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A "desperate" mum who has been struggling to find a diagnosis and treatment in Jersey for crippling chronic pain which has caused "drastic" weight loss is appealing to islanders to help her raise £20,000 to seek medical help abroad.
In September 2021, Paula Matson was diagnosed with gallstones which, in serious cases, can cause persistent pain. In January 2022, Paula had her gallstones removed at Jersey General Hospital. Within weeks, she was back in A&E in acute, unbearable pain.
“She’d been having problems with eating, indigestion and things," Paula's husband, Steven, explained.
"She had her gall bladder removed and we thought that would solve all the problems, but it made it worse. She still has the same symptoms, just worse now.”
Pictured: Paula initially presented with gallstones, and hoped her issues would be solved once her gall bladder was removed.
Ever since her operation, Paula continues to suffer with bouts of crippling pain.
Steven said: “Last year, we went to A&E 15 times, where the pain has come on so much we can’t control it with any of the medication, and we have some fairly hefty stuff at home.” Sometimes she has even been given morphine by hospital staff.
The pain has also reduced Paula’s ability to eat and drink, as she often experiences searing pain in her side.
“She’s been losing weight drastically since last year. She’s always been about 86 kilos, she’s down to 50 now and that’s a couple of weeks ago. She’s skin and bone. I saw an old picture from 2019 and the difference is hideous,” Steve said.
Pictured: Steven and Paula Matson, and their oldest child, Breanna.
Steven says that so far, Paula has had MRIs, CT scans, explorative cameras and blood tests - none of which have let to a diagnosis. They’ve seen three consultants and are “going to the GP every week". With local doctors unable to help, she has now been referred to Southampton - however, the wait to be seen has been lengthy.
Steven said: “It was 15 weeks ago we were referred and nothing's happened. We don’t even have a date.”
Steven, who is now a full-time carer for Paula, continued: “She’s got no quality of life at all. She liked to potter in the garden and to look after the family. She’s lost that now. She’s not been able to sleep and we have to have the heating on 24/7 just to keep her warm. It’s not doing me any good… seeing someone deteriorate.”
Now, frustrated by the lack of progress, Steven and Paula have decided to seek out a second opinion in Madeira. However, they need help covering the possible expenses.
Steven said: “I’m basically a full-time carer for Paula, so I’ve got not income. I’m paid for that, but it pays the rent, that’s it."
As such, they need help covering travel, accommodation, and medical costs, and have opened a JustGiving page with an aim of raising £20,000.
At the time of writing, more than £6,000 has been raised towards this target - £5,000 of which came from a generous anonymous individual.
“I understand these are difficult times for everyone, and I am so grateful for any support that you can offer," Paula said.
"Please know that your generosity is deeply appreciated and will make a huge difference in mine and my family's life.”
Pictured top: Paula and Steven Matson, and their two children Maya and Breanna.
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