A mother from Paisley, Scotland, received a life-changing diagnosis of Addison’s disease after her overwhelming fatigue led her to miss her son’s birthday party. Holly McGougan, 31, experienced years of misdiagnoses and health struggles before her condition was finally identified in September 2025.
Throughout her life, Holly battled various health issues, including pneumonia at the age of 16 and multiple episodes of shingles since turning 24. Last year, her health deteriorated significantly, leading to severe migraines, weight loss, brain fog, and persistent fatigue. Her symptoms reached a point where she slept for entire days, culminating in missing her son’s party entirely.
Holly described the moment she fell asleep during the celebration: “I couldn’t keep my eyes open… I crashed my car in the doctor’s car park, and last November, I fell asleep for the entire of my son’s birthday party.” Despite her ongoing health issues, doctors had repeatedly attributed her symptoms to anxiety, depression, and fibromyalgia.
After persistent efforts to seek answers, Holly was finally diagnosed with Addison’s disease, a rare condition where the adrenal glands fail to produce enough cortisol, a hormone essential for energy and immune function. This diagnosis brought a mixture of relief and fear. “When I got diagnosed, I felt relieved that someone had finally listened to me, but now I know how serious it is,” she said. “I’m scared I won’t get to see my boys grow up.”
Holly’s treatment requires her to take steroids three times a day for the rest of her life. Her husband, Craig McGougan, 32, now plays a crucial role in her care. He wakes her to take her medication and monitors her health closely. “When I wake her up, I’m checking to see if she’s still alive,” he admitted.
Despite the challenges, Holly remains committed to her family and shares her journey on social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok under the handle @hollyandboystravel. She emphasizes the importance of staying positive while navigating her condition.
Currently, the family is traveling in Thailand, where Holly finds that the warm sun helps alleviate her physical discomfort. Yet, she often grapples with feelings of guilt when her illness prevents her from fully engaging in family activities. “I feel angry and let down that I wasn’t listened to for so long, but I won’t let this beat me,” she stated.
Holly’s story highlights the importance of patient advocacy and the profound impact of chronic illness on family life. Her journey serves as an inspiration for others facing similar challenges, demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity.
