Latest news with #fibromyalgia
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Warning over deadly risk of Mounjaro that 'ripped a hole' in 34 year-old woman's gullet and made her go bald
A woman who shed four stone on Mounjaro but suffered life-threatening side effects has warned the public to be wary of the blockbuster weight loss jabs. Aimee Chapman, 34, from Southampton, was admitted to intensive care last summer with liver failure and a perforated oesophagus—complications doctors linked to the popular injections. The former waitress bought the drug from a major online pharmacy in March 2024. She hoped that weight loss would lead to he being 'taken more seriously' by doctors, after being diagnosed with fibromyalgia, a chronic pain condition. Initially the medication proved successful, with Ms Chapman shedding four stone in just four months. A few months in, her energy levels plummeted, and more troubling symptoms began to emerge. She said: 'I couldn't really do much. I was only eating a couple of times a week. 'I stopped being able to walk. I would take a couple of steps and have to stop. Then I couldn't stop being sick. 'I was throwing up all the time and started throwing up blood. I was sick between 50 and 60 times. 'I collapsed a couple of times. My husband came home and found me passed out on the hallway one night. 'I was in a bit of denial about it being linked to the jab because I was fine up until now. I just thought I was poorly and it was some sort of virus.' When she began experiencing chest pains, she went to Winchester Hospital's A&E where doctors discovered a hole in her oesophagus—the tube connecting the back of the mouth to the stomach. This was allowing air to fill the space around her heart and lungs. Her blood pressure and potassium levels then began to plummet, forcing doctors to admit her to intensive care. Ms Chapman was later rushed to Southampton General Hospital's ICU, where doctors noticed her liver was 'failing', prompting them to consider an organ transplant. 'They had said it was down to the weight-loss jab but they didn't know why or how to fix it,' she said. 'I was terrified. It all happened so quickly and I hadn't realised how serious it was until I was transferred and it sunk in that it was worse than I thought it was. 'I was told the hole in the oesophagus can kill people and I may have needed a new liver. They said I could've died.' Luckily, doctors were able to stabilise her condition within two weeks, and she was discharged from hospital. The ordeal was not over, however. A few months later, in September, Ms Chapman began to notice large clumps of her hair falling out. Subsequent blood tests revealed the cause of the problem—a deficiency in the vitamin B12, which is essential for maintaining the supply of oxygen to the hair follicles. A wealth of research has shown that any form of rapid weight loss, whether from medication or surgery, can dramatically increase the risk of nutritional deficiencies. 'It kept happening and the handfuls kept getting bigger. I would be so sad,' said Ms Chapman. 'My hair was such a massive part of my identity and to cut it off just felt really traumatic. But I said to myself it was just hair, it'll grow back. This feels like another result of the injections.' While she doesn't wish to 'tell people what they can and can't take', she believes 'more research' is needed to confirm the safety of weight loss injections. 'I regret ever taking them,' she said. 'I'd say to other people thinking about trying them, don't do it online, go through your doctor who can give you blood tests and check how you're doing.' In September last year, medics from Kuwait reported the case of a 24 year-old teacher who began suffering from extreme vomiting, nausea and stomach pains after using Mounjaro—often referred to as the 'King Kong' of weight loss jabs. Hospital tests revealed that the patient, who was obese and had a BMI of 34, had 'alarming' levels of liver enzymes, proteins that help break down bile and toxins. This was a sign that her organ was failing and she was admitted to the ICU where she was given a plasma transfusion to flush out the toxins in her blood. She was referred to a transplant team because if left untreated, she could have suffered full blown liver failure, and a transplant would have been her only chance of survival. Writing in the European Journal of Case Reports, doctors from Kuwait who treated her said Mounjaro was 'likely the susceptible cause.' The case came a year after a 37 year-old in Seattle was treated for a similar liver injury after taking the same drug. Experts believe liver damage may happen in rare cases due to the rapid reduction of fat in the liver that could kill healthy cells. Meanwhile, patients have previously spoken of how Ozempic—which works similarly to Mounjaro—have triggered vomiting so violent it's led to a hole in their food pipe. Ozempic and Wegovy contain the active ingredient semaglutide. This mimics the hormone GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) which slows the movement of food through the digestive system, signalling to the body that it's full. Mounjar, meanwhile, use the active ingredient tirzepatide, which targets GLP-1 as well as the hormone glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), which has a similar hunger-surpressing effect. The dual action is thought to accelerate weight loss, making it more effective than Ozempic. In a statement, Eli Lilly, the drug firm that makes Mounjaro said: 'Patient safety is Lilly's top priority. 'We are committed to continually monitoring, evaluating, and reporting safety information for all Lilly medicines. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) was approved based on extensive assessment of the benefits and risks of the medicine, and we provide information about the benefits and risks of all our medicines to regulators around the world to ensure the latest information is available for prescribers. 'If anyone is experiencing side effects when taking any Lilly medicine, they should talk to their doctor or other healthcare professional.'
