A WOMAN who was experiencing unusual symptoms now finally has an answer thanks to a new procedure at a hospital in Warrington.
Laura Egerton knew something wasn't right when she started experiencing persistent pain, nausea, fatigue, and rapid weight loss.
The mum-of-two didn't even have the strength or energy to parent her two young children.
But like many people with Crohn's disease, Laura's journey to diagnosis wasn't straightforward.
Despite repeated tests and several A&E visits, Laura's symptoms were dismissed elsewhere because her condition didn't present in the typical way.
Fortunately, her GP referred her to Dr Subramaniam Ramakrishnan, consultant gastroenterologist at Spire Cheshire Hospital.
Here, Laura's investigations could progress without delay and Dr Ram worked collaboratively with colleagues to explore every possible avenue, including innovative diagnostic technology not widely available elsewhere.
Laura had a small bowel PillCam procedure to be diagnosed with small bowel Crohn's when other tests did not show any abnormalities. Prompt treatment of this helped Laura cope with her diagnosis and symptoms.
After a couple of years of treatment, she had some concerns regarding her symptoms and wanted to know if there was any evidence of further changes in her stomach/small or large bowel.
Dr Ram(Image: Supplied)
Laura became the first patient at Spire Cheshire's JAG-accredited endoscopy unit to undergo a Crohn's (Pan enteric) PillCam procedure -- a state-of-the-art capsule endoscopy where a tiny camera is swallowed to capture images of all of the digestive tract (Gullet, stomach, small and large bowel) in one procedure.
For Laura, this was another turning point. The Crohn's PillCam was helpful in managing her Crohn's optimally with the reassurance that the appropriate medication is working to keep her Crohn's under remission with good healing of the previously noted areas. After nearly two years of uncertainty, Laura finally had answers.
"It was a strange feeling because you're told you have a chronic illness, but it was also such a relief. I finally had access to the right treatments and could start feeling like myself again," she said.
Today, Laura is receiving the right medication to manage her condition and she has not only praised the technology, but also the endoscopy team at Spire Cheshire Hospital who made her experience so positive.
"Dr Ram, Emma in the endoscopy team, Debbie his secretary -- everyone has been amazing. The facilities are clean and private, the food is great (even for my gluten-free diet), and I felt cared for from start to finish," she said.
Dr Ram added: "Laura was going through a difficult time when her diagnosis was not straightforward to make. I am really pleased that the PillCam procedures have helped her in diagnosing her condition and ensuring that the treatment is working well."