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Living with FND and managing the condition requires me to take lots of different medication. Unfortunately, taking a lot of different medicine has an adverse effect on your body. One of the most noticeable effects is weight gain.
I have just been given a new trial medication to control my fainting which seems to be having a very positive effect,  however, this means that I am having to take even more tablets each day and I’m concerned this we cause me to gain even more weight. I am currently taking 12 tablets a day (I rattle when I walk!)

I have gained nearly 3 stone which is just awful. It isn’t all because of the medication but I am not able to be as active as I was before. I have discussed this with both my neurologist and cardiologist. I explained my concerns but they have both said to concentrate on getting well first and then I can focus on weight loss. I am literally in a catch 22 situation. If I don’t take the meds I will be extremely ill but if I do, I will not lose weight. 

I am so lucky to have Mr Right, I know that my weight gain must be horrible for him but all he does is compliment me all the time. 

In the depths of it all I know that what’s important is me being well. I won’t have to be fat forever and I can start to work on it when my health hopefully stabilises. Just getting through each day and coping with the pain is enough for me to deal with right now. 

If you have a loved one who is suffering from a chronic illness, please try your best to support them. I know that some people gain weight even when going through chemotherapy. What they need to hear is how well they are doing and how much you love them.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. 

Charlotte xxx