I was days away from being paralysed after blaming back pain on being pregnant – a killer disease was eating my spine
"I thought, I'm just too young. I've not had enough time with my son," Sheema tells Sun Health - as she shares grave warning to all new mums
RED FLAG I was days away from being paralysed after blaming back pain on being pregnant – a killer disease was eating my spine
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SHEEMA Patel was just weeks into motherhood when agonising back pain left her screaming in the street.
Doctors told the now 42-year-old from Harlow, Essex it was sciatica, but the truth was far worse: an incurable disease was eating holes in her spine.
4
Sheema Patel, now 42, developed back pain while pregnant with her son Mason
Credit: Family Handout / Myeloma UK
4
Her symptoms left her in agony
Credit: Family Handout / Myeloma UK
By the time the disease was diagnosed as cancer, Sheema, who had just given birth to son Mason two months before, was told she was only three to four days away from being paralysed.
She tells Sun Health: 'I thought, I'm just too young. I've not had enough time with my son.
'The message that was delivered made me feel I only had weeks to live.'
Sheema, who works in HR, had first felt something was wrong when her back cracked while she was making her bed in April 2023, aged 40.
It immediately started to hurt, but she put the pain down to her pregnancy.
As the pain worsened, she went to the hospital, where she was given a low dose of morphine.
She says: 'My whole body went into a kind of spasm.
'But they couldn't do much because I was pregnant, so I decided to leave the hospital.'
After giving birth on July 30, her symptoms worsened. Three weeks later, she started experiencing severe leg pain.
At this point, her pain was dismissed as sciatica - an irritated nerve - and the discomfort of post-partum recovery.
What is myeloma?
Her GP prescribed codeine, and she tried acupuncture, but nothing helped.
Then one day in late September, she was forced to cut short a walk near her house.
'I was three houses down and screaming in pain,' she recalls.
'My husband had to carry me, push the baby and walk the dog home. It was really bad.'
4
Scans revealed she had cancer that had left holes in her back
Credit: Family Handout / Myeloma UK
A few days later, in late September, Sheema saw a new GP at her practice.
The doctor suspected deep vein thrombosis, when a blood clot gets stuck in a vein, and sent her to A&E for more tests.
After a series of scans and some back and forth, Sheema was told in October that she had lesions - holes in her spine, ribs and sternum - caused by myeloma, an incurable blood cancer that occurs in the bone marrow.
The disease affects around 33,000 people in the UK.
'Don't ignore pain'
She says: 'I was an odd case because I wasn't over 60, or a man, and I didn't fit the criteria for myeloma.
'But nobody should go through so much pain. It took months to be diagnosed, as it was just put down to sciatic pain.'
She adds: 'My advice would be, don't ignore pain and keep pushing. Nothing was showing up in my bloods.
"Back pain shouldn't go on for months, even if you're pregnant or have a new baby.
"Ask for some X-rays or an MRI. You don't think you're going to get cancer at 40, but cancer doesn't discriminate.'
Dr Sophie Castell, chief executive at Myeloma UK, the blood cancer charity, says: 'Myeloma has one of the longest times to diagnosis of any cancer.
"One of the biggest barriers remains identifying and piecing together the symptoms quickly and before too much damage is done.
"Myeloma symptoms, back pain, fatigue, infections, are often vague and can be mistaken for ageing or minor conditions."
This is partly because, unlike many cancers, myeloma doesn't form lumps or tumours.
Instead, it attacks the bone marrow, the spongy material inside bones such as the spine, pelvis, ribs, and long bones, causing lesions that weaken bones and can lead to fractures.
'I thought was going to die there and then'
Over a third of patients see their GP at least three times before diagnosis, and a quarter wait more than 10 months.
Sheema recalls her diagnosis: 'I was upset. It was like I was going to die there and then.
'They didn't explain anything. You just don't want to believe it. It didn't make sense.
'The only thing I kept thinking about was that I wanted to take my son to Disneyland.'
4
Sheema is now in remission, though she knows the cancer is incurable
Credit: Family Handout / Myeloma UK
She sought a second opinion privately, where she was told the damage was so severe that any pressure could leave her paralysed.