The Independent
6 days ago
- General
- The Independent
Why does nobody talk about dryness? Premature menopause had me constantly irritated – this is how I dealt with it
At 40, I've had chronic illnesses like fibromyalgia and OCD for half my life, so I'm used to experiencing a lot of strange mental and physical symptoms. However, a few years ago, these symptoms multiplied. I was experiencing things I'd never experienced before – crying randomly in the happiest places, an extreme fear of everything (when usually my confidence bordered on arrogance), a prickly numb sensation in my thighs, extreme body skin dryness and irritation, the list goes on. I didn't know it yet, but these were all symptoms of menopause. A recent study by JSHealth Vitamins found that 90 per cent of women feel inadequately prepared for the symptoms associated with perimenopause. I know that if I'd been taught about the symptoms at school, or read more press coverage on menopause, I would have been able to identify what was happening to me a lot sooner. It was the skin dryness and almost eczema-like irritation on my body that unlocked a premature menopause diagnosis for me. I had seen someone on Instagram who was going through menopause talking about using the same creams that my doctor had given me for my skin issues. Her doctor told her it was a menopause symptom. I was 39 at the time so menopause had never even entered my mind as a possible explanation. The taboo symptoms of menopause I had been on the 'mini pill' (progesterone only) for decades, which eliminated periods for me, so I hadn't even noticed any changes with my cycle. I Googled other menopause symptoms and discovered that I had been experiencing every single one, for years. I immediately booked an appointment with my doctor for blood tests, and after two rounds of them several months apart, I was diagnosed with premature menopause and put on HRT. I was lucky – alarmingly, JS Health Vitamins found that 1 in 4 women felt their local GP was inadequately trained in menopause. By chance, I got a female GP who was up to speed and educated on the topic. However, at the start of my menopause journey the one symptom I had been too embarrassed to seek help with was vaginal dryness. Like the skin on other areas of my body, the skin down there was extremely irritated, I experienced a burning sensation and it was sore to touch. GP Dr Sophie Newton explains that, 'menopausal vaginal dryness is a symptom of what's medically called genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). It's caused by a reduction in oestrogen levels, which affects the tissues of the vagina and surrounding areas. Without enough oestrogen, these tissues become thinner, less elastic and produce less natural lubrication.' Over the next couple of months, the prescribed oestrogen gel that I applied to my arms and the progesterone capsules I took, transformed my life and reset me. But I was still experiencing hot flushes and vaginal dryness. Hot flushes and excess sweating I could deal with, but the vaginal dryness was having a severe impact on my life and my sleep. At my first HRT review, I shared these symptoms, and I was prescribed oestrogen pessaries – a low-dose oestrogen tablet that's inserted into the vagina with a tampon-like applicator twice per week. Dr Newton says that the crux of managing dryness is oestrogen. The pessaries I was prescribed helped relieve my vaginal dryness symptoms a little, but not enough. I was at the maximum dose and not able to increase how often I inserted one. The effect this was having on my life was intolerable. I was constantly irritated down there, and it felt like permanently having a mixture of a urinary tract infection and thrush. GP and women's health expert Dr Milli Raizada explained to me that GSM, 'doesn't just impact your vagina and vulva, but also the urinary tract (urethra).' This made total sense. I was raw and sore, and I had an annoying burning sensation with an incessant feeling of needing to pee, which kept me awake most of the night. Sex with my husband was off the table as it was uncomfortable, and if we did have sex, the irritating effects lasted for days afterwards. How to treat vaginal dryness I began experimenting with the help of 'Dr Google' and tried lots of things the internet suggested might be helpful – olive oil, ice packs on my labia, over-the-counter vaginal moisturising gel from a high street chemist – but I wasn't really getting anywhere. The ice packs did help me sleep temporarily, but that was it. The moisturising gel had the opposite effect and set the area on fire. 