A SHOCKED woman whose tummy swelled up and exploded described it as “like something out of a horror film”.
Chloe Meade, 21, is lucky to be alive after suffering a horrific infection weeks after abdominal surgery.
Her belly filled with fluid, causing her eight-inch scar to rip open leaving a gaping hole.
Support worker Chloe said: “It was like something out of a horror film. My scar opened up completely.
“I could see straight through my scar into my stomach, and it needed months of packing with bandages before it started to heal.”
Chloe, who has suffered from Crohn’s disease since she was 11, was rushed to see doctors with crippling stomach pains in January.
Medics told her she had an infected abscess on her bowel and would need emergency surgery to save her life.
Chloe said: “I thought after the operation the worst was over.
“When I woke up and saw the 20cm scar running down my stomach I felt relieved that my ordeal was over.
“But I caught an infection and the treatment caused my body to swell. I looked and felt awful.
“I started on a course of steroids to help reduce the swelling and infection, but that made me gain weight really quickly.
“My whole body was full of water and that’s why doctors think my scar split open.
“I was in hospital for three months before I could come home. It was such a relief when the wound started to heal and I overcame the infection.
“I have such a supportive family and my mum Karen has been my rock throughout it all.
“For months I was unable to do anything but finally I’m starting to feel myself again.”
Chloe, of Caldicot, South East Wales, added: “There is still a small opening in my stomach and lately that has been letting out air.
“It makes such a funny noise that it sounds as though I’m letting off wind.
“I used to be really embarrassed of my Crohn’s but now I want to do as much as possible to raise awareness.
“I decided to share my scar as part of the Get Your Belly Out campaign and I’ve had such a fantastic response on social media.”
Chloe has been told she may need to have a stoma fitted — a bag to replace her bowel.
She said: “Fingers crossed I won’t need one, but if I do it won’t be the end of the world.
“I’m still on steroids to help with the swelling but other than that I’m actually starting to feel well again.
“I still dress the bottom half of my scar every day, sometimes it leaks and can be painful but I do my best to just get on with it.
“I can finally go out with friends and enjoy myself. I hope my story helps other people with the condition.”
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