to their bodies and not ignore the warning signs. The video, shared on TikTok by user 'vickie4567', quickly gained over 91.9k views in just a few hours. In it, Vickie recounts her journey, which began three months ago with the successful use of Mounjaro. A passionate advocate for the medication, she revealed she had managed to lose "four or five stone" while on the 5mg dose. Advertisement Like many on the medication, she had a common, if unpleasant, side effect: sulphur burps, which she admitted to experiencing for many weeks. But a few days ago, those familiar burps were followed by a trip to the hospital. There, after a battery of tests including an IV drip, scans, bloods, and urine, she was given a terrifying diagnosis. Doctors explained that Mounjaro had severely slowed her digestive system. Advertisement They also suspected a serious and life-threatening condition: pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas, which is a known but rare side effect of the drug. The doctors also linked her ongoing diarrhoea, which she had been treating with loperamide, to a possible bowel twist. I went on fat jabs but the hair loss was unbelievable so I quit - I'd rather be chubby with hair than skinny and bald Vickie's sobering realisation came during her hospital stay. "I have been poorly for a long time," she admits, adding that she had been ignoring a number of symptoms, from feeling sick and having stomachaches to constant headaches. Advertisement It was a wake-up call to not dismiss the body's warning signs. Her candid story gained 688 likes and spurred a wave of comments. It affects everyone differently TikTok comment While many were sympathetic, others shared their contrasting experiences. One user commented: "Omg mate hope you get better soon that's well bad." Advertisement While another expressed concern: "Omg! I was on this for a month and considered taking it again but i'm gonna second think about this." 2 She urged people to be aware of their side effects Credit: TikTok/@vickie4567 A third user offered a different perspective, noting: "It affects everyone differently. "I've been on it since December and lost nearly seven stone," adding that the medication had positively impacted their liver health. Advertisement
The Sun
13-08-2025
- Health
- The Sun
I thought my Mounjaro sulphur burps weren't anything to worry about until I ended up in hospital – don't make my mistake
FOR many, Mounjaro has been a miracle weight-loss drug, offering hope and a new lease of life. But as one woman discovered, the side effects that seem manageable on the surface can be a sign of something much more serious. 2 TikToker Vickie has issued a stark warning after a frightening hospital scare, urging others to listen to their bodies and not ignore the warning signs. The video, shared on TikTok by user ' vickie4567 ', quickly gained over 91.9k views in just a few hours. In it, Vickie recounts her journey, which began three months ago with the successful use of Mounjaro. A passionate advocate for the medication, she revealed she had managed to lose "four or five stone" while on the 5mg dose. Like many on the medication, she had a common, if unpleasant, side effect: sulphur burps, which she admitted to experiencing for many weeks. But a few days ago, those familiar burps were followed by a trip to the hospital. There, after a battery of tests including an IV drip, scans, bloods, and urine, she was given a terrifying diagnosis. Doctors explained that Mounjaro had severely slowed her digestive system. They also suspected a serious and life-threatening condition: pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas, which is a known but rare side effect of the drug. The doctors also linked her ongoing diarrhoea, which she had been treating with loperamide, to a possible bowel twist. I went on fat jabs but the hair loss was unbelievable so I quit - I'd rather be chubby with hair than skinny and bald Vickie's sobering realisation came during her hospital stay. "I have been poorly for a long time," she admits, adding that she had been ignoring a number of symptoms, from feeling sick and having stomachaches to constant headaches. It was a wake-up call to not dismiss the body's warning signs. Her candid story gained 688 likes and spurred a wave of comments. While many were sympathetic, others shared their contrasting experiences. One user commented: "Omg mate hope you get better soon that's well bad." While another expressed concern: "Omg! I was on this for a month and considered taking it again but i'm gonna second think about this." A third user offered a different perspective, noting: "It affects everyone differently. "I've been on it since December and lost nearly seven stone," adding that the medication had positively impacted their liver health. What to do if you lose too much weight too quickly whilst on Mounjaro IF you're losing too much weight too quickly while on Mounjaro, it's important to take action to avoid potential health risks like muscle loss, malnutrition, dehydration, and fatigue. Here's what you can do: Evaluate Your Caloric Intake Mounjaro reduces appetite, which can make it easy to eat too little. If you're losing weight too fast (more than two to three lbs per week after the initial adjustment period), try: Tracking your food intake to ensure you're eating enough calories (apps like MyFitnessPal can help). Increasing protein intake to preserve muscle mass (aim for 0.6–1g per pound of body weight). Adding healthy fats and complex carbs (e.g., avocados, nuts, whole grains) for balanced energy. Adjust Your Dosage (With Doctor's Approval) If your weight loss is too rapid or causing side effects, your doctor may: Pause dose increases or lower your dosage. Adjust your treatment plan to stabilise your weight loss. Strength Training & Exercise To prevent muscle loss: Incorporate resistance training at least two to three times per week. Stay active with low-impact exercises like walking or yoga. Hydrate & Manage Electrolytes Drink enough water (Mounjaro can reduce thirst). Electrolytes matter - Consider adding magnesium, sodium, and potassium if you feel weak or fatigued. Monitor for Malnutrition & Deficiencies Rapid weight loss can cause vitamin/mineral deficiencies (especially B12, iron, and electrolytes). If you experience: Fatigue, hair loss, or dizziness, ask your doctor about supplements. Consider Further Medical Guidance If your weight loss is excessive or causing health concerns, speak with your healthcare provider. They might adjust your dosage, diet, or exercise plan to help stabilise your weight loss.