'Surely women don't just live with this?' I thought to myself as I searched for more treatments and solutions. It took me a long time, and a lot of money, to find the products that worked for me, and to identify the things that increased the irritation. Dr Raizada explains that vaginal dryness symptoms are caused by a number of things, including 'less blood flow to the area, less oestrogen which changes the vaginal pH to more be alkaline, less oestrogen meaning less collagen and less elasticity, over washing the area, lifestyle factors like tight gym clothes and excess sweating, and certain medications. For example, antihistamines can worsen irritation too'. We are all so unique and our skin might be different to someone else's, so it took a lot of trial and error to find the routine that allowed me to live comfortably again. It wasn't a quick fix and as Dr Newton explains, 'lots of soaps, feminine hygiene products, wipes and sprays are often not recommended as they can worsen genital dryness, itching and irritation.' Like Dr Newton, I strongly encourage you to discontinue the use of any product that causes any kind of negative reaction. But I did eventually find an intimate care routine that worked for my skin – products that lubricated the area and left it comfortable, and products that soothed and cooled the skin, allowing me to resume a normal sleep pattern and enjoy sex again. From loose cotton underwear to Andrex skin kind toilet tissue, all manner of things helped relieve my vaginal dryness symptoms. I now have my self care routine perfected and these are the products I'd recommend if you're also experiencing this lesser discussed symptom of menopause. A gentle hydrating wash Dr Newton advises that, 'even gentle washes can upset the vulval pH. Stick to water or a plain emollient.' This is usually the advice you'll hear from women's health experts, however, that approach just didn't work for me. It was only with a particular intimate wash that I got any relief. Luna Daily creates its products with a team of dermatologists and, most importantly, gynaecologists, to ensure their products are safe for the delicate vulval area. The everywhere wash has a unique hydrabiome+ complex, which balances your vaginal microbiome and optimises its pH level. It also gives the area a large dose of moisture and supports the natural skin barrier. Dr Raizada suggests this might have helped me because unlike many other intimate washes, the Luna Daily wash is 'fragrance-free and contains lactic acid, and prebiotics such as inulin to help support a healthy vaginal microbiome as well as soothing omega fatty acids and vitamin E to offer barrier support'. However, she also notes that it 'also contains glycerin, so for some, may trigger thrush and bacterial vaginosis'. The other wash that I sometimes use, when I'm feeling luxurious, is Dr Barbara Sturm's V Wash. It too allows me to cleanse without irritation. It also soothes any existing irritation I may have with purslane extract and panthenol. Hyaluronic acid hydrates the area, and lactic acid helps the skin there to retain moisture, as well as supporting the area's delicate microbiome. There's also prebiotics and probiotics to maintain the intimate microflora. Dr Milli Raizada says that this wash 'aims to support the vaginal pH and microbiome with lactic acid, lactitol, xylitol, lactococcus and probiotic ferments. Hyaluronate is aimed to be moisturising and panthenol to maintain the skin barrier.' She does make the same warning about the inclusion of glycerin though. Vaginal care products aren't typically 'sexy' or enjoyable to use, but this one feels like a luxurious treat and it looks great in my bathroom, instead of being hidden away like most of the other products I use in this area. Cooling packs and sprays While Luna Daily's soothing spray is intended for women who have had a vaginal birth, it has been so helpful to me in helping to soothe my vaginal dryness (GSM). I spray it directly onto the skin and it helps relieve irritation from inflammation. It's extra cooling and soothing if you keep it in the fridge. It's infused with soothing aloe vera and bisabolol, anti-inflammatory calendula, and microbiome supportive lactic acid'. Dr Milli Raizada says that it 'contains a soothing barrier, moisturising chamomile derivatives, and aloe vera and lactic acid as a vaginal microbiome pH support – which is helpful to sensitive vulvas in those with GSM.' She advises that you patch test this first though, as there is a potential that it could be an irritant to some. Dr Sophie Newton explains that this is because some sprays 'can sting or dry out sensitive vulval tissue.' I already knew that my skin liked a cold pack, but the specific packs I now use were a god-send discovery. These Vagikool packs by Kegel8 are basically like ice poles for your vagina and relieve burning and itching, and reduce swelling