'He confirmed that I needed to remain bedbound as any pressure to my spine was going to result in me being paralysed,' she says.
'It took a few days to process," she adds. "My mum had to move in with us because I wasn't able to do anything for my baby.
The 10 red flag symptoms of myeloma
Myeloma is an incurable blood cancer that occurs in the bone marrow.
Despite being the third most common type of blood cancer, myeloma is difficult to detect as symptoms are often linked to general ageing or minor conditions.
While it is incurable, myeloma is treatable in the majority of cases.
Treatment can lead to periods of remission but the cancer will inevitably come back.
Symptoms of myeloma: Persistent or unexplained pain for more than four to six weeks, particularly in the back or ribs Tiredness that doesn't improve with rest (fatigue) Frequent or hard-to-clear infections Easily broken bones or unexpected fractures Experiencing either frequent urination or minimal to no urination Swollen legs or abdomen Nosebleeds or unexplained bleeding or bruising Unexplained weight loss Numbness in the feet, hands, or legs Unexplained shortness of breath
Source: Myeloma UK
'I couldn't even carry him. It was awful.'
In March 2024, following her fourth round of chemotherapy, one of Sheema's spinal discs collapsed.
Living with incurable cancer
She required urgent surgery to stabilise her back, and in May, she underwent a stem cell transplant.
She says: 'It was difficult.
'I feel like I missed out on the experience of being a new mum.
"My son became very close to my mum because I wasn't able to carry him or care for him as I wanted to.
'But we've become much closer now, and we share a strong bond. I do everything I can for him now, taking him to soft play, to the zoo, and more.'
Sheema is now in remission, though she knows the cancer is incurable.
She adds: 'I know myeloma isn't curable and that it will likely return, but I'm a positive person.
'I'm focused on moving forward, going on holidays, taking my son to Disneyland when he's three or four, and building lasting memories. I'm incredibly fortunate to have such a supportive family.
'Mason and my husband are what keep me going.'
If you're worried you might have myeloma, it can be hard to explain vague symptoms in a way that gets taken seriously.
To help with this, Myeloma UK has created a simple Symptom Translator, a downloadable guide that puts common symptoms into medical language your GP will understand.
To find out more about Myeloma UK, visit myeloma.org.u
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How to get rid of hay fever symptoms by eating 5 everyday foods – plus 6 other pollen bomb non-negotiables
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) HAY fever season is in full swing. And if you're one of the 10million Brits who suffer from constant sneezing, coughing and red itchy eyes as soon as the blossom starts blooming, you'll probably be at your wit's end right about now. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 7 Hay fever can make our lives miserable, with running noses, itchy eyes and a sore throat Credit: Getty Popping antihistamines might be a helpful way to calm down swollen sinuses, but it's not the only solution. The real key to hay fever could be less about tablets, nasal sprays and eye drops — and more about what's going on in your gut. Nutritionist Stephanie Baker tells Sun Health: 'You may not realise it, but your gut health and immune system are intrinsically linked. 'The majority of our immune system resides in the gut, with gut health significantly affecting how our immune system functions. 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Beans, lentils and pulses are also important, as are whole grains like oats, brown rice, corn, fish and seafood, poultry, and healthy fats like extra virgin olive oil and avocado. 'When building your plate, focus on colour. Variety in colour leads to more micronutrients which is ideal for gut healing,' Stephanie says. 'And if you notice a clear link between a certain food and increased gut symptoms like bloating, remove the suspect ingredient and notice how your gut responds.' Along with showing your gut some TLC, there are some additional must-dos that could help your battle hay fever terror. 1. Pop a quercetin pill 7 Taking a quercetin supplement or increasing your intake of foods high in the antioxidant might help ease symptoms Credit: Getty IF you're looking for a natural route to beat an intense hay fever assault, taking an antioxidant supplement could help to beat long-term stuffiness - but not just any old antioxidant will do. 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Make sure to wash your hair to remove any traces of pollen that you might have brought home with you. Don't panic - you can skip the cold shower, as warm water is thought to be more effective at loosening allergic particles that can stick to skin. That said, ice cubes can be effective at reducing facial puffiness, especially under the eyes. GUT STUFF Q&A WHAT IS THE GUT AND WHAT DOES IT DO? Farzanah Nasser, gut health nutritionist at Biotiful, says: 'The gut is everything that allows food to travel through your body, starting at the mouth, and includes our gut microbiome, which weighs approximately 1 to 2kg kilos (similar in weight to the brain). 