Hi my name is Louise Jenkin…This is a post I didn’t want to do but after months of battling with my health and not knowing what was wrong with me going back and forth to the doctors for 6 months after what I thought was a COVID type virus (the first 3 months they did nothing! ) I’d like others to be aware of this health condition. Eventually after a 3 month battle and seeing a different doctor they started to do tests. I’ve had a CT scan, ultrasound, (found large fibroids) blood tests non stop, finally they started to take things seriously. First of all I was diagnosed with post viral chronic fatigue, then they found out I apparently have a genetic condition called Gilbert’s syndrome (which neither of my parents have) causing jaundice and other symptoms. I told them repeatedly my stomach wasn’t right and I was losing more and more weight especially muscle loss with extreme weakness. My ability to eat foods was becoming more restricted causing horrendous stomach pains, bloating, severe nausea then acid reflux. Eventually 6months later to the point I’m eating blended foods as my stomach won’t digest anything else. They sent me for an endoscopy which confirmed I have a bacterial infection called HPylori that can cause gastritis, ulcers, stomach cancer and other conditions. The horrible bacteria has eaten away at my body so much so my body can’t absorb the nutrients I need to gain weight. I hate the way I look, I’m not me anymore. I get extremely dizzy, palpitations, tinnitus, blurred vision, muscle twitches, muscle pain, migraines, anxiety, chest pains. no amount of rest gives me the energy and strength I need.

They want me to take an eradication medication which my body can’t handle the side effects and they won’t admit me or monitor me while I’m on them due to bed shortage. I’ve been to A&E several times just to be told to go back and see my doctor which I have but all I’m told is “take the meds” to do that I need looked after and monitored with my body being so weak and unable to handle the side effects. I’m now so scared some days I feel so weak and backed into a corner with no solution, my mental health has also plummeted. I’ve tried so hard to fight this but every day is becoming harder. I’ve lost my job due to ill health and I’m so angry the doctors took such a long time to diagnose me.

They say money isn’t everything but when you have it you can get so much more help. I’d give anything to go private to get the help I need and cared for. My message to anyone who is concerned about a health problem don’t give in til you get the help you need. You know your own body and know when something isn’t right. Was right what my nanna said years ago, when you have your health you have everything. My before and after pictures speak volumes to how I feel.