post-intercourse. Dr Sophie Newton agrees that this can be a useful product – 'a clean, reusable cold pack can ease irritation — just don't over-chill.' It's reusable and hygienic as you use a disposable shield over it each time, a bit like a condom. Dr Milli Raizada also agrees that it eases 'irritation from swelling, and burning symptom relief that people may get with GSM.' She says 'it's very safe and simple and can be used with other treatments.' It's been particularly beneficial to me to aid sleep when I'm experiencing annoying irritation down there, and after sex to soothe the skin and stop any pain or irritation developing as a response to it. A specialist moisturiser Most experts will recommend a topical moisturiser for the vulval area to soothe dryness during menopause but you should be very particular about the types of creams, oils and gels you use down there. The one I came to rely heavily on was the Naydaya vagina victory oil. Gynaecologist formulated, all-natural and fragrance-free, it was designed to soothe intimate skin and alleviate vaginal dryness. All you need is a few drops and it's packed with soothing, nourishing oils and butters that have made me feel smooth and lubricated again. Pomegranate seed oil has omega 5-rich fatty acids, which protects dry, thinning skin and restores elasticity to vaginal tissue. Vitamin E is an anti-inflammatory and helps promote skin healing. There's also the natural emollient mango butter, as well as coconut oil, to moisturise and support the skin's natural moisture barrier. Dr Sophie Newton says that, 'natural oils can soothe some' but advises you to proceed with caution in case this causes irritation. I'd also recommend using the Yes VM Organic vaginal moisture applicators. These single-use, fragrance-free moisturisers lubricate the inside of the vagina and restore a natural pH level. They also alleviate irritation, itching and burning and are especially useful pre and post intercourse. Dr Milli Raizada goes as far as to say she recommends these to all her patients, because they are 'an organic, non-hormonal, water-based, pre-filled and hygiene-certified internal formula that is pH balanced.' Dr Sophie Newton also says she recommends these highly as they're excellent for dryness and are clinically proven. I find them so easy to insert and instantly soothing. A quality supplement Finally, I've found that the right supplement can improve symptoms. I rely on the JSHealth Vitamins vaginal probiotic+ capsules to stave off irritation. These oral probiotic capsules contain four selected bacteria strains, providing 15 billion live cultures, and 20g of Cranberries in each capsule, to rebalance the vaginal microbiome. Dr Raizada explains that this can be a useful probiotic top-up in theory as, 'in menopause, lower oestrogen means reduced glycogen in the vaginal mucosal area, so a reduction in the production of lactobacillus.' However, she and Dr Newton, note that more research is needed as there is a limited evidence base that a probiotic can help with symptoms of GSM. They note that some people do find it beneficial though, and whilst I can't wholly attribute the alleviation of my symptoms to these capsules, they don't do any harm and I feel more soothed and balanced than I did at the start of my journey.
The Independent
7 days ago
- General
- The Independent
Why does nobody talk about dryness? Premature menopause had me constantly irritated until I found these products
At 40, I've had chronic illnesses like fibromyalgia and OCD for half my life, so I'm used to experiencing a lot of strange mental and physical symptoms. However, a few years ago, these symptoms multiplied. I was experiencing things I'd never experienced before – crying randomly in the happiest places, an extreme fear of everything (when usually my confidence bordered on arrogance), a prickly numb sensation in my thighs, extreme body skin dryness and irritation, the list goes on. I didn't know it yet, but these were all symptoms of menopause. A recent study by JSHealth Vitamins found that 90 per cent of women feel inadequately prepared for the symptoms associated with perimenopause. I know that if I'd been taught about the symptoms at school, or read more press coverage on menopause, I would have been able to identify what was happening to me a lot sooner. It was the skin dryness and almost eczema-like irritation on my body that unlocked a premature menopause diagnosis for me. I had seen someone on Instagram who was going through menopause talking about using the same creams that my doctor had given me for my skin issues. Her doctor told her it was a menopause symptom. I was 39 at the time so menopause had never even entered my mind as a possible explanation. The taboo