'It also includes accessory organs like the pancreas and liver that help release enzymes to break down and absorb the food that we eat so we can extract the goodness from it.' WHY IS GUT HEALTH IMPORTANT? Farzanah says: 'The gut is important because it can have an impact on every system of our body. It really is a magical system. 'We extract goodness from the foods we eat like vitamins, minerals and amino acids to help with metabolism, hormones, mood and energy. 'The fibre from the food that we cannot break down goes to our gut microbiome, which we utilise as fuel and in return, makes many things for us - including calcium and iron, vitamins, like vitamin B and vitamin K. 'It also produces postbiotics that have an anti-inflammatory impact throughout the body, supporting gut health, mood and skin to name just a few. 'Research is always being published that shows the better we take care of our gut health, the better health outcomes we can expect too.' SIGNS YOUR GUT IS A MESS Farzanah says: 'Signs that your gut is out of whack can include bloating, irregular bathroom habits, burping, and indigestion. 'However, gut issues are not confined to the area - they can be system-wide. 'Low mood, brain fog, inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and hormone imbalances can all also be impacted by gut health too.' 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Supporting your gut health does not need to be complicated. 'Including more fermented foods for seven to 14 days, alongside 30 different plants, could significantly improve the abundance of healthy bacteria in your gut. 'Plant foods include everything from fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, herbs, legumes, grains, teas and spices – so there is a lot to choose from. 'Fibre is also crucial - we should all be aiming for 30g a day - as it promotes a healthy microbiome, and helps to keep us fuller for longer and support balanced blood sugar.' She adds: 'Be sure to go outdoors and get some fresh air. Sunlight can influence gut health and help improve your mood and energy levels. 'But also prioritise getting seven to nine hours of sleep, which is important to help maintain gut health, plus a lack of sleep makes us crave more sugar and feel too tired to cook.' 3. Create a barrier 7 Smear a little coconut oil or Vaseline on your lips and around your nostrils to create a barrier Credit: Getty IT might sound obvious, but there are some common sense steps that can dramatically reduce stuffiness and swollen eyes. Firstly, wear a hat to help shield your hair and face, and pop on a pair of wraparound sunglasses as soon as you head out the door. This will help prevent pollen from getting close to your eyes and will deter you from rubbing them. Another quick but effective tip is to smear a little coconut oil or Vaseline on your lips and around your nostrils to create a barrier of entry for pollen. 4. Plan ahead 7 Check the pollen forecasts on the Met Office website Credit: MET Office CHECKING the pollen count is a vital step to keep hay fever in check. The Met Office website displays a real-time five-day forecast for each region of the UK, with an easy-to-understand traffic light system ranging from 'low' to 'very high' so that you can plan ahead. The app is available on iOS and Android devices. 5. Eat 30 plants per week 7 Aim to eat 30 different plants every week Credit: Getty STUDIES show that a diverse diet results in a lower risk of hay fever symptoms. Yet approximately two thirds of all UK adults still don't manage to eat the bare minimum of five portions of fruits and vegetables per day. Health experts now recommend aiming for 30 different plant-based foods per week to truly optimise wellbeing. The good news is, this isn't limited to fruit and veg; it also includes herbs, spices, nuts and seeds. 'I suggest including key anti-inflammatory microbiome supporting foods such as garlic, turmeric, and apples to help support the body's immune response,' Stephanie says. 'Limit your intake of caffeine, alcohol and highly processed foods as they can compromise the microbiome and impact immune health.' 6. Do a spring clean 7 Keeping your house clean can help minimise allergens Credit: Getty A DEEP clean isn't just cathartic; it could also help to ease hay fever symptoms - so don't let those chores build up! Vacuuming behind the sofa, under rugs, and in hard-to-reach corners along with changing your bedding weekly can help to minimise allergens in the house. Keeping the windows and doors closed during peak pollen hours, as well as investing in an air filter, can also help to keep your home pollen-free.
