A mother of two from Paisley, Scotland, recently received a life-changing diagnosis after falling into a deep sleep that caused her to miss her son’s birthday party. Holly McGougan, aged 31, had struggled with various health issues for years, receiving misdiagnoses that left her feeling frustrated and unheard.
Throughout her life, Holly faced numerous health challenges, including pneumonia at the age of 16 and contracting shingles seven times since turning 24. Despite her ongoing issues, including severe migraines, extreme fatigue, and brain fog, she continued to seek answers. Her health dramatically declined last year, leading to symptoms such as significant weight loss and dangerously low blood pressure.
Holly’s condition reached a critical point when she fell asleep during her son’s birthday celebrations. She often slept for 24 hours straight, prompting concern from her family. As she struggled to explain her deteriorating condition to doctors, she received labels of anxiety, depression, and fibromyalgia instead of a concrete diagnosis.
In September 2025, after persistent efforts to advocate for herself, Holly was finally diagnosed with Addison’s disease. This rare condition arises when the adrenal glands fail to produce sufficient levels of the hormone cortisol, leading to debilitating fatigue and a weakened immune system. The diagnosis came as a relief to Holly, but it also brought fear about her future and her ability to care for her sons, Theo, aged eight, and Zach, aged six.
“I felt relieved that someone had finally listened to me,” Holly explained. “But now I know how serious it is; I’m scared I won’t get to see my boys grow up.”
To manage her condition, Holly must take steroids three times a day for the rest of her life. Her husband, Craig McGougan, 32, plays a crucial role in her care, often waking her to ensure she takes her medication. “When I wake her up, I’m checking to see if she’s still alive,” he admitted, emphasizing the severity of her situation.
Holly also carries a hypercortisol injection that she administers if she becomes ill and cannot keep her medication down. She experiences exacerbated symptoms during her menstrual cycle, further complicating her condition.
Despite these challenges, the family is currently traveling in Thailand, where Holly finds some relief from her symptoms in the sunshine. However, she admits to feeling guilty when her condition prevents her from participating fully 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 resolutely.
Through her social media platforms, including Instagram and TikTok under the handle @hollyandboystravel, as well as her YouTube channel @Hollyandboys, Holly shares her journey, aiming to raise awareness about her condition and inspire others facing similar challenges. Her story highlights the importance of listening to patients and the need for increased awareness of rare health conditions like Addison’s disease.