symptoms of menopause I had been on the 'mini pill' (progesterone only) for decades, which eliminated periods for me, so I hadn't even noticed any changes with my cycle. I Googled other menopause symptoms and discovered that I had been experiencing every single one, for years. I immediately booked an appointment with my doctor for blood tests, and after two rounds of them several months apart, I was diagnosed with premature menopause and put on HRT. I was lucky – alarmingly, JS Health Vitamins found that 1 in 4 women felt their local GP was inadequately trained in menopause. By chance, I got a female GP who was up to speed and educated on the topic. However, at the start of my menopause journey the one symptom I had been too embarrassed to seek help with was vaginal dryness. Like the skin on other areas of my body, the skin down there was extremely irritated, I experienced a burning sensation and it was sore to touch. GP Dr Sophie Newton explains that, 'menopausal vaginal dryness is a symptom of what's medically called genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). It's caused by a reduction in oestrogen levels, which affects the tissues of the vagina and surrounding areas. Without enough oestrogen, these tissues become thinner, less elastic and produce less natural lubrication.' Over the next couple of months, the prescribed oestrogen gel that I applied to my arms and the progesterone capsules I took, transformed my life and reset me. But I was still experiencing hot flushes and vaginal dryness. Hot flushes and excess sweating I could deal with, but the vaginal dryness was having a severe impact on my life and my sleep. At my first HRT review, I shared these symptoms, and I was prescribed oestrogen pessaries – a low-dose oestrogen tablet that's inserted into the vagina with a tampon-like applicator twice per week. Dr Newton says that the crux of managing dryness is oestrogen. The pessaries I was prescribed helped relieve my vaginal dryness symptoms a little, but not enough. I was at the maximum dose and not able to increase how often I inserted one. The effect this was having on my life was intolerable. I was constantly irritated down there, and it felt like permanently having a mixture of a urinary tract infection and thrush. GP and women's health expert Dr Milli Raizada explained to me that GSM, 'doesn't just impact your vagina and vulva, but also the urinary tract (urethra).' This made total sense. I was raw and sore, and I had an annoying burning sensation with an incessant feeling of needing to pee, which kept me awake most of the night. Sex with my husband was off the table as it was uncomfortable, and if we did have sex, the irritating effects lasted for days afterwards. How to treat vaginal dryness I began experimenting with the help of 'Dr Google' and tried lots of things the internet suggested might be helpful – olive oil, ice packs on my labia, over-the-counter vaginal moisturising gel from a high street chemist – but I wasn't really getting anywhere. The ice packs did help me sleep temporarily, but that was it. The moisturising gel had the opposite effect and set the area on fire. 'Surely women don't just live with this?' I thought to myself as I searched for more treatments and solutions. It took me a long time, and a lot of money, to find the products that worked for me, and to identify the things that increased the irritation. Dr Raizada explains that vaginal dryness symptoms are caused by a number of things, including 'less blood flow to the area, less oestrogen which changes the vaginal pH to more be alkaline, less oestrogen meaning less collagen and less elasticity, over washing the area, lifestyle factors like tight gym clothes and excess sweating, and certain medications. For example, antihistamines can worsen irritation too'. We are all so unique and our skin might be different to someone else's, so it took a lot of trial and error to find the routine that allowed me to live comfortably again. It wasn't a quick fix and as Dr Newton explains, 'lots of soaps, feminine hygiene products, wipes and sprays are often not recommended as they can worsen genital dryness, itching and irritation.' Like Dr Newton, I strongly encourage you to discontinue the use of any product that causes any kind of negative reaction. But I did eventually find an intimate care routine that worked for my skin – products that lubricated the area and left it comfortable, and products that soothed and cooled the skin, allowing me to resume a normal sleep pattern and enjoy sex again. From loose cotton underwear to Andrex skin kind toilet tissue, all manner of things helped relieve my vaginal dryness symptoms. I now have my self care routine perfected and these are the products I'd