Latest news with #UlcerativeColitis
The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- Health
- The Irish Sun
Cricket star's daughter, 21, ‘could have been saved' having visited hospital ‘multiple times', rules inquest
THE daughter of a former England cricketer would not have died if doctors and paramedics had acted faster, a coroner ruled today. Bethan Amy James, 21 , daughter of ex-England and Glamorgan batsman Steve James, died from sepsis after being sent home from hospital multiple times in the days before her death. 3 Bethan Amy James died aged 21 on February 9, 2020 Credit: Wales News Service 3 Ex-England cricket star Steve James' daughter could have been saved Credit: Wales News Service Despite repeated visits to A&E, she was discharged while still seriously unwell. She collapsed at home on February 8, 2020. Paramedics were called but delays and a lack of urgency meant she was not treated quickly enough. By the time she was finally seen in hospital, Bethan was gravely ill and died within hours. Read more on sepsis Her dad Steve had been in Dublin covering the Six Nations match between Wales and Ireland, but due to weather delays, was unable to get back in time to see her before she passed away. An inquest heard ambulance crews struggled to insert a line, failed to call for urgent backup, and didn't alert the hospital to her worsening condition. Bethan was taken to University Hospital Wales in Cardiff, but instead of being rushed into resus, she was taken to the 'majors' unit where medics failed to grasp how sick she was. Only after a high lactate reading - a sign the body isn't getting enough oxygen and could be shutting down - taken an hour later, did senior doctors intervene. Most read in Health Senior Coroner Patricia Morgan said: "I find that if earlier recognition and prompt action in response to Bethan's condition by ambulance services had occurred this would have resulted in a pre-alert to the emergency department. "This would, and ought to have, resulted in direct admission to resus with clinical staff waiting for her." 300,000 people in the UK battle Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis and other forms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease She added: "Earlier treatment would and ought to have commenced" and that "the involvement of other specialists would and ought to have occurred at an earlier stage." "On balance, I find that had this direct admission to resus and prompt recognition and treatment occurred, then cardiac arrest would not have occurred when it did." "On balance I find that Bethan would not have died." A post-mortem found Bethan died from a combination of sepsis, Sepsis is the body's extreme reaction to an infection, where it starts attacking its own organs and tissues, while pneumonia is a severe lung infection. Crohn's is a lifelong condition whereby parts of the digestive system become inflamed. She had only recently been diagnosed with Crohn's and had been in and out of hospital in the days leading up to her death. 3 Bethan died from a combination of sepsis, pneumonia and Crohn's disease Credit: Wales News Service But sepsis was never picked up. 'Caring' and 'beautiful' Her mother Jane James told the hearing she felt medics repeatedly missed opportunities to treat her daughter. She said: "It's heartbreaking as a mum to know that her life could have been saved." She described Bethan, a journalism student, as a 'caring and beautiful' young woman who would have made a 'brilliant' journalist. Delivering a narrative conclusion, Ms Morgan said Bethan had visited hospital multiple times between January 27 and February 6 - but was sent home again and again. Who gets sepsis and what causes it? Sepsis can affect anyone. The condition occurs when the body's immune system has an overeaction to an infection. As a result, the body attacks itself. Some people are more likely to get an infection that could lead to sepsis, however. This includes babies under the age of one, people over 75 years old, people with diabetes or a weak immune system (either due to treatment, a condition or genetically), people who have recently had surgery or given birth. Any infection can lead to sepsis. But those more likely to are those of: Lungs, such as pneumonia. Kidney, bladder and other parts of the urinary system Digestive system Bloodstream Catheter sites Wounds or burns She added: "Bethan was reluctant to return [to] hospital due to her lack of confidence arising from earlier attendances. "When she collapsed at home, her mother called 999. A rapid responder was sent - but wrongly classed the case as non-urgent. Ms Morgan said: "The rapid responder identified Bethan was in need of admission to hospital and requested a back up ambulance at a non-urgent grade of P3, [but] Bethan's condition warranted an emergency response." "There was no pre-alert issued to hospital to make them aware of the seriousness of her condition." "Bethan was transferred to the UHW majors area of the department when she should [have been] admitted directly to resus." "There was an extended transfer between ambulance and hospital and a delay in recognising Bethan's critical condition once she was admitted." "This delayed the escalation of her treatment and the input of specialty doctors into her care." "Bethan sadly went into cardiac arrest and died." The coroner offered her condolences to Steve and Jane James, who sat through every day of the inquest.
Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Cricket star's daughter, 21, ‘could have been saved' having visited hospital ‘multiple times', rules inquest
THE daughter of a former England cricketer would not have died if doctors and paramedics had acted faster, a coroner ruled today. Bethan Amy James, 21 , daughter of ex-England and Glamorgan batsman Steve James, died from sepsis after being sent home from hospital multiple times in the days before her death. 3 Bethan Amy James died aged 21 on February 9, 2020 Credit: Wales News Service 3 Ex-England cricket star Steve James' daughter could have been saved Credit: Wales News Service Despite repeated visits to A&E, she was discharged while still seriously unwell. She collapsed at home on February 8, 2020. Paramedics were called but delays and a lack of urgency meant she was not treated quickly enough. By the time she was finally seen in hospital, Bethan was gravely ill and died within hours. Read more on sepsis TAKEN TOO SOON Mum, 28, with stomach ache died after hospital staff failed to spot sepsis Her dad Steve had been in Dublin covering the Six Nations match between Wales and Ireland, but due to weather delays, was unable to get back in time to see her before she passed away. An inquest heard ambulance crews struggled to insert a line, failed to call for urgent backup, and didn't alert the hospital to her worsening condition. Bethan was taken to University Hospital Wales in Cardiff, but instead of being rushed into resus, she was taken to the 'majors' unit where medics failed to grasp how sick she was. Only after a high lactate reading - a sign the body isn't getting enough oxygen and could be shutting down - taken an hour later, did senior doctors intervene. Senior Coroner Patricia Morgan said: "I find that if earlier recognition and prompt action in response to Bethan's condition by ambulance services had occurred this would have resulted in a pre-alert to the emergency department. "This would, and ought to have, resulted in direct admission to resus with clinical staff waiting for her." 300,000 people in the UK battle Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis and other forms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease She added: "Earlier treatment would and ought to have commenced" and that "the involvement of other specialists would and ought to have occurred at an earlier stage." "On balance, I find that had this direct admission to resus and prompt recognition and treatment occurred, then cardiac arrest would not have occurred when it did." "On balance I find that Bethan would not have died." A post-mortem found Bethan died from a combination of sepsis, pneumonia and Crohn's disease. Sepsis is the body's extreme reaction to an infection, where it starts attacking its own organs and tissues, while pneumonia is a severe lung infection. Crohn's is a lifelong condition whereby parts of the digestive system become inflamed. She had only recently been diagnosed with Crohn's and had been in and out of hospital in the days leading up to her death. 3 Bethan died from a combination of sepsis, pneumonia and Crohn's disease Credit: Wales News Service But sepsis was never picked up. 'Caring' and 'beautiful' Her mother Jane James told the hearing she felt medics repeatedly missed opportunities to treat her daughter. She said: "It's heartbreaking as a mum to know that her life could have been saved." She described Bethan, a journalism student, as a 'caring and beautiful' young woman who would have made a 'brilliant' journalist. Delivering a narrative conclusion, Ms Morgan said Bethan had visited hospital multiple times between January 27 and February 6 - but was sent home again and again. Who gets sepsis and what causes it? Sepsis can affect anyone. The condition occurs when the body's immune system has an overeaction to an infection. As a result, the body attacks itself. Some people are more likely to get an infection that could lead to sepsis, however. This includes babies under the age of one, people over 75 years old, people with diabetes or a weak immune system (either due to treatment, a condition or genetically), people who have recently had surgery or given birth. Any infection can lead to sepsis. But those more likely to are those of: Lungs, such as pneumonia. Kidney, bladder and other parts of the urinary system Digestive system Bloodstream Catheter sites Wounds or burns She added: "Bethan was reluctant to return [to] hospital due to her lack of confidence arising from earlier attendances. "When she collapsed at home, her mother called 999. A rapid responder was sent - but wrongly classed the case as non-urgent. Ms Morgan said: "The rapid responder identified Bethan was in need of admission to hospital and requested a back up ambulance at a non-urgent grade of P3, [but] Bethan's condition warranted an emergency response." "There was no pre-alert issued to hospital to make them aware of the seriousness of her condition." "Bethan was transferred to the UHW majors area of the department when she should [have been] admitted directly to resus." "There was an extended transfer between ambulance and hospital and a delay in recognising Bethan's critical condition once she was admitted." "This delayed the escalation of her treatment and the input of specialty doctors into her care." "Bethan sadly went into cardiac arrest and died." The coroner offered her condolences to Steve and Jane James, who sat through every day of the inquest.
