My name is Jessica, I’m 20 years old.
I was born with hypoganglinosis, which is a rare intestinal disorder. Characterised by a reduced number of ganglion cells in the walls of the digestive tract, these nerve cells help regulate how the bowel functions.
Alongside this, I also experience malabsorption, which means my body struggles to absorb nutrients from the food I eat. This can make it harder for my body to get the vitamins, minerals and energy it needs to function. To help with this, I have a central line, which is a tube placed into a large vein on my chest that allows fluids and nutrients to be delivered directly to the bloodstream.
As far as I’m aware, I’m the only person in Australia with this condition.