recommend if you're also experiencing this lesser discussed symptom of menopause. A gentle hydrating wash Dr Newton advises that, 'even gentle washes can upset the vulval pH. Stick to water or a plain emollient.' This is usually the advice you'll hear from women's health experts, however, that approach just didn't work for me. It was only with a particular intimate wash that I got any relief. Luna Daily creates its products with a team of dermatologists and, most importantly, gynaecologists, to ensure their products are safe for the delicate vulval area. The everywhere wash has a unique hydrabiome+ complex, which balances your vaginal microbiome and optimises its pH level. It also gives the area a large dose of moisture and supports the natural skin barrier. Dr Raizada suggests this might have helped me because unlike many other intimate washes, the Luna Daily wash is 'fragrance-free and contains lactic acid, and prebiotics such as inulin to help support a healthy vaginal microbiome as well as soothing omega fatty acids and vitamin E to offer barrier support'. However, she also notes that it 'also contains glycerin, so for some, may trigger thrush and bacterial vaginosis'. The other wash that I sometimes use, when I'm feeling luxurious, is Dr Barbara Sturm's V Wash. It too allows me to cleanse without irritation. It also soothes any existing irritation I may have with purslane extract and panthenol. Hyaluronic acid hydrates the area, and lactic acid helps the skin there to retain moisture, as well as supporting the area's delicate microbiome. There's also prebiotics and probiotics to maintain the intimate microflora. Dr Milli Raizada says that this wash 'aims to support the vaginal pH and microbiome with lactic acid, lactitol, xylitol, lactococcus and probiotic ferments. Hyaluronate is aimed to be moisturising and panthenol to maintain the skin barrier.' She does make the same warning about the inclusion of glycerin though. Vaginal care products aren't typically 'sexy' or enjoyable to use, but this one feels like a luxurious treat and it looks great in my bathroom, instead of being hidden away like most of the other products I use in this area. Cooling packs and sprays While Luna Daily's soothing spray is intended for women who have had a vaginal birth, it has been so helpful to me in helping to soothe my vaginal dryness (GSM). I spray it directly onto the skin and it helps relieve irritation from inflammation. It's extra cooling and soothing if you keep it in the fridge. It's infused with soothing aloe vera and bisabolol, anti-inflammatory calendula, and microbiome supportive lactic acid'. Dr Milli Raizada says that it 'contains a soothing barrier, moisturising chamomile derivatives, and aloe vera and lactic acid as a vaginal microbiome pH support – which is helpful to sensitive vulvas in those with GSM.' She advises that you patch test this first though, as there is a potential that it could be an irritant to some. Dr Sophie Newton explains that this is because some sprays 'can sting or dry out sensitive vulval tissue.' I already knew that my skin liked a cold pack, but the specific packs I now use were a god-send discovery. These Vagikool packs by Kegel8 are basically like ice poles for your vagina and relieve burning and itching, and reduce swelling post-intercourse. Dr Sophie Newton agrees that this can be a useful product – 'a clean, reusable cold pack can ease irritation — just don't over-chill.' It's reusable and hygienic as you use a disposable shield over it each time, a bit like a condom. Dr Milli Raizada also agrees that it eases 'irritation from swelling, and burning symptom relief that people may get with GSM.' She says 'it's very safe and simple and can be used with other treatments.' It's been particularly beneficial to me to aid sleep when I'm experiencing annoying irritation down there, and after sex to soothe the skin and stop any pain or irritation developing as a response to it. A specialist moisturiser Most experts will recommend a topical moisturiser for the vulval area to soothe dryness during menopause but you should be very particular about the types of creams, oils and gels you use down there. The one I came to rely heavily on was the Naydaya vagina victory oil. Gynaecologist formulated, all-natural and fragrance-free, it was designed to soothe intimate skin and alleviate vaginal dryness. All you need is a few drops and it's packed with soothing, nourishing oils and butters that have made me feel smooth and lubricated again. Pomegranate seed oil has omega 5-rich fatty acids, which protects dry, thinning skin and restores elasticity to vaginal tissue. Vitamin E is an anti-inflammatory and helps promote skin healing. There's also the natural emollient