Health Line
4 days ago
- Health
- Health Line
6 Long-Term Complications of Uncontrolled Ulcerative Colitis
Key takeaways Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Severe or persistent inflammation can increase your risk of complications. For example, constant inflammation in your intestine may eventually cause cells to become cancerous. People with UC have a higher risk of colorectal cancer than people without the disease. UC symptoms come and go, but the condition is chronic. To lower your risk for complications, follow the treatment plan your healthcare team has prescribed. Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It develops when the immune system attacks food, bacteria, and other substances in the large intestine (colon). This causes inflammation that can permanently damage the colon lining. Periods of UC symptoms are called flare-ups. Symptom-free periods are called remission. People with UC alternate between flare-ups and remissions. Taking medications can help manage the immune response and bring down inflammation in your colon before it causes damage and complications. Some people may need surgery to remove damaged parts of their colon. Osteoporosis UC increases your risk of developing the bone-weakening disease osteoporosis. Up to 60% of people with IBD have thinner than average bones. Severe inflammation in your colon or having part of your colon removed with surgery can make it harder for your body to absorb calcium and vitamin D. You need these nutrients to keep your bones strong. Inflammation can also disrupt the process your body uses to rebuild new bone. Having weak bones increases your risk of fractures. Taking corticosteroids can also contribute to osteoporosis. These medications reduce inflammation in the colon, but they can also weaken bones. Eating a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D can help protect your bones. Doing weight-bearing exercises like walking up stairs and dancing also strengthens bones. If a bone density test shows that you have weakened bones, your doctor can prescribe bisphosphonates or other medications to protect them. You may also need to reduce your use of steroids. Colorectal cancer Constant inflammation in the intestine can eventually make cells turn cancerous. People with UC have a higher risk of getting colorectal cancer than people without the disease. Your likelihood of developing cancer does increase after you've had the condition for 8–10 years. But overall, your risk is low. Most people with UC will never get colorectal cancer. You're more likely to get colorectal cancer if you have: severe inflammation in your colon a family history of colorectal cancer It's important for people who have had UC for more than 8 years to get screened every 1–2 years with a colonoscopy. This test uses a long flexible tube to find and remove abnormal tissue in your lower intestine. Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is inflammation and scarring in the bile ducts. These tubes carry the digestive fluid bile from your liver to your small intestine. PSC is common in people with UC. Scars can make the bile ducts narrow. The narrowing causes bile to back up in the liver. Over time, the liver can become scarred and damaged enough to need a transplant. Swollen colon (toxic megacolon) Toxic megacolon is a rare but dangerous complication of UC. It happens when gas becomes trapped in the colon and makes it swell up. The colon can become so enlarged that it breaks open and releases bacteria into the blood. The bacteria can cause a serious blood infection called septicemia. If you suspect you have a swollen colon, seek medical help immediately. Symptoms of toxic megacolon include: belly pain and swelling fever rapid heart rate Doctors treat toxic megacolon with medications to bring down swelling and prevent infection. If treatments don't work, you may need surgery to remove part or all of your colon. Perforated colon Inflammation and sores can weaken the colon wall so much that it eventually develops a hole. This is called a perforated colon. A perforated colon usually happens because of toxic megacolon. It's a medical emergency. Bacteria that live in your intestine can get out through the hole into the abdomen. These bacteria can cause a serious infection called peritonitis. If this happens, you'll need surgery to close the hole. Bleeding Damage to the colon can cause bleeding. You may notice the blood in your bowel movements. Bloody stools are a main symptom of UC. The bleeding can be severe enough to cause anemia — a drop in red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout your body. It causes symptoms like fatigue and shortness of breath.
