Scots student loses half her body weight in six months after stomach paralysis ‘hell’

Scots Student’s Inspiring Journey of Losing Half of Her Body Weight in Six Months Due to Stomach Paralysis Ordeal

Shannon Dunbar-Dawe, a 30-year-old Glaswegian student, embarked on a life-changing journey after developing symptoms of bloating and nausea in May 2022. Initially attributing it to excessive coffee consumption, Shannon soon found herself unable to eat and experienced drastic weight loss over the next six months. Her battle with stomach paralysis left her hunched over in pain, only able to consume a few digestive biscuits daily, and suffering from severe stomach swelling.

Dismissed by medical professionals as having anxiety or an eating disorder, Shannon’s condition worsened until she was hospitalised in July 2023. Enduring a harrowing two weeks of being force-fed, Shannon finally received a diagnosis of gastroparesis, a rare condition that paralyses the stomach’s nerves and muscles, leading to delayed food digestion. Despite the limited treatment options available, Shannon was fitted with a feeding tube to meet her nutritional needs.

Sharing her ordeal, Shannon expressed her relief at the diagnosis after months of suffering without answers from healthcare providers. Recounting her experience of being misdiagnosed with an eating disorder and undergoing forced feeding in the hospital, Shannon highlighted the challenges she faced in regaining her health and confidence. Facing the prospect of needing a gastric pacemaker, Shannon has turned to fundraising to support her medical journey.

Struggling to regain weight to qualify for the pacemaker surgery, Shannon remains determined to raise awareness about gastroparesis and advocate for improved diagnostic practices. Despite the setbacks she has faced, Shannon’s resilience shines through as she aims to reclaim her quality of life and inspire others facing similar health battles.

In a medical system that often overlooks rare conditions like gastroparesis, Shannon’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of listening to patients and providing timely, accurate diagnoses and treatments. Her courage in sharing her journey underscores the need for greater awareness and support for individuals grappling with complex medical challenges.

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Insights and Summary:
Shannon Dunbar-Dawe’s journey from unexplained stomach paralysis to a diagnosis of gastroparesis showcases the struggles faced by individuals with rare medical conditions. The ordeal she endured, from being dismissed by healthcare professionals to undergoing force-feeding in the hospital, highlights the need for improved awareness and support in the medical system. Shannon’s determination to raise funds for a gastric pacemaker demonstrates her resilience in the face of adversity, inspiring others to advocate for their health and well-being.