'I deteriorated so quickly
Lisa Woodcock, 38, lives in Devon with her husband Justin, 50.
As I watched my sister exchange vows with her new husband, I held back tears. "Congratulations,' I mouthed with a smile. It was October 2021 and I was a bridesmaid for Kelly, then 42. It was of course emotional seeing my big sister get married, but it was more than that - I'd been so ill, I was worried I wouldn't make it to see the big day.
Eighteen months earlier, I was diagnosed with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), an autoimmune disease that affects the liver. It started with an intense itching sensation, which prickled my skin.
I changed my washing powder, shampoo, and diet, but nothing eased the discomfort.
Then a blood test revealed I had PBC.
At first, I was relieved. Although it was not hereditary, my um had the same condition - a prescription had managed her condition for more than 20 years.
But further tests revealed mine was an aggressive variant, called ductopenia - it was destroying the small bile ducts.
I spent eight weeks in and out of the hospital. My skin itched deep beneath the surface and scratching left it bleeding. My liver was failing. No medication worked.
'You'll need to go on the transplant list,' my consultant said.
It was shocking, but I deteriorated quickly. As months passed, my skin turned yellow, I lost 2nd, and with all the itching I barely slept.
I had a good career in the veterinary industry, but it was too difficult to work. I was devastated not to do the job I loved but my husband Justin and our dogs, Reggie and Brodie, helped keep my spirits up.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der April 18, 2022-Ausgabe von WOMAN'S OWN.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der April 18, 2022-Ausgabe von WOMAN'S OWN.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
MY SON DIED HELPING OTHERS
Christine Parry is determined to continue her son's heroic work in Ukraine
I'M A MIDLIFE DADDY'S GIRL
Rachel Tompkins, 44, loves having a close relationship with her father
BECKHAMS' BUST-UPS
Posh and Becks are preparing to mark 25 years of marriage, but is all well in paradise?
DO VIRAL BEAUTY HACKS REALLY WORK?
Intrigued by hair and skincare advice trending on TikTok, Julie Cook, 46, decided to put it to the test
MEXICAN ONE-DISH DINNERS
Spice up midweek meals with these thrifty favourites
BANISH BINGO WINGS
Say 'hello' to sculpted arms this summer - just give these six easy moves a try
HOMELESS TO MILLIONAIRE
With her house repossessed and deep in depression, Caroline Strawson, 50, was determined to transform her life
THIS MORNING IN CRISIS!
Are new presenters Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard set to be replaced already?
MIND OF MY OWN
The Woman's Own columnist has her say on cooked brealdfasts, divorce and cleaning
GOING SOLO
Claire Waite Brown, 52, hadn't travelled alone for over 30 years