Los Angeles Times
22-06-2025
- Los Angeles Times
My sister's cold case
I am staring at the man accused of raping and murdering my sister, Vickie, in August 1979. She was 28. I can see him, but he can't see me. We are connected by video. He is dressed in an orange jumpsuit, sitting in a Maryland jailhouse holding room waiting for his bail hearing to begin. I am alone in a hotel room, on a business trip to New York. I am taken aback by his appearance. He was 18 in 1979. Now 62, he looks years older, agitated, eyes darting. He is Black — like me, like Vickie. I can feel my chest tightening, sweat accumulating on my forehead. Vickie's death left me with my own boogeyman. A faceless presence never far from my side. I saw real and imagined threats everywhere. My life was bifurcated into the before and the after. I lugged around survivor's baggage — sorrow, guilt and fear. And now there he is: The boogeyman has a face and a name: Andre Taylor. And, most important, genetic markers. He left behind DNA when he brutally raped Vickie, shot her in the head and left her body alongside a rural road in Charles County, Md. For four decades, the police made no arrests. Her killing added to the shocking number of unsolved murdered or missing Black women and girls in the U.S. My younger sister, Kay, now a retired California deputy sheriff, kept pushing for answers. I chose instead to focus on supporting Vickie's son, who was 8 at the time of her death, on raising money for the Vickie Belk Scholarship Foundation launched by our family church and on speaking out against gun violence. Then in mid-2023, the combination of enhanced DNA technology, Kay's determination and new leadership in the Charles County Sheriff's Department and the Maryland state attorney's office, there was a major break in the case. A DNA sample lifted from Vickie's clothing matched a profile in the national database. At the time, Taylor was living in a Washington, D.C., convalescent home. One of his legs had been amputated and he was using a wheelchair. He had no known relationship with Vickie. What he did have was a long, violent criminal record, and jail time. When the DNA match was confirmed, he was indicted and arrested. Which brought us to the bail hearing. Memories rush back. The last time I saw Vickie was on my wedding day. She was standing next to me at the altar in a blue maid-of-honor dress and matching hat. Three weeks later, I would be back at the same altar, sobbing over her lifeless body lying in a casket. She was wearing the same blue dress. For weeks, unopened wedding presents stayed stacked in the corner of our house. I listen as the public defender explains why the judge should grant Taylor bail. A flicker of compassion moves me. I spent years working for criminal justice reform. I know the system often fails poor people, especially those with disabilities and communities of color. I've been a strong public advocate of restorative justice and a critic of mass incarceration. 'Judge, look at him,' the public defender says. 'He's not going anywhere. He's not a flight risk.' I push aside any thoughts of compassion when the prosecutor shares Taylor's version of how his DNA got on Vickie's clothing. He claimed that a friend named Mikey showed up at his house with a hysterical Vickie in the backseat of his car. Taylor's story was that she begged for her life, offering to have sex if they would just let her go. He said Mikey left with Vickie, alive, and when he asked later, Mikey told him: 'Well man, you know I had to do what I had to do.' I start to weep. The prosecutor jumps in, noting the defensive wounds on Vickie's body as she fought for her life and lost, the presence of Taylor's DNA on her panties. And then this: When Taylor was arrested, the prosecutor says, he told officers he would have enlisted his brothers to help him flee if he'd known the police were coming for him. 'He is a flight risk and should be held without bail,' the prosecutor insists. 'Bail denied!' the judge thunders. :: A year and half later, in summer 2024, I travel east from California again, this time for Taylor's trial. Every day our family and friends from the old neighborhood and beyond are in the Maryland courtroom or Zooming in. But all their love and support isn't enough to lessen my dread of what will come. Jury selection is a reminder of how much violence is ingrained in American life. The judge asks the diverse pool of nearly 100 prospective jurors to stand if they know someone who was wounded or killed by gun violence. Only five remained seated. When he asks about sexual violence, a majority of the women stand. Many accept the judge's offer to be excused if they feel they can't be impartial. I begin to worry if there will be any women left to serve. Finally, the prosecution and defense agree on four women and nine men (including one alternate). They are mostly folks of color. The hallways are cleared each morning as Taylor is wheeled into court. In person, he seems small, innocuous. I