Table of Contents
- Melissa Suffield's Health Battle
- Unintentional Weight Loss
- Changing Perspectives
- Christmas Reflections
A former EastEnders star has revealed that her mysterious illness caused her to lose three stone and spend over £20,000 in search of answers.
Melissa Suffield, 32, who gained fame as Lucy Beale in EastEnders, began experiencing “horrible nausea” in 2023.
Melissa Suffield has been battling SIBO since 2023Credit: Instagram/@the.confidentmama
Melissa has lost weight since battling SIBOCredit: Instagram/@the.confidentmama
Two years after her symptoms first emerged, she took to social media to candidly discuss her health struggles.
“December 16 marked two years since my SIBO journey began after my young son fell ill with whatever infection caused my SIBO,” she explained.
Melissa shared that she started showing symptoms the day after her son got sick and has been “unwell ever since.”
Opening up further about her health challenges, she revealed the extent of her unintentional weight loss and the financial burden the illness has imposed.
Reflecting on whether she could have changed anything before her son's illness and the onset of her symptoms, Melissa stated: “How different my life would look right now.”
“I wouldn’t have lost over three stone against my will.”
“I wouldn’t have spent over £20,000 searching for answers and the magical remedy that would help me feel better.”
“I wouldn’t have felt lonelier or more anxious than I’ve ever been.”
“I wouldn’t be worried about traveling more than a mile from home.”
“The very core of who I am wouldn’t have changed,” she explained.
Melissa then shifted her perspective and considered the positive aspects that have emerged from her experience.
Reframing her situation, she noted that she has learned about the digestive system, medicine, and nutrition.
“I wouldn’t have been able to help hundreds of you who tell me you received your SIBO diagnosis solely from learning about it through my content,” she added.
Melissa also discussed her efforts to raise awareness for many individuals and discover her own strength.
December 16 marked two years of her health battleCredit: Instagram/@the.confidentmama
“Ultimately, as much as I wish this hadn’t happened to me, I’m determined to use it as a force for good,” she concluded.
Last Christmas, Melissa spoke about how challenging the festive season has been since her illness.
“Last year, I cooked a Christmas dinner but didn’t eat any of it,” Melissa shared.
She added: “This year, I’ve decided not to do that.”
“We will have Christmas just the three of us at home. I can eat chicken, potatoes, and carrots. They’re all safe foods for me, so I can manage a roast.”
“However, River [Melissa’s son] doesn’t really eat a roast dinner anyway.”
“And Robert [Melissa’s partner] would be just as happy with a burger.”
“So I think I’m just going to skip the traditional Christmas dinner this year,” she admitted.
Melissa then reflected on what Christmas means to her, adding: “For me, about 80% of the joy comes from the food.”
“So I’m not feeling very festive this year,” she noted, adding: “But that’s mainly because I can’t indulge in chocolate, biscuits, and cake.”
“It is what it is. However, I’m hopeful that next year I’ll be enjoying that Christmas dinner again.”
After her role as Lucy Beale, Melissa started a family and began advocating for positive body imageCredit: Instagram/@the.confidentmama
She played Lucy Beale in the iconic soap operaCredit: BBC
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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