EastEnders star reveals health diagnosis that’s caused extreme weight loss after six month battle

EX-EASTENDERS star Melissa Suffield has revealed she's a step closer to discovering the cause of her long-lasting nausea and dramatic weight loss.

For six months Melissa, 31, has had bouts of vomiting and ill health and has spent more than £1,500 on private appointments to get to the bottom of it all.

4

4

Last night she took to Instagram to explain she'd been diagnosed with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), though doesn't actually have many symptoms for it.

According to the , the condition occurs "when there is an abnormal increase in the overall bacterial population in the small intestine — particularly types of bacteria not commonly found in that part of the digestive tract."

Former Lucy Beale actress Melissa's lack of symptoms have led medics to believe it could actually be another symptom of what may be a vitamin B12 deficiency.

Earlier this year tests found her to be at the very base of a wide-ranging scale of what is considered normal B12 levels.

READ MORE ON HALLE BERRY

BERRY WELL

I started day-drinking in Covid & don't care what people think, says Halle Berry

HOT HALLE

Halle Berry's boyfriend shares naked pic of star he 'wasn't supposed to post'

However, she had already been taking supplements at that point and her real score was likely much lower.

Next month Melissa will travel to Cambridge for an appointment with a B12 specialist to receive an iron infusion and a B12 injection.

She will also be taught how to self administer the jabs as she will need to maintain them at home.

Explaining the importance of B12, Melissa said: "Now B12 isn't just as IV we get when we're hungover or tired - it's a hugely important vitamin.

Most read in News TV

PARTY TIME!

Amanda Holden flashes her legs in short dress at boozy Xmas bash with Alan Carr

FROWN OVER POUNDS

I lost weight after diagnosis - I don't like how I look, says Enders star

shock diagnosis

TV star reveals skin cancer diagnosis in emotional update to fans

gloves off

Mark Labbett’s ex Hayley Palmer hits back over ‘heartless’ swipe as feud grows

"As it relates to me, B12 needs adequate stomach acid to be absorbed, so if stomach acid is low, B12 won't get absorbed. Also, low stomach aid means digestion will be impaired."

The actress called her upcoming treatment "hideously expensive" and another blow to her bank balance following her private gastroenterologist appointments.

She said: "Ultimately, cost aside, this is a good thing, and I'm really hoping it's going to be the start of some genuine healing, and getting me back to where and WHO I need to be."

Melissa then apologised to her followers for the upcoming tranche of adverts she would be posting to help cover her healthcare costs.

Earlier this year she revealed results from an endoscopy were 'unremarkable'.

She told followers: "I've now had a gastro referral, which will be able to look at my gallbladder, liver, stomach again, the whole shebang, all the various tests and possible diagnosis. 

4

4

"So if there's an issue there, they'll be best placed to find it. River also has a referral to paediatrics as he has had random bouts of vomiting with no clear cause, as well as on off diarrhoea since we both got sick in December. Whatever is still doing a number on me, is definitely still doing a (lesser) number on him too."

And she explained that compliments over her changing bodyshape had done little to boost her mood.

She said: "It's been hell. I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy. And yet at least once a day I've been complimented on my weight loss.

READ MORE SUN STORIES

SALE AWAY

Major retailer launches closing down sales in stores

fresh heartache

Charlotte Crosby’s heartache as family member hospitalised

"I've been told how amazing I look and asked how I did it. So you want to know? I'll tell you. For the record I've felt like pure s**t. I have been nauseous for three months now with no reason why."