mango butter, as well as coconut oil, to moisturise and support the skin's natural moisture barrier. Dr Sophie Newton says that, 'natural oils can soothe some' but advises you to proceed with caution in case this causes irritation. I'd also recommend using the Yes VM Organic vaginal moisture applicators. These single-use, fragrance-free moisturisers lubricate the inside of the vagina and restore a natural pH level. They also alleviate irritation, itching and burning and are especially useful pre and post intercourse. Dr Milli Raizada goes as far as to say she recommends these to all her patients, because they are 'an organic, non-hormonal, water-based, pre-filled and hygiene-certified internal formula that is pH balanced.' Dr Sophie Newton also says she recommends these highly as they're excellent for dryness and are clinically proven. I find them so easy to insert and instantly soothing. A quality supplement Finally, I've found that the right supplement can improve symptoms. I rely on the JSHealth Vitamins vaginal probiotic+ capsules to stave off irritation. These oral probiotic capsules contain four selected bacteria strains, providing 15 billion live cultures, and 20g of Cranberries in each capsule, to rebalance the vaginal microbiome. Dr Raizada explains that this can be a useful probiotic top-up in theory as, 'in menopause, lower oestrogen means reduced glycogen in the vaginal mucosal area, so a reduction in the production of lactobacillus.' However, she and Dr Newton, note that more research is needed as there is a limited evidence base that a probiotic can help with symptoms of GSM. They note that some people do find it beneficial though, and whilst I can't wholly attribute the alleviation of my symptoms to these capsules, they don't do any harm and I feel more soothed and balanced than I did at the start of my journey.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Bolton man's plea to council after they 'unfairly fine' him and his disabled wife
A Bolton man says he's been fined unfairly after parking in a disabled spot while on a seaside day out. James Abercrombie, 48, was in Lytham St Annes with his wife Rachel,46, who has fibromyalgia and uses a wheelchair, for a visit to a food festival. Mr Abercrombie, who lives in Deane, says that when the couple, who have a blue badge on their car, arrived at the resort's council-operated St Pauls Avenue car park, he pulled into a disabled bay, meaning that, according to the council's rule he did not have to pay for a ticket. To his surprise, though, a few days after he returned home from their day trip, he received a parking ticket and was ordered to pay £25, with a letter claiming that he was parked in a non-disabled bay. Read more: Read more: Private car park rule change to reduce fines for UK drivers Read more: 8,000 parking fines issued at Bolton Market car park (Image: Supplied) Mr Abercrombie says the pictures attached to the letter show his Skoda is parked in a disabled bay with hatched markings visible to the side of the car. A picture of Mr Abercrombie's Skoda parked up on the day he visited (Image: Supplied) "Either Fylde Council are blind and can't see I'm parked in a disabled bay, or they have just thought they'll have a stab at taking my money," the 48-year-old said. The couple have been fined an initial £25 for the ticket, which Mr Abercrombie hasn't paid and is disputing, but this will rise to £50 if not paid by May 28. St Pauls Avenue Car Park (Credit: Google Maps)He added: "We'd just come to Lytham for a food festival, and this has happened. "My wife has suffered with cancer and has fibromyalgia, so I push her around on a wheelchair, we just wanted to meet some friends and have a coffee. "You'd think Fylde would want to welcome disabled people for a more diverse audience, but clearly not. Mr Abercrombe says he parked in the middle spot marked with a wheelchair (Image: Supplied) "I could have parked on the double yellows, as we have the right to with a disabled badge, but that would inconvenience other drivers." Mr Abercrombie added: "If we have parked in a non-disabled bay, then it certainly wasn't clearly marked, and if so, why are there only two disabled bays if that's the case?" Fylde Council has been contacted, but has chosen not to comment. Their website states: "If you park in a designated disabled bay [with a blue badge] you can park free of charge for up to 3 hours." The Bolton man says that they were not parked for longer than three hours, and a letter from Fylde Council suggests they believe he parked in a non-disabled bay.
The Sun
15-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Getting skinny on fat jabs left me with a HOLE in my throat and that wasn't the worst of it – I beg you, DON'T do it!