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
How to get rid of hay fever symptoms by eating 5 everyday foods – plus 6 other pollen bomb non-negotiables
HAY fever season is in full swing. And if you're one of the 10million Brits who suffer from constant sneezing, coughing and red itchy eyes as soon as the blossom starts blooming, you'll probably be at your wit's end right about now. 7 Popping antihistamines might be a helpful way to calm down swollen sinuses, but it's not the only solution. The real key to hay fever could be less about tablets, nasal sprays and eye drops — and more about what's going on in your gut. Nutritionist Stephanie Baker tells Sun Health: 'You may not realise it, but your gut health and immune system are intrinsically linked. 'The majority of our immune system resides in the gut, with gut health significantly affecting how our immune system functions. 'Studies even link dysbiosis (an imbalanced ratio of good to bad guys in the gut) with an increased susceptibility to allergies and inflammatory conditions.' In fact, low levels of specific bacteria, such as the strain Bifidobacterium, are correlated with a higher risk for seasonal allergies. It means if you suffer from uncomfortable bloating or excess gas, it could be because the quality and quality of your gut microflora are not as diverse as they could be. So what can you do about it? 'Firstly, take a good quality multi-strain probiotic to help support a healthy and diverse microbiome,' Stephanie says. 'Couple this with an anti-inflammatory diet, like the Mediterranean or paleo diet.' I'm a GP - you've been taking your hay fever meds all wrong and it's making it worse This means lots of vegetables like tomatoes, broccoli and spinach, fruits such as apples, bananas and grapes, nuts like walnuts, cashews and hazelnuts, and herbs including oregano, rosemary and sage. Beans, lentils and pulses are also important, as are whole grains like oats, brown rice, corn, fish and seafood, poultry, and healthy fats like extra virgin olive oil and avocado. 'When building your plate, focus on colour. Variety in colour leads to more micronutrients which is ideal for gut healing,' Stephanie says. 'And if you notice a clear link between a certain food and increased gut symptoms like bloating, remove the suspect ingredient and notice how your gut responds.' Along with showing your gut some TLC, there are some additional must-dos that could help your battle hay fever terror. 1. Pop a quercetin pill 7 IF you're looking for a natural route to beat an intense hay fever assault, taking an antioxidant supplement could help to beat long-term stuffiness - but not just any old antioxidant will do. For maximum benefit, try quercetin, which is packed with naturally occurring plant compounds called polyphenols. It is thought to be particularly effective in a 500mg to 1,000mg daily dose. You can couple quercetin with over-the-counter hay fever meds or use it in place of them. 'Quercetin supplementation has been thought to manage the histamine response, which is a main contributor to allergic reactions,' Stephanie says. It can take a few weeks before you start to see results so the earlier you take quercetin the better. Quercetin is also found in onion, asparagus, berries, apples and green tea - so it could be worth increasing your intake of these too! 2. Rinse away the day 7 IF you commute to work and back, the single best thing you can do when you get home is to fling your clothes in the laundry basket and take a shower. Make sure to wash your hair to remove any traces of pollen that you might have brought home with you. Don't panic - you can skip the cold shower, as warm water is thought to be more effective at loosening allergic particles that can stick to skin. That said, ice cubes can be effective at reducing facial puffiness, especially under the eyes. GUT STUFF Q&A WHAT IS THE GUT AND WHAT DOES IT DO? Farzanah Nasser, gut health nutritionist at Biotiful, says: 'The gut is everything that allows food to travel through your body, starting at the mouth, and includes our gut microbiome, which weighs approximately 1 to 2kg kilos (similar in weight to the brain). 'It also includes accessory organs like the pancreas and liver that help release enzymes to break down and absorb the food that we eat so we can extract the goodness from it.' WHY IS GUT HEALTH IMPORTANT? Farzanah says: 'The gut is important because it can have an impact on every system of our body. It really is a magical system. 'We extract goodness from the foods we eat like vitamins, minerals and amino acids to help with metabolism, hormones, mood and energy. 'The fibre from the food that we cannot break down goes to our gut microbiome, which we utilise as fuel and in return, makes many things for us - including calcium and iron, vitamins, like vitamin B and vitamin K. 