The Irish Sun
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Gaz Beadle's ex Emma McVey shares health update two years after heart surgery and colitis battle
GARY Beadle's ex wife Emma McVey has given fans an update on her health - two years on from her heart surgery and colitis battle. The mum-of-two has revealed she is no longer on any medication and has completely overhauled her diet. 4 Emma McVey has given fans a health update 4 The star had open heart surgery two years ago The 32-year-old was quizzed about her health during a Q&A with fans - and explained: 'Actually on no medication anymore, I hated being on so many tablets and injections so I changed my lifestyle and diet. 'I can say it's worked for over a year now. I'll start posting more of the vitamins and supplements that I take daily, along with the foods I make that also made a huge difference.' Emma - who split from Gaz in October 2023 - underwent open heart surgery in January of that year. The model had no idea she'd been born with three holes in her heart until a monitor was fitted following her second pregnancy. Read More on Emma McVey She'd suffered years of seizures, exhaustion and fainting episodes - but while the diagnosis was illuminating, medics were cautious about operating because Emma is also battling The condition, which affects roughly one in 420 in the UK, causes ulcers and inflammation in the digestive tract. The steroid treatment used to treat it can lead to bone loss and breakage, which doctors warned could stop Emma's bones fusing back together. She was originally due to have surgery in November 2021 - four months after her wedding to Gary - but it was postponed when her colitis worsened. Most read in Reality Around Christmas time of 2023 her tricuspid valve - the valve between the two right chambers of the heart - further deteriorated, and the decision was made to proceed with the op in spite of the risks. She later said of the op: 'I knew in surgery I'd be connected to a heart machine that would be keeping me alive while my heart was stopped, and I kept thinking, 'They're not going to be able to start my heart again'. Emma McVey on Colitis 'I thought, 'I'm going to get put to sleep and I'm not coming back out'.' Emma - who shares Chester and Primrose with Gaz - is now in a new relationship with new partner James, who she has been with for over a year. 4 Emma with her two children and new partner James 4 She was previously married to Gaz Beadle Credit: Instagram What is Ulcerative Colitis? Here's what you need to know about Ulcerative Colitis.. Colitis is a condition where the colon and rectum become inflamed. The colon is the large intestine, or bowel, and the rectum is the end of the bowel where stools are stored. Ulcers can develop on the colon's lining and bleed and produce pus. Ulcerative colitis is a form of colitis that is caused by autoimmune inflammation (the body attacking itself), whereas colitis can be caused by a number of factors including infection. Ulcerative colitis is similar to another condition which causes inflammation of the gut - Crohn's disease. Symptoms can often be very mild for weeks or months but flare ups with extreme symptoms can cause a lot of pain and trouble for sufferers. Find out
The Irish Sun
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Louise Thompson's fiance reveals harrowing moment she was ‘ten minutes from death' haemorrhaging blood at home
LOUISE Thompson's fiancé Ryan Libey has shared the terrifying moment she was 'ten minutes from death' after haemorrhaging blood 'like someone turning on a hose' weeks after giving birth to their son Leo. In a raw and emotional interview on Giovanna Fletcher's podcast, 6 Ryan Libbey has recalled Louis Thompson's terrifying health crisis after the birth of their son 6 The Made In Chelsea star nearly died giving birth to their son Leo-Hunter in 2021 Credit: instagram 6 Louise Thompson hospital diaries, Credit: Instagram The ordeal escalated into an emergency C-section that should have lasted 45 minutes but dragged on for almost four hours. Louise was awake throughout, losing a huge amount of blood. When Leo was born, he was in distress, suffering respiratory issues linked to meconium, a bowel obstruction in newborns. But the nightmare didn't end at the hospital. READ MORE ON LOUISE Weeks later, Louise suffered a haemorrhage at home that nearly killed her. He said: 'I was in our bedroom. She was in the spare bedroom. 