Bringing relief to troubled tummies
IT might seem extraordinary but stomach problems are one of the biggest reasons we go to the doctor. Gastrointestinal disorders account for 25 per cent of all visits to a GP. These problems can be minor and soon gone, but they can also be longterm with life-changing effects. And while stomach upsets are more widely associated with later life, they can hit people of all ages.
Vicky Lightwood, 37, has suffered from upper gastrointestinal discomfort since her early teens, well over 20 years where she has had to fit her life around her illness.
“I suffered from stomach pains and nausea with severe mouth ulcers,” says Vicky, an NHS science assistant from Birmingham. “My mum took me to the doctors and we were told it was the stress of exams – but in my twenties it only got worse.”
Vicky changed her diet to exclude gluten but to no avail. “I was a mess and often reduced to tears,” she says. “My job involved shift work which made it a lot worse and I had to cut out most foods on the FODMAP diet, which reduces carbohydrates, as they were definite triggers.”
It got to a point where the symptoms were occurring daily. “It totally affected my social life,” she says. “Any change in routine would trigger it. I regularly visited a gastroenterologist and, after several tests, I was given a variety of tablets, none of which helped for long.”
Vicky tried other products with no success. “I’ve tried peppermint oil capsules and tea but these made me feel worse. Ginger helped a little but essentially they made me feel more uncomfortable.”
Vicky’s symptoms took control of her life. “I stopped taking public transport and drove wherever possible, especially to social meetings, as I felt more comfortable knowing that I could get home easily if needed.
“My condition cost me one friend who stopped seeing me after two meetings were completely ruined by a flare up of symptoms. My then boyfriend used to have a go at me suggesting I caused the symptoms as it would affect our dates. Meals
GEORGE NICHOLS takes a look at a cure for stomach discomfort
out would be totally ruined and even my work was affected.
In June 2015 Vicky changed jobs but, knowing this change could trigger a flare up of her symptoms, she felt extremely anxious. At the same time, she saw a Facebook page recommending Silicolgel and gave it a try.
Taken orally, the gel coats the stomach lining, trapping toxins and other irritants, allowing the body to remove them naturally.
“I’ve been taking Silicolgel for a year now and the relief is fantastic,” says Vicky. “It has turned my life around both at work and home. I now have a very understanding husband and we can enjoy walking again. I used to dread visiting family and friends, and having to cope with the journey and eating with them, but now I can enjoy being sociable again.” INFORMATION: Silicolgel, £8.29 (200ml), is available from Tesco, and Holland & Barrett.