The mother of a woman who appeared pregnant due to chronic constipation explained that her condition was so severe that she could not walk or sit properly.
Franchesca Flack, 35, from Essex, suffers every day, is bloated from “congestion” and is constantly mistaken for being pregnant by outsiders.
In her youth, doctors told the fashion writer she probably had irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and in her 20s she was also diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, an inflammatory bowel disease.
Franchesca Flack, 35, from Essex, shared the traumatic ordeal of dealing with chronic constipation, her condition was so severe she couldn’t walk or sit properly
Franchesca was photographed in a bikini on vacation in 2009 before the swelling started
By this time, the extreme bloating was so intense that Franchesca remembers her stomach “expanding” under her clothes – and it got worse over the years.
By then the extreme bloating was so intense that Franchesca remembers her stomach “expanding” under her clothes – and it got worse over the years.
In addition to extreme constipation, the mother regularly experiences pelvic pain, backache, and intense discomfort.
“It has affected my life in every way, and every time I look at my wardrobe and try to decide what to wear, I feel my self-confidence plummet,” she said.
“I don’t like my body because of the bloating and in any outfit my eyes are instantly drawn to my stomach.
Franchesca Flack cries in the hospital. In her youth, doctors told the fashion writer she probably had irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and in her 20s she was also diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, an inflammatory bowel disease.
“I don’t have the physical confidence I always struggled with, but now it’s at an all-time low.
‘I often put a big bag in front of my stomach’ [when I’m out] i feel paranoid to hide the swelling and from others judging me – i feel ugly and insecure.
“I know I have health issues but I can’t accept it and I look at my body with pride.”
Franchesca tried to change her diet, eliminating all the foods she once loved, and exercising regularly by running or Pilates to relieve the discomfort.
The mother, pictured with her daughter Mia, has regular pelvic pain, backache and intense discomfort along with extreme constipation.
Now a mother of one knew something was wrong and this was first revealed when she gave birth to her daughter Mia in 2020.
She used to have cereals, chocolates, curries and smoothies, but now she drinks four liters of water a day and eliminates dairy, red meat, sodas and caffeine to help relieve constipation.
While it helps in the morning, the discomfort and aches come back in the evening and are so intense that he can barely sit up.
Although doctors insisted that the swelling was linked to her other conditions, she knew something was wrong, and this was revealed when she first gave birth to her daughter in 2020.
Just 24 hours after giving birth, Franchesca felt “unbearable pain”.
Franchesca tried to change her diet, eliminating all the foods she once loved, and exercising regularly by running or Pilates to relieve the discomfort.
She used to eat cereal, chocolate, curries and smoothies, but now drinks four liters of water a day to relieve constipation and eliminate dairy products, red meat, sodas and caffeine.
“Even though I had just given birth, at home I was only feeling what could be called contractions.
‘I didn’t empty my stomach or have wind in my stomach for a week.
“I was sent back to the hospital but my daughter needed to be fed at the same time, so… [do this] I am still in excruciating pain.
The mother’s condition took an unexpected turn when her gallbladder was removed in February 2022.
The potent drug exacerbated his constipation, and as a result, he developed complications in his bladder.
The mother’s condition took an unexpected turn when her gallbladder was removed in February 2022.
“I told the nurses that the high level of medication you need before the surgery will make my constipation worse, but they said it would be okay,” Franchesca said.
“Then I realized that I hadn’t been able to pee since that morning and the nurses started to worry.
“I was in tears from the amount of pressure on my bladder.
“I was feeling extremely irritable and angry with my body because my constipation was stopping my bladder from working.”
Franchesca sought a second opinion a few weeks later to wish for the cause of her problems, and after a CT scan, the doctors realized the severity of the problem.
Doctors now believe the problem is due to another condition and is now awaiting referral to the base unit, along with colonic transit and stool proctogram, lower bowel and rectal function examination. pelvic
Wishing for the cause of her problems, Franchesca insisted on a second opinion a few weeks later, and after a CT scan, the doctors realized the seriousness of the problem.
Franchesca also takes a number of medications to relieve symptoms, but these do not help much.
Despite her terrible journey, the mother is happy that she has finally found an answer to what is going on.
He is also happy that the doctors finally listened to him.
The fashion writer is now sharing her story to help others in a similar situation or who are embarrassed by their often taboo bloating or constipation.
Franchesca added: “I finally feel on the right track to get to the root of my constipation and I am confident in my appearance again.
“I am committed to raising awareness of bowel issues and breaking the stigma for those suffering from the physical and mental strain these conditions impose on us”.
Source: Daily Mail