'And we'd done that because, well, one, there's extra stairs to climb to get to our bedroom, and she was not mobile. 'Two, I just wanted her to go into a space where she could just rest and not worry about the baby or how untidy the bedroom was—just go somewhere that's ready for you. Most read in Celebrity 'So she was in there, and just the shriek, or the shout, or the scream—whatever best describes this—just pierced through my body. 'And I must have flown from one bedroom down the staircase to the other. Louise Thompson shares crippling health battle saying her brain was 'on fire' 'And I would describe it as like a gunshot victim on the floor. 'I've never seen blood like it. Not even compared to the hospital. I've never seen it." Ryan revealed their white bed sheets turned red while he was holding Leo, who was screaming. He said: 'I can't actually remember where Leo is in this moment in time. I feel like he's in my arms. I think he was with me versus in the bed with Louise. 'So he's in my arms, tiny little thing screaming, and Louise is in this bed which is filled with blood and sort of… 'Louise herself described the blood loss as if 'someone had switched a hose on.'" Ryan desperately tried to stop the bleeding with bath towels while holding their tiny son. He called 999, fearing she wouldn't survive the next ten minutes. He told them: ''If you don't get here in ten minutes, she's probably going to die, because the level of blood that I'm looking at is insane'. 'And these bath towels that I was trying to plug the bleed with quickly absorbed it and turned red. 'So I'm changing the towels. Louise is sort of slipping into this state of surrender, to be honest with… And then the ambulance did show up very quickly, actually. Louise Thompson's Full Health Battle THE Made in Chelsea alumni has always spoken candidly about her health - yet what does she suffer from? Ulcerative Colitis Louise was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis before becoming a mum. It is a condition which causes the colon and rectum to become inflamed - with her new stoma bag "saving her life" after the debilitating battle PTSD The Pocket sportswear founder was frank when she opened up on her post-natal birth struggles. She told how she had been It came after she Incurable Lupus Back in 2022, Louise was The autoimmune disease that occurs when your body's immune system attacks your tissues and organs. Blood loss In February 2024, it was revealed that In the aftermath, Louise told how she had "survived a second time" after losing three litres of blood. It came after the brave star Thankfully, paramedics arrived quickly and saved her life — but this was just one of multiple life-threatening episodes. Ryan also revealed Louise suffered a third major haemorrhage following a medical procedure months later. He described returning home from work to find Louise being loaded into an ambulance amid a scene he called 'a murder scene' in their bathroom. Ryan opened up about Louise's devastating battle with postpartum depression after the trauma. He said: 'We even had a crisis-management team come very regularly, which—to be really honest with you—was a suicide watch because she was so mentally checked out. 'Which is absolutely terrifying, and I don't think I've quite processed that one. I think that was… that was something that I wanted to reframe straight away." Louise has since She has also been battling PTSD and anxiety since giving birth to Leo in 2021. 6 She gave birth via an emergency cesarean as she lost over three litres of blood Credit: Louise Thompson instagram 6 Louise also suffers from a chronic inflammatory bowel condition called Ulcerative Colitis Credit: 6 Louise has been fitted with a stoma bag Credit: Instagram
