A mother was diagnosed with a rare life-threatening illness after experiencing extreme tiredness that caused her to miss her son’s birthday celebration. Holly McGougan, aged 31, had a history of health challenges, including pneumonia at 16 and recurrent shingles since 24. Despite seeking medical help for years, her health deteriorated significantly last year.
She began to suffer from intense migraines, weight loss, chronic fatigue, cognitive impairment, and low blood pressure. Holly even slept through her son’s birthday party and sometimes slept continuously for 24 hours. Initially misdiagnosed with anxiety, depression, and fibromyalgia, she persisted in seeking answers until she was finally diagnosed with Addison’s disease in September 2025.
Addison’s disease is a rare condition characterized by insufficient cortisol production by the adrenal glands, leading to severe fatigue, weakened immunity, and increased vulnerability to illnesses like shingles. Holly, a content creator from Paisley, Scotland, expressed relief upon receiving the diagnosis but also fears not being able to witness her sons, Theo and Zach, grow up.
Despite maintaining sobriety, regular exercise, and a healthy diet, Holly struggled with constant exhaustion and body pain. She learned that her cortisol levels were critically low, leading to her body being in a state of depletion. Holly now relies on steroid medication three times daily for life. Her husband, Craig, plays a crucial role in supporting her, ensuring she takes her medication and monitoring her well-being.
In addition to her regular medication, Holly carries a hypercortisol injection for emergencies when she cannot keep her medication down due to sickness. While steroids help her stay awake, she experiences worsened symptoms during her menstrual cycle, leaving her completely drained. Currently traveling in Thailand with her family, Holly finds solace in the sun’s effects on her physical discomfort but struggles with guilt when her condition prevents her from spending quality time with her children.
Despite the challenges posed by her diagnosis, Holly remains optimistic and embraces life to the fullest in Thailand. She expresses frustration at not being heard for so long but is determined not to let the disease defeat her. Holly shares her journey of symptoms and resilience on her social media platforms under the handles @hollyandboystravel on Instagram and TikTok, and @Hollyandboys on YouTube.