'It also produces postbiotics that have an anti-inflammatory impact throughout the body, supporting gut health, mood and skin to name just a few. 'Research is always being published that shows the better we take care of our gut health, the better health outcomes we can expect too.' SIGNS YOUR GUT IS A MESS Farzanah says: 'Signs that your gut is out of whack can include bloating, irregular bathroom habits, burping, and indigestion. 'However, gut issues are not confined to the area - they can be system-wide. 'Low mood, brain fog, inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and hormone imbalances can all also be impacted by gut health too.' DANGERS OF POOR GUT HEALTH Farzanah says: 'Our gut can impact so many systems of the body that supporting it as best we can will have a positive effect on how we feel and function daily. 'Studies have found that supporting the gut has a positive impact on mood and lowering anxiety and stress. 'It can positively impact our hormones, skin and longevity. Up to 70 per cent of our immune system is in the gut, meaning good gut health supports better immunity and reduces inflammation - which is a driver for ageing and chronic disease. 'Supporting our gut also helps us regulate our blood sugar and cholesterol, supporting heart health. 'We would be missing out on many of these benefits if we didn't take care of our gut.' HOW TO IMPROVE GUT HEALTH Farzanah says: 'In a world obsessed with supplements and quick fixes, we've lost sight of the simplest, most effective way to support, or 'reset', our gut - through natural foods that have been enjoyed for centuries. 'It's time to go back to basics. Supporting your gut health does not need to be complicated. 'Including more fermented foods for seven to 14 days, alongside 30 different plants, could significantly improve the abundance of healthy bacteria in your gut. 'Plant foods include everything from fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, herbs, legumes, grains, teas and spices – so there is a lot to choose from. 'Fibre is also crucial - we should all be aiming for 30g a day - as it promotes a healthy microbiome, and helps to keep us fuller for longer and support balanced blood sugar.' She adds: 'Be sure to go outdoors and get some fresh air. Sunlight can influence gut health and help improve your mood and energy levels. 'But also prioritise getting seven to nine hours of sleep, which is important to help maintain gut health, plus a lack of sleep makes us crave more sugar and feel too tired to cook.' 3. Create a barrier IT might sound obvious, but there are some common sense steps that can dramatically reduce stuffiness and swollen eyes. Firstly, wear a hat to help shield your hair and face, and pop on a pair of wraparound sunglasses as soon as you head out the door. This will help prevent pollen from getting close to your eyes and will deter you from rubbing them. Another quick but effective tip is to smear a little coconut oil or Vaseline on your lips and around your nostrils to create a barrier of entry for pollen. 4. Plan ahead CHECKING the pollen count is a vital step to keep hay fever in check. The Met Office website displays a real-time five-day forecast for each region of the UK, with an easy-to-understand traffic light system ranging from 'low' to 'very high' so that you can plan ahead. The app is available on iOS and Android devices. 5. Eat 30 plants per week 7 STUDIES show that a diverse diet results in a lower risk of hay fever symptoms. Yet approximately two thirds of all UK adults still don't manage to eat the bare minimum of five portions of fruits and vegetables per day. Health experts now recommend aiming for 30 different plant-based foods per week to truly optimise wellbeing. The good news is, this isn't limited to fruit and veg; it also includes herbs, spices, nuts and seeds. 'I suggest including key anti-inflammatory microbiome supporting foods such as garlic, turmeric, and apples to help support the body's immune response,' Stephanie says. 'Limit your intake of caffeine, alcohol and highly processed foods as they can compromise the microbiome and impact immune health.' 6. Do a spring clean 7 A DEEP clean isn't just cathartic; it could also help to ease hay fever symptoms - so don't let those chores build up! Vacuuming behind the sofa, under rugs, and in hard-to-reach corners along with changing your bedding weekly can help to minimise allergens in the house. Keeping the windows and doors closed during peak pollen hours, as well as investing in an air filter, can also help to keep your home pollen-free. Hay fever first aid kit Analyse your symptoms and find the best medication kit for you... Antihistamines Antihistamines (cetirizine or loratadine) work by blocking histamine in the body, which is released when the body detects something it thinks is harmful. Histamine causes blood vessels to expand and the skin to swell, but in people with hay fever, also causes an allergic reaction. That's the watering eyes, blocked nose, rashes and so on. Max Wiseberg, airborne allergens expert and creator of HayMax, says that many antihistamines are available on prescription, such as Telfast, which you can see your GP for or get through an online doctor, such as LloydsPharmacy. Telfast, and other prescription-only antihistamine tablets, work in the same way as over-the-counter antihistamines, but are stronger and intended to help with more severe symptoms. 