Life update - the first half is a lil heavy, just FYI

Here's everything that's been happening lately. The first 27 mins are a detailed explanation about Reece's health as I often get asked about it, and the rest are my updates. It's a little heavy, so if you're not feeling like that kind of content maybe watch it another time :) Or, pop it on in the background while you do something else or watch at 1.5/2x speed! Thanks for your support, as always x
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
L I N K S

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
B U S I N E S S E N Q U I R I E S

[melissayoutube]

Everyone reading this should look into their organ donation status.

[KirstyClouds]

It is easy to see you compartmentalising this right now in order to get through this video. I wish Reece, yourself and family all the best in health. I hope you are both speaking to support groups, if not, please consider it. You both deserve to feel heard and safe. You don't have to walk alone in this. You are both a bright, caring young couple, the best is yet to come and better days will arrive.

[heyhannh]

Hey Lauren :) I have UC, 12 years diagnosed same as Reece. I struggled with finding that right medication for the first 8-9 years and finally found the biologic that works for me (for the time being). My heart and strength goes out to you and Reece, when you were talking about that see-saw between his two illnesses I just can't imagine how much* that must affect you both. As someone with a condition who has seen many dark times, the people who support you feel it just as much, if not worse. There is a feeling of hopelessness when you are completely powerless as a by-stander that I really don't want you to discount.
You matter in this just as much. And how it seems you care for him is bloody lovely, and is the kind of support anyone could wish for.
The road ahead sounds uncertain still, but I think together you will both make it through and be there for one another. Take care <3 xxx

[helenaribeiro]

You both are in my thoughts! And I hope you get better days soon! ❤

[anushka_lalla]

I have the same coping method as you
When you are tired of crying and so accustomed to this life that when you have to explain to everyone that you just laugh the more intense the story gets because what else to do at this point...i noticed you chuckle and i also do the same
I cant imagine what yall are going through but i do sympathize because my son also has a life threatening/altering heart condition...really does change your entire way of life
Love youu sending so much support your way

[julietyler]

My heart goes out to you both, this is ALOT. I’m glad that you and Reece do have a support network of family and friends, so invaluable so that you can take time for yourself to, lean on others for support, it is so hard on the partner as well as the person with the health challenges. Take care ❤. I really appreciate your reviews on make up, it’s so specific and your standards are high so I know if you like something, it’s amazing 😊

[mirellapetrova]

You’re such a grounded and genuine person, strong and loving as well… I’ve been silently watching you for a decade and I think i never commented before, but I just wanted to give you a virtual hug and send my prayers towards you. You’re a blessing for your close ones, remember that ❤

[Rileycatchlove]

Oh poor Reece, and poor you, what a hectic thing to go through. At least he's got options and sounds like a great medical team. Thinking of you guys 💕

[jobelle]

Also, you are literally the definition of a beautiful person inside and out

[kanjoncallaghan]

Sending both you and Reece so much love and strength! Thank you for sharing his story and your feelings. 🫶🏾🫶🏾🫶🏾

[jobelle]

I've been going through my own troubles the past 2 months and today was particularly hard for me for some reason. I have watched your video's for over 10 years now so I was looking forward to watching a nice long video. Hearing what you and Reece are having to go through and how even in times like this you are still saying you are so grateful, just puts things into perspective for me and I honestly admire your strength, you are both incredibly strong. You both seem like such lovely people so its heartbreaking just thinking about how stressful this time is, but you both have all of our support and I pray that things start getting better for Reece <3

[kiax]

Stay strong and big hugs to you both. ❤ I just wanted to share my experience with my work in a transplant office specializing in kidney and liver transplant. (Not a health care practitioner. On the admin side) Liver transplant is just so hard….the medicine for the rest of the life is one thing but just missing a little can cause rejection and other problems. Like you said, it’s a whole set of other things and a whole new life caring for an organ. It’s crazy because right now you guys are caring for a sick organ and if you get a new organ you will be taking care and doing work ups for that new organ for the rest of your life too. It’s hard both ways and I wish he could get a good organ to take care of instead. It was very hard to watch patients suffer for sooo long with liver disease and not be put on the list. I had to leave that line of work because it’s hard to sit and wait. It’s truly a debilitating disease that is extremely challenging and the quality of life is not the same as everyone else. He is truly so strong! It’s hard to get on the list and then waiting while being ill. I am so overjoyed his readings are at 50 instead of 100 and I hope with some communities and naturopathy it will ease his daily pain and give hope. No one should have to deal with this internal struggle. May you guys find moments of peace in the journey. But I just wanted to share xx

[mtanyaw]

Ohhhh man, that’s so much for him and you to be dealing with 😢
He’s very lucky to have you!
I wish him all the best for his future ❤

[georgialee]

It’s completely understandable that you would feel overwhelmed and emotional about everything that’s happening, those feelings are totally valid ❤ wishing you and Rhys all the best ❤

[totallytazz]

Hi Lauren, my boyfriend was born with Biliary Artesia (born with blocked and scarred bile ducts) and had a liver transplant by age 13. He was very sick but after the transplant he got a new lease on life. He is now 33 and has ran 3 marathons, travelled the world, works 6 days a week and has even more energy than me - his check ups are every 6 months and doctors are always impressed by how he is doing. This is such a hard time for you both, but please know after a liver transplant things can be better than ever… it’s also so confusing to go through this as a partner, the uncertainty gets me down sometimes and I’m always worried for him. But things will be ok!! You’re both so strong. Thinking of you, I’m now 28 and followed you since I was in early high school xxx

[calicat]

Im sorry y'all are going through all of this, and such a young age too. I hope he can start to get some luck on his side, its overdo.
I am a nurse and honestly if it were me i would go for the colectomy/ostomy surgery (pending surgical details related to his other issued). I have seen so many people get their lives back and never need further meds for UC. It can be hard initially to get past having an ostomy but the tradeoff is paramount and becomes just part of the daily routine.
Hoping things start to look up for you guys soon. ❤

[gintarebuzokaite]

Sending you and Reece the most positive and healing vibes going through this experience ! ❤

[kelson]

I feel for you both so much. My husband had stents in his bile ducts and would always get infections…sepsis once as well….ascending Cholangitis. It’s such a difficult journey. I haven’t finished watching this yet, but just wanted to send well-wishes and just tell you how relatable this is. Glad Reece has great medical care. Wishing you both continued strength! Omg…watching more and you are saying so much of what I felt. It’s validating that I was not alone in that. It’s like listening to myself…..

[lissa]

I'm a solid organ transplant dietitian, and my patients are the absolute strongest people I know. It's a long road and can feel impossible at times, but there is hope on the other side. Sending you both strength. And here's to Reece hitting those protein goals :)

[Jessica-bvgy]

Oh Lauren, that's so much for Reece and you to unpack 😢 I'm so sorry you're faced with so many obstacles. I wish you both all the best - you are such a beautiful couple and he seems like the most kind hearted soul 🤍 I hope he receives the best care available