TOWIE star Lauren Goodger has revealed she’s suffering from an agonising health condition.
The reality favourite shared a picture of a hernia in her stomach and told fans she “feels nine months pregnant”.
She wrote: “My hernia. I look and feel nine months pregnant honestly the most painful thing ever!
“I’m so swollen and this belly button is literally inside out [sick emoji] the red ring it’s burning hot on skin!
“Praying it clears goes back to normal when the antibiotics kick in.”
According to the NHS, a hernia forms when an internal part of the body pushes through a weakness in the muscle or surrounding tissue wall.
They are most common between the chest and hips, and while there are often no symptoms, it can cause serious swelling – like in Lauren’s case.
It’s been a difficult time for Lauren in recent weeks.
Not only has she been living with her hernia, but she’s marked the second anniversary of her late daughter Lorena’s death and faced cruel trolling over her appearance too.
Lauren recently wrote: “I am so burnt out, what a hard week of emotions, grief, pain, loss fear, worry, confusion and unfairness.
“I’ve hardly slept all week. But today is a new day, no more tears or nightmares, no more panic attacks. The most important day Monday for my daughters anniversary was ruined by a lot of other things going on.
“But I am still standing for my baby girl. Life is hard and I am going to be very positive and posting the positive things otherwise I won’t move forward mentally.”
Around the same time she criticised friends and family members for blanking her on such an emotional day.
She said: “Some of you are family and some of you are friends, but really you are not genuine family or friends. I will only tolerate you for Larose sake, but when shes older she will make her own judgement.
“Lorena is watching over all of you and if you make zero effort and fail to drop me a message, shame on you because you’ve let Lorena down also.”
Symptoms
The symptoms of a hernia can vary depending on its type but commonly include:
A noticeable bulge or lump in the affected area.
Pain or discomfort, especially when bending over, coughing or lifting.
Weakness pressure, or a feeling of heaviness in the abdomen.
In some cases, more severe symptoms like nausea, vomiting or difficulty swallowing can occur, indicating a medical emergency
Causes
Hernias are usually caused by a combination of muscle weakness and strain. Factors that can contribute to the development of a hernia include:
Heavy lifting
Chronic coughing or sneezing
Obesity
Pregnancy
Constipation or straining during bowel movements
Previous surgeries (especially abdominal)
