Snuggled up on the sofa watching TV with my family, I felt so content. I’d just got home from university for the Christmas holidays and was looking forward to a relaxing break. As we caught up on each other’s news, Mum said, ‘So what have you been spending your wages and loan on?’ Suddenly, my blissful mood was soured as my thoughts turned to the fact that I’d gone up three dress sizes since starting my course, and it was probably obvious that I was spending most of my money on takeaways. ‘I’ve been buying my shopping from the supermarket,’ I mumbled defensively. I could see the worry on my parents’ faces as Mum said, ‘Well, as long as you’re eating balanced meals…’
I knew full well why Mum and Dad were worried about my increasing weight – a few months before, at the age of 19, I’d been diagnosed with idiopathic intracranial hypertension. It was a rare condition that caused spinal fluid to build up in my brain, putting pressure on my optic nerve. It was just as scary as it sounded: all of a sudden my vision would blur and my head would pound. After being sent to a neurologist and referred for an MRI, I’d been talked through the treatment by the specialist – every few months I’d have to have a needle inserted into my spine to reduce the pressure. At the time, the doctor had told me, ‘It would also help if you could lose some weight. It could make a real difference to your symptoms.’ But without any guidance, I just didn’t know where to start.
Denne historien er fra May 01, 2023-utgaven av WOMAN'S OWN.
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Denne historien er fra May 01, 2023-utgaven av WOMAN'S OWN.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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MIND OF MY OWN
The Woman's Own columnist has her say on the gender gap, cats and timed hugs
Check out CHICAGO
With a spectacular skyline, sandy beaches and great food, the Windy City is calling, says Zoe West
LET'S EMBRACE OUR CHRISTMAS TAT!
Becky Dickinson explains why she'll still be rocking around her tinsel-strewn tree this year
BURIED SECRETS
We look at the shocking cases of celebrities posthumously accused of being sexual predators-and how they got away with it
FESTIVE NO-BAKES
Pop on the Christmas tunes and whip up a batch of these easy sweet treats
PROTECT YOUR SMILE
Are you doing enough to look after your teeth and gums?
'TIS THE SEASON TO SHINE!
At last, Hayley McCrossan, 39, feels fit and healthy
FOR THE LOVE OF TOM
When Deborah Mitchell, 57, lost her son, she vowed to help other families facing the same heartbreak
THE NURSE WHO LEFT MY GRANDAD FOR DEAD belict
Rachael Fealey, 31, had one question for the woman who killed her beloved Grampa - how could you?
Coleen's MONEY WORRIES
What are the reasons behind her financial and marriage fears?