WHEN Aimee Chapman began using fat jabs just over a year ago, she never expected to end up in hospital fighting for her life, with a hole in her throat. The 34-year-old lost four stone in a matter of months, but was left suffering complications so severe that doctors were left baffled as to how to help her. Now she says she regrets ever taking the injections. 12 12 12 Aimee was rushed to hospital just a few months after starting on the jabs, where doctors discovered a hole in her oesophagus due to frequent vomiting, and a failing liver. Aimee told The Sun: "They were trying all sorts of things to get my liver levels back to normal. It was failing. "They had said it was down to the weight-loss jab, but they didn't know why or how to fix it. "There was so little out there medical-wise, doctors didn't know how to fix it. "I was terrified. It all happened so quickly and I hadn't realised how serious it was until I was transferred and it sunk in that it was worse than I thought it was.' And months after her ordeal, Aimee's waist-length hair began falling out in clumps. She's now warning others against using the popular jabs. The 34-year-old began using the GLP-1-class weight loss injections in March last year. She claims it was for her health, as she'd been diagnosed with fibromyalgia 15 years ago. The condition causes widespread pain, fatigue, headaches and mood problems, and is incurable. But GPs advise exercise, therapy and antidepressants for managing symptoms. Weight Loss Jabs - Pros vs Cons Aimee, who lives in Southampton, Hampshire, said: "I'd never even thought about it until I saw a post on social media saying you can just buy [weight-loss jabs]. "I noticed that as my weight changed, I was taken less seriously by doctors. My thinking was that if I could weigh less, I would at least get taken a bit more seriously. "It wasn't about getting thinner or looking better for me. That hadn't even crossed my mind." The family of drugs known as GLP-1 RAs were originally developed to treat diabetes - one notable example is Ozempic. 12 12 Now, the same technology has been deployed for weight loss, in the form of drugs like Mounjaro and Wegovy. They suppress a patient's appetite, mimicking hormones naturally released by the gut to signal fullness. 'In denial' Aimee bought her jabs from an online pharmacy. She paid around £200 for a month's worth of them. She lost a whopping four stone when she first began using the injectables, dropping from 14 stone to just 10 stone in four months. However, in June last year, Aimee - who is married to Christopher Chapman, 41, a security officer - began feeling unwell and was barely able to eat. She says: '[After a few months of using the jabs] I started noticing I didn't have a lot of energy, I couldn't really do much. I was only eating a couple of times a week. "I stopped being able to walk. I would take a couple of steps and have to stop.' I was throwing up all the time and started throwing up blood. I was sick between 50 and 60 times Aimee But worryingly, Aimee couldn't stop being sick. Feeling and being sick are among the most common side effects when taking GLP-1s, thought to affect around one in 10 people on them. "I was throwing up all the time and started throwing up blood,' says Aimee. 'I was sick between 50 and 60 times. "I collapsed a couple of times. My husband came home and found me passed out in the hallway one night. "I was in a bit of denial about it being linked to the jab because I was fine up until now. I just thought I was poorly and it was some sort of virus." 'Could have died' When Aimee began experiencing chest pains a month later, she went to Winchester Hospital's A&E. It was then that doctors discovered she had developed a hole in her oesophagus that was leaking air around her heart and lungs. Aimee was admitted to the intensive care unit on July 12, and her blood pressure and potassium levels began to plummet. Then, she was rushed to ICU at Southampton General Hospital when doctors noticed her liver function was deteriorating. An organ transplant was considered when Aimee's liver began showing signs of failure. But luckily, Aimee was able to return home after 11 days in hospital. 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. Her liver made a full recovery and the hole in her throat healed itself. But the 34-year-old was told she would never be able to touch GLP-1 jabs again. "After coming out of ICU, the nurse told me this has happened because of these jabs and I can never take one ever again even if I had type 2 diabetes,' Aimee says. "I don't think they know whether this was a general side-effect or whether this was a rare case. I was really surprised about how much of my body it affected. "I was told the hole in the oesophagus can kill people and I may have needed a new liver. They said I could've died." Liver issues are not a common side effect of weight loss injections, but there have been a isolated reports of people developing liver injury after taking the jabs. On the other hand, research has indicated that GLP-1s could lower the risk of liver disease, as people with obesity have a higher risk of developing a particular type called fatty liver disease. Some weight loss jab users develop gallstones or an inflamed gallbladder, which can be connected to liver function. 12 'Don't do it' In September 2024, a few months after her ordeal Aimee began to notice her hair was coming out in clumps. She believes this is related to a vitamin B12 deficiency linked to being on the weight loss jabs. Aimee said: "[The hair loss] kept happening and the handfuls kept getting bigger. I would be so sad. My hair was just above my bum when I went into hospital. 'My husband just said why don't you just cut it off? My hair was such a massive part of my identity and to cut it off just felt really traumatic. But I said to myself it was just hair, it'll grow back. "This feels like another result of the injections.' The 34-year-old was diagnosed as vitamin B deficient after blood tests in October. She now has to get quarterly vitamin B12 injections. Aimee, who doesn't work due to her disability, is now calling on others who are considering using the injectables to do their research and consult a doctor. 'I'm not going to tell people what they can and can't take but I do believe more research needs to be done into these jabs,' she says. "I regret ever taking them. I'd say to other people thinking about trying them, don't do it online, go through your doctor who can give you blood tests and check how you're doing." 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.
