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Chloe MeadeA 21-year-old Welsh woman with a bowel abscess caused by Crohn's disease
Country:
 Great Britain |
Content:
- Chloe's Journey with Crohn's Disease and a Burst Abscess
- The Onset of an Intestinal Abscess
- The Gruesome Aftermath: A Burst Incision
- A Horrifying Sight and Endless Agony
- A New Setback: Peritonitis and a Feeding Tube
- A Return to the Hospital
- Raising Awareness of Crohn's
- The Threat of a Fistula
- The Possibility of an Ostomy
- Current Status and Looking Forward
- Intestinal Abscess: A Common Complication
Chloe's Journey with Crohn's Disease and a Burst Abscess
Early Diagnosis and Crohn'sAt the tender age of eleven, Chloe Mead from Caldicot, South Wales, was diagnosed with Crohn's disease, an inflammatory bowel condition. This revelation came as a shock to her family, as none of her relatives had ever experienced similar symptoms.
The Onset of an Intestinal Abscess
Fast forward to January 2015, Chloe began experiencing debilitating abdominal pain. Doctors suspected a bowel abscess, an accumulation of pus within the tissue of the intestine. The diagnosis was confirmed, and an urgent surgery became necessary to save Chloe's life.
The Gruesome Aftermath: A Burst Incision
Despite the successful removal of the abscess, Chloe was left with a 20-centimeter scar. She initially felt relieved, thinking the worst was behind her. However, ten weeks later, her incision became infected and burst open, revealing her internal organs.
A Horrifying Sight and Endless Agony
Chloe endured excruciating pain and underwent countless procedures to clean and dress the gaping wound. She described the horrifying moment when her incision ripped open as "something out of a horror movie." It took several months of wound care before she began to show signs of recovery.
A New Setback: Peritonitis and a Feeding Tube
As Chloe battled the infection in her abdomen, she faced another challenge. She had to undergo a tube insertion into her stomach, feeding her through it for three weeks. The steroids she was taking to reduce inflammation caused her to gain significant weight.
A Return to the Hospital
After three months in the hospital, Chloe was discharged. She was relieved to have her wound finally healing and her infection under control. Her mother, Karen, 47, had been a pillar of support throughout her ordeal.
Raising Awareness of Crohn's
Reflecting on the past nine months, Chloe realized that the challenges she had faced with her incision paled in comparison to the struggles she had overcome. She decided to share her story and her scar as part of the 'Get Your Belly Out' campaign, receiving an overwhelming response on social media.
The Threat of a Fistula
Chloe is currently undergoing an MRI scan due to concerns that she may have a fistula, an abnormal tube-like channel that can form between an internal organ and blood vessels as a result of Crohn's disease. One in three patients with Crohn's may experience a fistula at some point.
The Possibility of an Ostomy
If a fistula is confirmed, Chloe may need to undergo an ostomy, a surgical procedure that creates an opening in the abdomen to collect waste from the intestines. While she hopes to avoid this outcome, she acknowledges that it is not the end of the world.
Current Status and Looking Forward
Chloe remains on steroids to manage inflammation, but she is feeling much better. She still requires daily dressing changes for her scar, but she is determined to regain her health and enjoy life with her friends. She hopes that her story will provide support and inspiration to others facing similar challenges.
Intestinal Abscess: A Common Complication
Intestinal abscesses are common complications of Crohn's disease. They are collections of pus caused by bacterial infections and can lead to symptoms such as bloating, tenderness, pain, and fever. Antibiotics are typically used to treat the underlying infection, and symptoms usually resolve once the inflammation is addressed.
