Latest news with #miracle
The Sun
2 days ago
- Health
- The Sun
Doctors told me I'd never be a mum after childhood abuse damaged my body – but I got pregnant with an ‘Ozempic baby'
AFTER suffering years of sexual abuse, Stephanie Craig was given the heartbreaking news by doctors that she would never be a mum. The internal damage that she'd suffered due to the abuse which began when she was just a child, meant that it would be impossible for her to fall pregnant. 7 7 But after taking the weight loss jab Ozempic - Stephanie, 25, found herself staring at a miracle. Her pregnancy test stick was positive and she was expecting the baby she had always longed for, despite the doctors' predictions. She gave birth to her 'Ozempic baby' Callie in September last year, and is now enjoying being a mum. 'Even when I was in labour I didn't actually believe I was pregnant,' says Stephanie, who lives in Glasgow. 'It was only when Callie was placed onto my chest and I saw her for the first time that I actually believed she was mine.' Stephanie was in and out of children's homes as a child and suffered abuse from a young age. As she got older, she was put on the contraception pill by staff to prevent unwanted pregnancies in her teens and it caused her weight to balloon from a size 12 to a size 18 within months. She says: 'I actually developed an eating disorder at 18, when I was already around 20 stone in weight. 'I started to binge eat. I was so unhappy that it was a way of getting some control in my life. 'I was told at the age of 18 and at 22 by doctors on both occasions that I wouldn't be able to have children because of the internal damage I'd suffered. 'So I never thought I'd be a mum.' It was watching TV and seeing that James Argent from Towie had undergone gastric sleeve surgery that spurred Stephanie into action to lose weight. She said: 'I rang my friend straight away and told her that I wanted to have gastric surgery like Arg had done. 'As soon as I saw it, I knew that it was going to be the right answer for me. 'I'd tried joining slimming groups from the age of 18, but nothing had ever worked for me. So I got on and booked it straight away.' Stephanie had the gastric sleeve operation, which she financed with her savings, at The Spire Hospital in Manchester in July 2021, when she weighed just over 22 stone. In just over 12 months she had lost a massive ten stone - and had dropped to just over 12 stone. Then because she had been left with so much loose skin from her weight loss, she underwent a tummy tuck and breast uplift in Turkey in July 2022, a thigh and bra line lift in January 2023 and finally a reverse tummy tuck and thigh lift in August 2023. 7 7 7 She says: 'I felt amazing after I'd lost all the weight, but I had so much loose skin, that I had a number of cosmetic surgeries to remove it. 'My body looks so much better now. I had some savings, and it was worth every penny to finally get the body that I'm happy with. It's given me so much more confidence.' And there were more surprises to come. Stephanie took the weight loss drug Ozempic in November 2023, after the surgery had been completed, to try and lose a few extra pounds, and a few weeks later, she made the most amazing discovery. She had fallen pregnant. She says: 'I didn't believe it. I did lots of tests and they all came up positive, but I still didn't believe that I was actually pregnant. CAN OZEMPIC BOOST FERTILITY? Experts believe the 'Ozempic baby' phenomenon could be down to the major weight loss associated with the drug. This is because any weight loss, especially in those with PCOS, is known to boost fertility. The drug may also increase the chance of pregnancy because side effects such as nausea and vomiting may stop contraceptive pills from being absorbed properly. Dr Nerys Astbury, nutrition scientist and senior researcher in diet and obesity at the University of Oxford, said it was 'plausible' semaglutide injections, by reducing people's weight, could help improve fertility. 'It's nothing special about the drug,' she told the newspaper. 'The effect the drug has is on promoting weight loss. 'It is important to note that whilst some doctors are prescribing semaglutide off-label to women with PCOS, it is not clear whether it's safe to use in women during pregnancy.' She added: "It should not be used as a method to treat infertility until research demonstrating safety and effectiveness is available and until regulatory approval for use in those before and during pregnancy.' Prof Barbara McGowan, from King's College London, added: "Women on GLP-1 agonists should take contraception whilst they take the medication and stop at least two months before trying for fertility." "Healthcare professionals should include this advice when the medication is started.' 'I'd had lots of investigations over the years because of the sexual abuse I'd suffered, and had several laparoscopies, where a camera Is inserted down the fallopian tubes, and it had shown that I'd suffered a lot of internal damage. 'Because of that, the doctors always said that I wouldn't be able to fall pregnant. So to find myself looking at a positive pregnancy test stick was unreal.' It is believed that the weight loss medication, which is also used for diabetes management, can improve ovulation and menstrual cycle regularity, leading to increased fertility and potentially unintended pregnancies. She says: 'I only took it for a couple of weeks, but it certainly must have changed something in my body for me to be able to fall pregnant like this. 'Even as my bump grew, I still didn't believe there was an actual baby, even when I went for scans and saw her moving, and then even in labour. 'The only time I actually believed it was when she was handed to me for the first time, and I gave her a cuddle.' Baby Callie, who was born in September last year, is now nine months old and has just started nursery. Stephanie adds: 'It's a lovely feeling being a mum, and I know that I've got Ozempic to thank for that. I took it to lose a few pounds, but ended up with a surprise baby. 'She's a little miracle.'