'Get your prescription in advance of the season so you have your medication in time to start taking it at the right time,' he says. 'Some are best taken at least one month before the hay fever season starts." Nasal sprays A nasal spray can be effective in controlling congestion and stuffiness. Pharmacists can advise on nasal sprays (sodium cromoglicate, ipratropium bromide or decongestant), and eye drops, too. Nasal sprays can also help with other symptoms of hay fever 'because the medicine is targeted directly to the nose, which is where the vast majority of allergens enter the body', Max says. Independent pharmacist Rita Ghelani says: 'Try Xlear nasal spray, which contains xylitol, and has anti-bacterial properties and keeps the nasal lining moist. 'If symptoms are more severe, then try an anti-inflammatory nasal spray – sometimes referred to as a steroid nasal spray – which can take a few days to work. 'Start with one that contains beclomethasone, which is used twice a day, in the morning and at night.' Rita also advises cleaning the nose with a saline nasal spray before a steroid spray, saying: 'It will remove sticky mucus from the nasal passage, thus improving the effectiveness of the medication.' Eye drops If itchy eyes are your primary concern, Rita says: 'Try using sodium cromoglicate eye drops. "These make the eyes less sensitive to allergens such as pollen and reduce irritation. "They need to be used four times a day to keep the levels of the active ingredient high enough to be effective. "Keep using them even if symptoms improve. 'Using a good eye drop to lubricate the eyes may also help with dry eyes during the summer months.'
South Wales Guardian
17 hours ago
- South Wales Guardian
Kate praises work of children's hospices days after missing Royal Ascot
Kate paid tribute to the support provided by the 54 institutions that specialise in caring for society's youngest at the end of their lives and 'lifting spirits through laughter, fun and play'. In a surprise move on Wednesday, Kate missed Royal Ascot for the second successive year as she seeks the right balance following her treatment for cancer. Since announcing in January she is in remission, the princess has been gradually returning to public duties. Her appearances have increased in recent weeks, attending three high-profile events – Trooping the Colour, the annual Order of the Garter service, and a visit to a V&A storage facility in London. It is understood Kate is trying to find the right balance as she fully returns to public-facing engagements that have featured an element of flexibility since her cancer diagnosis. Kate's written message, posted on social media ahead of the end of Children's Hospice Week this weekend, said: 'No parent expects to hear that their child has a serious health condition that could shorten their life. 'Sadly, this is the reality faced by thousands of families across the country, leaving them heart-broken, fearful of the future and often desperately isolated.' Speaking in her role as royal patron of two children's hospices, she added: 'Being able to access the support of one of the UK's 54 children's hospices means they don't have to face that future alone. 'As patron of East Anglia's Children's Hospices and Ty Hafan Children's Hospice in South Wales, I have the immense privilege of seeing for myself the extraordinary work of our children's hospices. 'Lifting spirits through laughter, fun and play, as well as listening, holding, caring and sharing, they support children and families through life, death and beyond. 'This Children's Hospice Week, I hope you will join me in celebrating the life-changing work they do and thanking them for the vital care they provide to children and families experiencing the most challenging times.' The national Children's Hospice Week is led by children's palliative care charity Together for Short Lives and the event is dedicated to raising awareness of children's hospice services. Nick Carroll, chief executive officer of Together for Short Lives, said about Kate: ''Her ongoing support for Children's Hospice Week over many years has helped to raise much-needed awareness of the life-changing work children's hospices do, every day of the year. 'Their extraordinary lifeline care for children with life-limiting and life-threatening illnesses enables families to make the most of their lives together, whether that's for years, months or only hours.'
