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Mum's 6-Year Pain: Doctors Said 'In Your Head'
31 Aug
Summary
- Severe bloating made woman appear six months pregnant.
- Suffered six years of crippling pain and sickness.
- Diagnosed with rare slow transit constipation in 2024.
Rebecca Fargie, a 36-year-old mother, suffered for six years with severe constipation, sickness, and crippling abdominal pain. Doctors initially dismissed her distress, suggesting her symptoms were psychosomatic.
Her pain, which began after giving birth in 2020, became unbearable, leading to frequent hospital visits and even a gallbladder removal in 2021 that failed to alleviate her suffering. She was often told the pain was due to anxiety or was 'in her head'.
In 2024, a specialized colon study led to a diagnosis of slow transit constipation, a rare bowel dysmotility. Treatment options, including a sacral nerve stimulator, were unsuccessful.
Earlier this year, Rebecca underwent ileostomy surgery and now uses a stoma bag. She is advocating to reduce the stigma surrounding gut health issues and encourage others to seek help.
