Gastroparesis Makes Life Miserable for Former Healthcare Assistant
Former healthcare assistant, Natalie Roux-Bean began to suffer stomach cramps in 2010, which only got worse day by day. Her visits to medical specialists led to confusing diagnoses - a stomach bug and anorexia.
After further investigation, specialists diagnosed it to be a rare genetic condition, gastroparesis, which caused her stomach to paralyze. This meant that her stomach was unable to flush out the contents.
Doctors also noticed that she suffered a tissue disorder called Ideopahtic Ethers-Danlos Syndrome, a genetic condition which may have triggered gastroparesis.
Unable to eat normal food on her own for the last two years, she is fed nutrients through a tube directly into her small intestine.
Unfortunately, Natalie is now a size zero and will never be able to enjoy the taste of food.