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Son of surfing icon 'fighting for his life' after devastating car accident in Hawaii
The son of surfing legend Shawn Briley is in the ICU in Hawaii after falling victim to a devastating car crash. Briley says his son, Dakota, is 'fighting for his life' after a crash on the island of Oahu over the weekend. Dakota was hit by a vehicle on the Kamehameha Highway and was pinned between two other cars in an accident on Saturday. His brother, Ryder, posted multiple calls for thoughts and prayers while also sharing a video of Dakota being serenaded by a ukelele at his hospital bedside. 'Please continue to pray for our Dakota, he's in really rough shape and needs a miracle from god, his ribs have been crushed, his spine is severed and broken in multiple places, the back of his skull has been crushed, fractured in over 8 places, from the hip down his legs have been crushed,' Ryder said in an update. 'He needs a miracle, please pray for God to make him whole again.' Hours later, Ryder added another post, saying, 'pray for dakota's spinal cord, pray that god knits his spinal cord back together and perform a miracle. pray that god does what the doctors can't, make him whole again lord, from head to toe heal dakota, do what only you can do, a god who does miracles. 'Continue to give him strength and comfort him. MAKE HIM WHOLE AGAIN.' A GoFundMe organized on Dakota's behalf has raised over $44,000 at the time of publishing. The fundraiser says that the doctors 'were able to stabilize his legs and are now working tirelessly on multiple surgeries to the rest of his body. 'For those of you who know The Briley Ohana [family], you know they are the Salt of the Earth, a family of great faith in God and have hearts of gold. They are a staple in the North Shore Community and are loved by many. 'Dakota Briley has proven to be a true warrior. He is strong, vibrant and his smile lights up a room. His brother Ryder writes "at times he appears as so solid, it's hard to handle, but I know that his stubornness [sic], strength and the fight he has in him is what is going to get him through this. We believe he will get through this. He has a lot more battles to fight through, and if anyone can do it... it's Dakota."' Like his father, Dakota is a surfer - chasing waves like Shawn did for decades. Shawn gained legendary status for his proficiency at the Banzai Pipeline - a surf break which can reach heights of 20 feet and has been known as one of the world's deadliest waves.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Jimmy Swaggart, 90, in Critical Condition After Suffering Cardiac Arrest: ‘Needs a Miracle from Heaven'
Jimmy Swaggart, 90, remains in critical condition after suffering a cardiac arrest The medical emergency occurred in his Baton Rouge, La. home on Sunday, June 15 His family is asking for prayers and privacy during this timeJimmy Swaggart remains in critical condition after suffering a cardiac arrest. 'At this time, there has been no change in his condition. We ask that you continue to lift him up in prayer and believe God for a miracle—but above all, we trust in the Lord's perfect will,' read a statement posted to his official Facebook account on Monday, June 16. The 90-year-old televangelist and preacher went into cardiac arrest at his Baton Rouge, La. home Sunday morning, June 15, WWLTV reported. Less than two hours after a Father's Day message was posted to his official account, another message was posted that asked for prayers. 'On this Father's Day, we urgently ask you to pray for Brother Swaggart. He needs a miracle from heaven right now, this morning. We must have the Lord intervene in this situation and we need your prayers,' the post read. His son, Donnie Swaggart, spoke exclusively to WWLTV about how he and his son, Gabriel, rushed 'to mother's house' and took turns doing chest compressions on Jimmy until medics arrived. "They were able to get a heart beat back," Donnie told the news station. "Right now, he is in ICU and without a miracle, without a miracle, his time will be short." He continued, "We're going to give the Lord an opportunity to work. We will not retreat. We will not quit. We will not give up and whether he's healed here or there, God is still God." Swaggart Ministries spokesperson Megan Kelly told the news station that Jimmy's family has traveled to be with him during this time. The Pentecostal televangelist and gospel artist built the empire known as Jimmy Swaggart Ministries, which also consists of the Family Worship Center and the SonLife Broadcasting Network. Part of his popularity is also due to a 1988 scandal that involved him being caught on camera with a New Orleans sex worker as the two entered a motel. Jimmy was subsequently suspended from his ministries. "Yes, we had a rather large bump in the road," Kelly told the news outlet. "But he has come back and the comeback story has been far greater than anything else. The lives saved. The lives that have been touched through his ministry are endless." Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. She added that Jimmy's health has begun to deteriorate in recent years. "We kindly ask that you respect the privacy of the Swaggart family during this time and refrain from calling to inquire. For the latest information, please continue to follow our official Ministry social media pages,' a statement on Jimmy's official Facebook account read. Read the original article on People