find myself wishing I knew how to hate better, but I come up empty. All I can muster is curiosity, loss and pain, wondering what had happened to him in his first 18 years of life. Kay is one of the first called to the witness stand by the prosecutor. She must formally identify Vickie in the crime scene photos. Several family members choose to leave the courtroom. I stay and watch as jurors gasp at the images or look away. Taylor sits motionless, as if the evidence has nothing to do with him. We hear emotional testimony from the man who'd found Vickie in the woods. Now a grandfather, he was 15, riding his bike near his home, when he saw her body. He had shared with the family how the image haunted him for years. When the defense begins, I start directing my bitterness less at Taylor and more at his lawyers. It's a two-person team headed by the chief public defender, a Black woman, with a white woman in the second chair. I know they are doing their jobs, but their competency turns my stomach and heart inside out. Taylor's lawyer asks the medical examiner who did the original autopsy if it is possible that Vickie committed suicide or if her blunt vaginal injuries could be from consensual sex. Absolutely not, the medical examiner says. She stands by her assessment that Vickie's death was a homicide, and that she was violently sexually assaulted. Next Taylor's lawyers take a page from the O.J. Simpson playbook and spend hours trying to dispute the collection and validity of the DNA evidence. But in the end, Taylor's own words convict him. The prosecution plays the entire two-hour video of his arrest interview. For almost 60 minutes, he denies having any contact with Vickie, and then he admits to what the prosecutors will call 'actions that amounted to rape.' 'I had sex with her to quiet her down. She was nicely dressed with nice expensive shoes. I remember those shoes. Dressed like she worked in an office or something.' He deadpans, 'She was alive when I was done with her.' In the closing argument, the prosecutor connects the dots. There was no Mikey. All the evidence points to the fact that Vickie was abducted, taken to the woods a few miles from where Taylor lived, sexually assaulted and murdered. The DNA implicates Taylor and Taylor alone. It takes the jury two hours to come back with a verdict: guilty. As they file out of the courtroom, several of them make eye contact. I silently mouth 'thank you.' :: A month later, I return to the courtroom for Taylor's sentencing. Family members are given the opportunity to make statements. We are instructed to direct our comments to the judge, not Taylor. Vickie's son speaks first. I keep my remarks short, reminding the court of the brutality of the crime, how scared Vickie must have been, and how Taylor had shown no remorse for his actions. When it is my youngest sister's turn, she first apologizes to the judge for ignoring his instructions, then turns to Taylor, and says what I wish I had had the nerve to say: ' You are a piece of trash.' She accepts the judge's reprimand and leaves the courtroom. Taylor is sentenced to life in prison. 'My actions today won't bring Vickie back,' the judge says. 'It probably won't even provide closure. But I hope it will bring you some sense of justice and peace.' Maybe one day it will. But not this day. I leave the courtroom feeling the loss of a sister — no justice, no peace. Judy Belk, former president and chief executive of the California Wellness Foundation, is a frequent contributor to The Times. She is at work on a book of personal essays about racial justice and social change.
Yahoo
08-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Young railway enthusiast gets birthday treat
A boy with a love of trains has gone behind the scenes at a railway signalling hub as a birthday treat. Zach from Walsall has cystic fibrosis and autism and his family said he developed a fascination for trains and other transport from a very young age, learning to tell what kind of train was passing just from the sound of the engine. He has his own YouTube channel about his railway adventures and Network Rail said it wanted to organise "something special" for him. On Friday he was invited into the cab of a Network Rail train at Birmingham New Street and taken to the signalling hub for the West Midlands. He met some of the team there and had a go in a train signalling simulator, before having his birthday announced over the New Street public address system. His mother, Vickie, said she and Zach were very grateful for the opportunity to go behind the scenes. She said although Zach had cystic fibrosis and autism, she tried to teach him "he can do anything he wants to do in his life and can achieve anything". Martin Colmey, operations director for Network Rail Central route, said: "His enthusiasm is wonderful to see and we really hope today has inspired him to consider a career in rail when he's older." Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram. Network Rail
