Dear friends,

I’m sorry for the delay in sharing this update. First of all, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the help and kindness I’ve received – it has been essential for me to get this far.

I’d like to share a summary of my situation:

What happened in the past:

After my trip to England, where I had a consultation and received a medical report (which I shared with you before), I returned to Portugal. I was then followed by a Dr, a neuropsychiatrist and university professor. Unfortunately, he prescribed me an enormous amount of very strong medications, which caused me a psychotic episode due to overdose. After that, he stopped answering my calls, and I was left completely alone, lost, not knowing what to do.

Thankfully, my sister – always determined and resourceful – managed to find two doctors who changed my life: Dr. António Coppoteli (psychiatrist) and Dr. Carla Antonelli. When they saw all the medication I was taking, their first reaction was shock. Based on the English report, they confirmed the diagnosis of Functional Neurological Disorder and started working with me. The first mission was to taper off the 14 medications I had been prescribed.

What I’ve achieved so far:

In 2024, I traveled to Rome three times for in-person follow-ups.

I’ve been doing online therapy with my psychologist (at first 4 times a week, now reduced to 2 times a month).

I managed to taper off 10 out of the 14 medications! Only 4 left. It has been a tough process, but I feel I have already improved so much.

I also went through the medical board evaluation in Portugal, which took over a year to be scheduled. I finally received the certificate of 60% permanent disability.

However, despite this official recognition, Social Security has still not granted me any support. I submitted my request months ago, but until today I haven’t received any response. This lack of help leaves me in a very vulnerable situation, with no financial support from the State.

What I need now:

In October, I need to return to Rome. Tapering off the medication was just the first step. Now, I need to be seen by a neurologist who specializes in Functional Neurological Disorder, who works at a public hospital. Thanks to my European Health Card, I’ll be able to have consultations there free of charge.

However, I still need support to cover appointments with the other doctors, travel, and accommodation. Without this, it will not be possible to continue the treatment, which is the only thing that has truly been helping me.

Just the fact that I’ve already managed to stop taking 10 very strong medications is a huge victory. But the journey is not over yet, and I need your help to keep going.

I will continue to upload medical reports, prescriptions, and certificates so everything remains fully transparent.

Thank you from my heart to everyone who has been with me on this path. ✨

With gratitude,

Mafalda