FINDING SUPPORT
ANN
Hi I’m Ann, I was only diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) within the last year, but think I have had symptoms for about 5 years. It has changed my life completely, but then my health has been poor for 7 years. I was forced to give up work due to having several hospital in patient events; this has contributed to severe depression which I am now receiving help. My experience has been a long journey and a BIG learning curve. I feel sad that the medical profession do not know enough about this condition. I also feel those that do not understand FND should be MADE to attend workshops where they can read or listen to stories from patients – identities hidden of course! My family has found my condition difficult because they don’t understand it, but neither did I until I researched more. The FND Group has been a wonderful support. I can vent my anger, frustration, and emotional feelings without being judged. I also have another condition which is Functional. I have Vocal Cord Dysfunction, a short description – my vocal cords do not perform like normal, they decided they don’t like a smell or if am upset (even a sad film!) can set it off. I now have Heliox at home, this is a mixture of oxygen and helium. Sadly, I have been in ITU several times with this and brittle asthma, so my family are understandably always scared of me doing things on my own. They have said their goodbyes a few times. I feel very guilty about this. However, I am now attending a 5 week therapy group which I have found to be nice and helpful.
I am Ann, a mother of two grown children, nana to a beautiful little girl who is one, married to Steve, and I have a Functional Neurological Disorder.