Man’s ‘Debilitating’ Condition Causes Him to Vomit Up to 90 Times a Day: ‘Pain Radiating Through My Body’

Man, 33, Shares Struggle with ‘Debilitating’ Condition Causing 90 Daily Vomiting Episodes

Matthew Pascoe, a 33-year-old man, has recently spoken out about his ongoing battle with a severe medical condition that forces him to vomit up to 90 times every day. Initially, Pascoe, who hails from Colchester, England, began to experience excruciating stomach pain in February 2017. Over the following year, he endured relentless pain, nausea, and frequent vomiting episodes, leading to a significant weight loss of almost 100 lbs within six months. Despite seeking medical help, doctors initially misdiagnosed Pascoe’s condition as a mere “stomach bug” or other benign ailments.

As his symptoms worsened, Pascoe’s health deteriorated to the point where he was vomiting between 50 to 60 times daily, with some days peaking at an alarming 90 episodes. The relentless ordeal took a toll on his body, pushing him to the brink where he felt like he was on the verge of losing his life in 2018. Fortunately, after a long and arduous journey, in April 2018, Pascoe was diagnosed with gastroparesis, a rare and chronic disorder linked to the sluggish movement of food from the stomach to the small intestine. His gastroparesis was discovered to be a complication arising from his type 1 diabetes.

Describing his condition as “two years of hell,” Pascoe explained how even basic daily functions became unbearable due to the paralyzing pain in his stomach. To manage his gastroparesis, Pascoe resorted to a gastric neurostimulator, an implanted device that emits controlled electrical pulses to alleviate the debilitating nausea and vomiting associated with the disorder. Since receiving the device in May 2019, funded through private medical treatment, Pascoe has found some relief. While he still experiences challenges with certain foods triggering sickness, the overall pain and frequency of vomiting have significantly reduced, allowing him to regain some normalcy in his life.

The implanted gastric neurostimulator is battery-operated and typically lasts between 10 to 15 years. However, given Pascoe’s device works harder than usual, after seven years, it requires a battery replacement costing £15,000 (over $19,000). Despite the financial strain, Pascoe remains determined to continue managing his condition effectively. He emphasised the importance of dietary adjustments, avoiding certain foods like spices and red meat, which can exacerbate his symptoms.

With his current reliance on liquid-based nutrition like soups, Pascoe is preparing for a potential transition to nutritional shakes and a feeding tube as his condition progresses. To cover the costs of a new device battery replacement and aid in spreading awareness about gastroparesis, Pascoe has turned to crowdfunding through a GoFundMe campaign. By sharing his story publicly, he hopes to shed light on the challenges faced by individuals battling similar conditions and encourage greater understanding and support within the medical community.

By bravely speaking out about his journey with gastroparesis and the daily struggles he endures, Matthew Pascoe is not only advocating for himself but also paving the way for increased awareness and compassion towards those grappling with similar invisible illnesses. Through his resilience and determination to overcome adversity, Pascoe stands as an inspiring example of perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds.