Story
As most of you know I am not a runner or a track star. So of course on a random Thursday night I sign myself up the Inflatable5k, but obviously opted for the 10k... with 1 month to train.
I am choosing to complete the 10k inflatable course for the EOS Network. This charity is very close to my heart and been of invaluable support, especially Amanda, since I was diagnosed with Eosinophilic Oesophagitis when I was 21- but more so needing their support this year.
The EOS Network is the UK's only charity for Eosinophilic Diseases. Eosinophilic Diseases can often be misdiagnosed due to mimicking more common diseases. Eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases, (EGIDs) are a group of eosinophilic associated conditions such as oesophagitis, gastritis, enteritis, and colitis affecting gastro intestines. This happens when Eosinophils (a type of white blood cell) become abnormally elevated in their digestive system, tissues, organs, and/or bloodstream, without a known cause.
Eosinophilic Oesophagitis
Eosinophilic Oesophagitis (EoE) was first recognised as a distinct disease in the early-mid 1990's. EoE can be diagnosed at any age and occurs when too many eosinophils are found within the oesophagus causing inflammation which can lead to difficulty swallowing. Symptoms can vary in age but can present as; regurgitation/vomiting, difficulty swallowing, sensation of food sticking, chest pain and food impaction (food bolus obstructing the oesophagus). If left untreated, long term damage can be caused by fibrosis of the oesophagus leading to narrowing of the oesophagus.
Current treatments for EoE are limited and include, Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI's e.g Omeprazole, Lansoprazole), elimination diets (2, 4 or 6 food), elemental diets, topical steroid, and most recently, but not approved in the UK for prescribing for EoE, biologic injections.
EOS Network
Our vision is to create a world where people with Eosinophilic-Associated diseases can live without pain.
Every contribution counts towards achieving our mission of providing a prompt, accurate diagnosis, the right treatment for them, and support to live with their condition.
Your support, no matter how small, can make a significant difference in the lives of people affected by Eosinophilic-Associated diseases.
Useful links
https://www.eosnetwork.org/what-we-do
https://www.eosnetwork.org/eoe-eosinophilic-oesophagitis
https://www.eosnetwork.org/eosinophilic-oesophagitis-leaflet