Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

hedgehog

(36,286 posts)
Sat Mar 2, 2013, 08:00 PM Mar 2013

My new hero is Hillary Mantell!

She gained tremendous amounts of weight due to the medications she was given and various glandular problems. She speaks for all of us who are judged by our size and figures rather than by who we are.

2 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
My new hero is Hillary Mantell! (Original Post) hedgehog Mar 2013 OP
I can't find much on her personal story searching google. I did see a number of books and auntAgonist Mar 2013 #1
Here's an interview hedgehog Mar 2013 #2

auntAgonist

(17,252 posts)
1. I can't find much on her personal story searching google. I did see a number of books and
Sun Mar 3, 2013, 02:22 PM
Mar 2013

commentary by her.

Do I have the right Hilary?

The only info I could find was this small entry in Wiki.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hilary_Mantel

During her twenties, Mantel suffered from a debilitating and painful illness. She was initially diagnosed with a psychiatric illness, hospitalised, and treated with antipsychotic drugs. These drugs paradoxically produced psychotic symptoms, and as a consequence, Mantel refrained from seeking help from doctors for some years. Finally, in Botswana and desperate, she consulted a medical textbook and realised she was probably suffering from a severe form of endometriosis, a diagnosis confirmed by doctors in London. The condition and necessary surgery left her unable to have children and continued to disrupt her life. Continued treatment by steroids caused weight gain and radically changed her appearance. She was patron of the Endometriosis SHE Trust.
------
All that aside, you're correct in that many of us have been judged by how we look, how lazy we are and how slovenly we've become because we're fat by our own doing

I've seen both sides of the street on this one having lost a lot of weight. It's amazing to me how many superficial 'friends' I've gained. Hah, lose pounds gain friends. Somehow, I'm smarter now, better looking and everyone is my best friend. (not)

I'm still the same person.

Sorry, got off on a tangent here

your point is well taken.

aA
kesha

Latest Discussions»Support Forums»Weight Loss/Maintenance»My new hero is Hillary Ma...