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In a matter of six months, Laura Pell, a 34-year-old woman from Northamptonshire, doubled in size due to a mystery illness that caused her body to retain fluid and swell.
Last summer, Pell weighed 126lbs or 57kg. A size 10, Pell maintained a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet and hitting the gym three times a week.
Now weighing 238lbs or108kg, Pell is now size 22, gaining eight stone in just six months. Aside from packing pounds, she is also suffering from high blood pressure and irregular heartbeat.
Forced to live a completely different lifestyle, Pell describes the last six months as hell. Her condition made it difficult for her to walk. In fact, Pell had to give up her job as a wedding make-up artist.
“I am in absolute agony and I am struggling to move. The last six months have been hell, and I just have no quality of life.”
Of course, Pell also needed to buy a new set of wardrobe.
Eating Less, Gaining More
Pell also explained that since she had the condition, she has been eating less. Whenever she tries to do exercise, her heart rate rises up to 180 beats per minute.
Unlike other overweight people whose skin tend to be wobbly, Pell’s skin is completely taut and tight.
“I’m a bit like a human waterbed, I’m just so full of liquid, you can see it in my skin,” she added.
Searching For a Cure
For several years, Pell has been suffering from a condition called Primary Immune Deficiency which brought complications like tuberculosis, pneumonia, meningitis and Clostridium Difficile. She needed to receive regular injections to maintain plasma levels in her blood.
All attempts to drain the excess fluid in her body turned out to be futile.
Desperate to find a cure for her mystery illness, Pell is now raising funds for her to be able to see specialists in a private clinic in Manchester. A Facebook group dubbed as “Laura Needs Our Help” was created by Pell’s friends to help her raise money.
