It’s a moment Kelly Adie will never forget. Her 17-year-old daughter Olivia had just undergone a major eight-hour surgery. Olivia asked for water, took a tiny sip and swallowed.
“Her eyes lit up,” Kelly remembers. “The smile on her face was like a little kid experiencing something for the first time. She said, ‘Mum, it doesn’t hurt!’”
It was the best news Kelly, 51, could have hoped for. For seven torturous years, Olivia had battled debilitating symptoms that no doctor could explain. It began with vomiting and stomach pain. Then it got worse. Conditions and symptoms piled up, getting more severe. Olivia was in excruciating pain. She fainted 20-odd times a day and had almost constant migraines. She needed a wheelchair to get around.
Even worse, she couldn’t keep anything down. For two years, she tried every day to eat, but with no success. She became reliant on a feeding tube, but even that couldn’t give her the sustenance she needed because she’d vomit the liquid straight back up. She was malnourished and dehydrated, with a body mass index (BMI) of 14 – far from the “normal” range of 18.5 to 24.9.
“I was almost at death’s door,” she says.
Olivia and Kelly tried every test, treatment and specialist. While some health professionals were supportive, others dismissed Olivia’s anguish, insisting she had an eating disorder and needed only psychological help.
This story is from the March 04, 2024 edition of New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the March 04, 2024 edition of New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
The butt OF JOKES
Kevin wasn't so keen on wife Linda’s reaction to his medical emergency!
A space to CALL HOME
Michele reflects on finding your safe place
Gut REACTION
Want to live a healthier, happier life? Experts think the bacteria in your belly could be the secret to living well
Right as ROTI
This delicate Malaysian-style flatbread can be quickly prepared in a frying pan. Enjoy on its own or paired with a curry or soup
LAURA'S BACKYARD DRAMA
The theatre star’s taking The Bard's work to a familiar venue
PAULA & BREE'S SPECIAL BOND
The director admits her leading lady does a bett er job of being her than she does!
KEEPING UP WITH DUSKIE
With a special limb to fast-track her progress, there’s no stopping her now!
MKR SISTERS' KITCHEN CRED
Their taste buds are stronger than most, thanks to wacky childhood creations
'I COULDN'T TELL A SOUL'
In a top-secret mission, the TV star’s uncovered how Pippa took on the Nazis
HOW THEY PLAN TO WIN BACK FANS
The couple’s polo date is just the start of more fun and games