Hi, I'm Elias. I'm 26, live in the UK, and until a couple of years ago had a pretty normal life.

A few years ago, I started having severe reflux that would not get better despite being on the maximum dose of anti-reflux medications. I had several rounds of testing and it was concluded that I have gastroparesis, meaning the stomach muscles don't move food as they should.

What this means for me is that I can't eat normally, and I don't absorb nutrients from food. I am regularly going without meals because of nausea, and having constant side effects from prokinetic medication. I also get blood sugar lows which can be dangerous. I don't want to end up on a feeding tube but if it continues down this path, that is a real possibility.

On the NHS, I haven't been able to receive the treatment I need to eat normally again. My gastroenterologist has said that the procedure (intrapyloric Botox - an injection into the stomach muscle to loosen them) will be around £3500 and despite working full time I am struggling to save up. He has said there is a high chance it will be successful.

I hate asking for money, but I am posting in the hope that I can raise a little more towards my goal. It would mean the world to me because it will move me closer towards my goal of being able to eat normally again which would be life changing.