Fox News
6 days ago
- Fox News
America's longest-running TV evangelist, Jimmy Swaggart, in critical condition after cardiac episode
The family of prominent televangelist the Rev. Jimmy Swaggart said he remains hospitalized in critical condition after suffering a cardiac arrest. During a Sunday service, Swaggart's son, the Rev. Donnie Swaggart, asked the congregation to keep his father in their prayers, saying that only a "miracle" could extend his father's life. "On this Father's Day, we urgently ask you to pray for Brother Swaggart. He needs a miracle from heaven right now, this morning. We must have the Lord intervene in this situation, and we need your prayers," Donnie Swaggart wrote in a post on his father's Facebook page. "He's my rock and my hero and he needs the Lord's healing power today. If I am able to get away, I will try to be at the service to give everyone an update," Donnie Swaggart wrote in another post. The Rev. Jimmy Swaggart has preached the gospel of Jesus Christ on television longer than any other American evangelist in history, according to his ministry website. Swaggart, who was born on March 15, 1935, in Ferriday, Louisiana, launched into full-time ministry in 1955. He serves as the pastor of the Family Worship Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and is the founder of Jimmy Swaggart Ministries. At his peak in the mid-1980s, Swaggart was the country's top-rated TV preacher. His services were broadcast to over 2 million households. However, his image was bruised after he was linked to a 1987 scandal involving a prostitute that he met in a seedy New Orleans motel. Swaggart never confessed to anything more than an unspecified sin during a televised apology in which he tearfully delivered his "I have sinned speech." A few years later, he was stopped by police while driving in California with a suspected prostitute in his car. Swaggart also made headlines for saying in a televised worship service that he would kill any gay man who looked at him romantically. Swaggart said he made the comment jokingly and did not mean any harm. Fox News Digital reached out to Swaggart's representatives for comment but did not immediately receive a response. Stepheny Price is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. She covers topics including missing persons, homicides, national crime cases, illegal immigration, and more. Story tips and ideas can be sent to
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Jimmy Swaggart, 90, in Critical Condition After Suffering Cardiac Arrest: ‘Needs a Miracle from Heaven'
Jimmy Swaggart, 90, remains in critical condition after suffering a cardiac arrest The medical emergency occurred in his Baton Rouge, La. home on Sunday, June 15 His family is asking for prayers and privacy during this timeJimmy Swaggart remains in critical condition after suffering a cardiac arrest. 'At this time, there has been no change in his condition. We ask that you continue to lift him up in prayer and believe God for a miracle—but above all, we trust in the Lord's perfect will,' read a statement posted to his official Facebook account on Monday, June 16. The 90-year-old televangelist and preacher went into cardiac arrest at his Baton Rouge, La. home Sunday morning, June 15, WWLTV reported. Less than two hours after a Father's Day message was posted to his official account, another message was posted that asked for prayers. 'On this Father's Day, we urgently ask you to pray for Brother Swaggart. He needs a miracle from heaven right now, this morning. We must have the Lord intervene in this situation and we need your prayers,' the post read. His son, Donnie Swaggart, spoke exclusively to WWLTV about how he and his son, Gabriel, rushed 'to mother's house' and took turns doing chest compressions on Jimmy until medics arrived. "They were able to get a heart beat back," Donnie told the news station. "Right now, he is in ICU and without a miracle, without a miracle, his time will be short." He continued, "We're going to give the Lord an opportunity to work. We will not retreat. We will not quit. We will not give up and whether he's healed here or there, God is still God." Swaggart Ministries spokesperson Megan Kelly told the news station that Jimmy's family has traveled to be with him during this time. The Pentecostal televangelist and gospel artist built the empire known as Jimmy Swaggart Ministries, which also consists of the Family Worship Center and the SonLife Broadcasting Network. Part of his popularity is also due to a 1988 scandal that involved him being caught on camera with a New Orleans sex worker as the two entered a motel. Jimmy was subsequently suspended from his ministries. "Yes, we had a rather large bump in the road," Kelly told the news outlet. "But he has come back and the comeback story has been far greater than anything else. The lives saved. The lives that have been touched through his ministry are endless." Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. She added that Jimmy's health has begun to deteriorate in recent years. "We kindly ask that you respect the privacy of the Swaggart family during this time and refrain from calling to inquire. For the latest information, please continue to follow our official Ministry social media pages,' a statement on Jimmy's official Facebook account read. Read the original article on People
