A mother from Paisley, Scotland, has been diagnosed with a rare life-threatening condition after she became so exhausted she slept through her son's birthday party.
Holly McGougan, 31, had suffered from health issues throughout her life, including pneumonia at 16 and shingles seven times since age 24. Her condition worsened dramatically last year, with severe migraines, weight loss, extreme fatigue, brain fog, and low blood pressure. She would sometimes sleep for 24 hours straight and fell asleep during her son's entire birthday party.
Doctors had misdiagnosed her with anxiety, depression, and fibromyalgia for years. In September 2025, she was finally diagnosed with Addison's disease, a condition where the adrenal glands do not produce enough cortisol. Her cortisol levels were measured at 30, compared to a normal level of 250.
Holly now takes steroids three times a day and carries a hypercortisol injection for emergencies. Her husband Craig, 32, has stopped working away from home to care for her, checking she is still alive when waking her for medication. Holly said she feels relieved to have a diagnosis but scared she may not see her sons, Theo, eight, and Zach, six, grow up.
Despite her struggles, Holly remains positive and is currently travelling in Thailand with her family, where the sun helps with her body aches. She shares her story on social media under the handle @hollyandboystravel.
