How Sandra swapped 30 years of health misery for nights out, better sleep and walkies with beloved Rosie!

Facebook discovery helping woman to change life around

- Gary Porter

A WOMAN who spent three decades living in pain, fear and social isolation says she now 'feels like a different person' - after stumbling across a Facebook post.

Sandra Jepson, of Newcastle, has struggled with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and diverticulitis for more than half of her life.

The conditions caused the retired grandmother physical pain and led to deeply distressing and embarrassing situations.

"I used to have horrendous stomach aches and bloating," she said. "Some days, I couldn't even get dressed properly. I'd have to cancel events or avoid going out altogether because I was so worried I'd have an accident."