Eryn’s Story – Gastroparesis
"I felt a huge sense of relief to get my gastroparesis diagnosis. It gave an explanation to the symptoms I had been experiencing. At the same time, it was a lot to take in."
Tell us a little about yourself
“I’m Eryn and I’m 28 years old. I live in Fife, Scotland with my mum, dad, brother and dog, Olly. I am a social worker and before I became ill, I loved going to the gym. I still enjoy the social side of the gym and hope to get back into it as I really miss it.”
When did your gastroparesis symptoms begin?
“My symptoms first started in 2021. I began feeling full after a few bites of food, experienced constant bloating, and regularly struggled with nausea and sickness. These symptoms gradually became worse over a few years.”
When were you diagnosed with gastroparesis?
“I had previously been diagnosed with eosinophilic enteritis (a chronic inflammatory condition caused a type of white blood cells called eosinophils to accumulate in the small intestine), so when these new symptoms appeared, I was referred to my gastroenterologist (a healthcare professional who specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the digestive system).
My consultant arranged for me to have a barium swallow test (this involves drinking some barium liquid, which will show up your oesophagus, stomach and first part of the small intestine on x-ray). This showed that my stomach was emptying very slowly and led to my gastroparesis diagnosis in 2024.”
How did you feel when you received your diagnosis?
“I felt a huge sense of relief. It gave an explanation to the symptoms I had been experiencing. At the same time, it was a lot to take in. There were moments where the reality of living with a long-term digestive condition felt frightening and heavy. I worried about how much it might change my life. However, I’ve always been very determined, and I don’t want to let gastroparesis define me. Instead, I put my focus into what I can do to manage it and keep moving forward. It’s so important to not lose sight of things that make you feel like yourself.”
Is there a hospital experience that sticks in your mind?
“In November 2024, I became severely unwell. I couldn’t tolerate any food or fluids and was admitted to hospital. After four weeks of being in hospital, I received the news that I needed a nasojejunal (NJ) feeding tube (a soft tube which goes up the nose and into the small bowel) to receive nutrition.
It took around ten attempts to get the tube in the correct place, and I became increasingly exhausted and disheartened. I started to feel defeated by it all. However, the kindness of the nurses on the ward helped me to get through this tough time, and they arranged for my dog, Olly, to come and visit me. That meant so much to me and brought me a sense of normality which I so desperately needed.”
How does gastroparesis affect you in your daily life?
“Gastroparesis has had a major impact on my life. Eating – something that seems so basic – has become incredibly difficult. I lost a significant amount of weight, to the point I weighed five stone. I became so weak that I was unable to manage daily activities. Gastroparesis has impacted my mental health, social life, and my independence.”
What would you tell someone who has just been diagnosed with a digestive condition, like gastroparesis?
“It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed at first. Things do get more manageable with time. You’re not alone and there are people out there who understand what you’re going through. It’s important to be kind to yourself and celebrate the small wins. Life might look a little different to what you imagined, but your condition doesn’t define who you are. I still live a very happy and fulfilling life.”
Tell us more about how you raised an incredible £5,000 for Guts UK…
“Fiona Livingstone Fitness, the local gym that my mum and I attend, organised fundraising for Guts UK. In August, which is Gastroparesis Awareness Month, the gym dedicated every Sunday to a different event. We took part in a walk, a fitness challenge, an obstacle course and held a sports day.
It was incredible to see how everyone gave up their time to organise and take part, from loved ones to local businesses. The sense of community was phenomenal, and together we raised both funds and vital awareness for Guts UK and gastroparesis. I felt extremely emotional, proud and so grateful for the unwavering support from such an amazing team of people around me.”
Why are you sharing your story today?
“I want to continue raising awareness of gastroparesis and how serious it can be. It’s a condition that not many people understand, and I hope that by sharing my experience, I can help others to feel less alone. I also hope my story encourages more research and support for people living with digestive conditions.”
About Guts UK
Guts UK is the national charity for the digestive system and the only UK charity funding research into the whole digestive system.
People are suffering. People are dying. All because of a lack of knowledge about our guts. Guts UK exists to change that.
With new knowledge, we will end the pain and suffering for the millions affected by digestive diseases. Please consider donating today. Your donation will help fund research leading to earlier diagnoses, kinder treatments and ultimately, a cure.
