Jessica Booth loved exercising and going on walks with her family and dogs as part of her leisure time at home. Those activities became limited, however, after she started experiencing symptoms that ultimately changed her life. The 20-year-old began losing her hair and vomiting blood, ultimately leading to a horrifying diagnosis after doctors initially ignored her symptoms for months.
Booth knew something wasn't right after she started having constant headaches and nausea sometime last year. When she addressed her concerns with medical professionals, doctors told her "Nothing was wrong." It got so bad that Booth lost 30 pounds in two weeks during a period of throwing up blood and experiencing rectal bleeding, according to the New York Post.
Booth says the symptoms started one day as she was on her way to work.
“I also had a feeling of needing the toilet urgently,” she told Jam Press, per the Post. “In May 2022, I was on my way to work, and I had to turn back — and I’ve not been to work since.”
On TikTok, she mentioned that she was out of work for several months after her symptoms began.
“From the start of my first symptoms, it progressively got worse, and I started to notice more and more symptoms as the days went by,” Booth added.
She also missed out on a planned trip to Disneyland, and her boyfriend Owen, 23, needed to care for her.
Booth continued to suffer after her blood test results came back normal.
“It fell on deaf ears because my blood [tests] kept coming back clear. I was never offered any scans,” she said. “I kept on suffering day after day, not being able to wash my own hair. I was missing out on life.”
Booth pleaded with physicians to perform a colonoscopy, and she was finally diagnosed with Meckel’s diverticulum in December.
The condition occurs at birth when "an abnormal sac or pouch develops at a weak point in the intestines," according to Healthline. Additionally, MedlinePlus noted that Meckel's diverticulum is a result of "the connection between the intestine and the umbilical cord" not completely closing off "during fetal development."
Most cases are usually detected and treated in children before the age of 10, with remaining cases being identified during adolescence. Those diagnosed with the condition have symptoms such as blockage of the intestines, bleeding into the intestines, bloody stools, nausea, and vomiting.
The disorder is generally treated with surgery, which Booth will undergo sometime soon.
Booth said she was homebound for more than six months, missing out on many of the things she enjoys the most. In the interview, she also mentioned how her illness has affected her mental and emotional health.
“I used to have so much confidence — I would normally be the life and soul of any party,” she said. On TikTok, she also noted that she suffers from social anxiety after spending so much time unable to leave home.
“Meckel’s diverticulum has completely changed my life. I have become so used to being in the house … that I am scared to leave the house," she shared.
The 20-year-old said she is looking forward to the procedure to help eliminate the agonizing symptoms.
Booth said she's looking forward enjoying life again after the surgery.
“I’m worried about the surgery but also excited — I will accept any kind of treatment to make me better,” she shared. “After the surgery I am most looking forward to having my life back again and to be able to enjoy the things I used to enjoy.”
She also encouraged those enduring similar symptoms to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
“Anybody experiencing these symptoms, please make sure to see your [general practitioner],” she said. “You know your own body, and if you feel something isn’t right, push for tests, and never let anybody tell you there’s nothing they can do.”
*Disclaimer: The advice on CafeMom.com is not a substitute for consultation with a medical professional or treatment for a specific condition. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem without consulting a qualified professional. Please contact your health-care provider with questions and concerns.
