EXCLUSIVE: Woman, 20, who nearly DIED from rare condition that stops her from EATING lays bare brutal reality of living with the illness that has left her completely bedridden and in ‘constant severe pain’
- Cara Bowman, from Mississippi, is battling vascular compression syndromes
- The 20-year-old has candidly detailed her extensive surgeries and hospital stays
- She has also laid bare how she navigates the emotional and physical challenges
A woman who suffers with a rare medical condition which causes excruciating pain, extreme nausea and has even paralyzed her stomach has lifted the lid on the brutal realities of her illness.
Cara Bowman, from Mississippi, has been using social media to shine a light on what life is like for those suffering with vascular compression syndromes – a group of conditions that occur when a person’s blood vessels are under abnormal pressure.
The 20-year-old has candidly detailed her extensive surgeries and hospital stays as well as how she navigates the emotional and physical challenges that come with it.
She now hopes to raise awareness about the ‘debilitating’ conditions and ‘the impact they have on everyday life.’
Cara Bowman, from Mississippi, has been using social media to shine a light on what life is like for those suffering with vascular compression syndromes
The 20-year-old has candidly detailed her extensive surgeries and hospital stays as well as how she navigates the emotional and physical challenges that come with it
Speaking about her experience with the little-known conditions, which are difficult to diagnose, Cara said: ‘Living with vascular compressions has completely changed my life.
‘Most days, I find myself bedridden and unable to partake in simple day-to-day tasks due to the lack of energy due to constant severe pain and the inability to eat a lot.
‘Socializing has become challenging as many activities revolve around food, which I must avoid.’
From a young age, Cara was an active and healthy child. She channeled her energy into gymnastics and showed immense promise as a young athlete before switching to competitive cheerleading.
‘My heart belonged in the gym, so I also took tumble lessons one or two times a week for many years. I enjoyed travelling and always being with my friends,’ she explained.
But Cara’s life took an unexpected turn when she began experiencing extreme abdominal pain and nausea.
After countless medical tests and consultations, doctors diagnosed her with Crohn’s Disease, and with diligent treatment, it finally went into remission.
However, just as Cara began to find hope, new symptoms emerged and months later it became clear that her gallbladder was the culprit.
Cara underwent surgery in January 2022 to remove her gallbladder, but instead of the expected improvement, her condition worsened, and by July 2022, a new diagnosis emerged
Cara underwent surgery in January 2022 to remove it but instead of the expected improvement, her condition worsened, and by July 2022, a new diagnosis emerged – gastroparesis (a condition in which the stomach becomes paralyzed).
‘It’s concerning that these health issues occurred without apparent cause, especially for healthy young person in my 20s. Despite multiple trips to the emergency room, there were no clear answers,’ she stated.
What are vascular compression syndromes?
Vascular compression syndromes are a group of conditions that occur when a person’s blood vessels are under abnormal pressure, limiting the size of the blood vessel and the amount of blood that flows through it.
The lack of blood flow can make a person feel weak, can cause mild to extreme pain, and will show different symptoms from person to person.
Vascular compressions can happen in different parts of the body.
Compression syndromes have different names depending on where in the body the issue is.
Because of the variety of syndromes and symptoms, they can often be misdiagnosed. This can lead to years of pain, frustration and mental anguish.
Source: University of Maryland Medical Center
Frustrated by months of unsuccessful treatments, Cara embarked on a journey to find the root of her continuous health problems.
She revealed: ‘I turned to TikTok for answers. On the platform I met friends who encouraged me to look into vascular compressions – a term I’d never heard before.
‘I learnt that vascular compression syndromes are uncommon medical conditions where arteries and ligaments either compress or are compressed by other arteries and ligaments.
‘These conditions can result in intense pain, feelings of nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue, and potential malnutrition.
‘It was also quite common to have multiple hospital stays or emergency room visits to receive the necessary pain management and nutritional support.’
The discovery led Cara to finally meet a vascular surgeon who identified the compression immediately.
The diagnosis led her to undergo surgery on April 24, 2023, which brought some relief.
However, Cara’s battle is far from over, and she still grapples with excruciating pain.
‘Being in severe pain every day for months to years and not having anything that relieves it is physically exhausting. But mentally, it’s more challenging because I am constantly trying to stay positive,’ she admitted.
‘The hardest thing for me is watching my friends live a life I know I could if I wasn’t so sick. It’s hard to watch people go to work, school, parties, get-togethers, watch them get married, and have kids.
‘Those are all big dreams that will never be achievable because of my health.’
Cara has been forced to make several lifestyle changes because of vascular compressions.
‘I had to switch from in-person to online school within my first year of college. I also constantly watch what I eat because if I don’t, I could end up in the emergency room.’
Despite her immense challenges, Cara maintains an unwavering positivity, crediting her faith as a driving force.
Despite her immense challenges, Cara maintains an unwavering positivity, crediting her faith as a driving force
She now hopes to raise awareness about the ‘debilitating’ conditions and ‘the impact they have on everyday life’
She believes that she is being used by God to help others, giving her the strength to stay positive amid the misery.
Cara offers this advice to those who share her diagnosis: ‘Hold onto faith and trust that there is a purpose for every struggle.’
Awareness about vascular compressions is limited, and Cara is now passionately advocating for more research and understanding.
She wishes for people to comprehend the debilitating nature of these conditions, emphasizing that they are far from mere stomachaches.
‘I knew absolutely nothing about vascular compressions when I first got sick. Now that I am more experienced, I wish more people knew and understood how debilitating these conditions are,’ Cara said.
‘They aren’t just tummy aches that’ll go away. There is very little research on them, so many go months, if not years, without a diagnosis.
‘My ultimate goal is to share my story not only with my followers, but with the world, inspiring and supporting others facing similar challenges. I want to raise awareness for vascular compressions, and the impact they have on everyday life.’
Source: Read Full Article