So, they don’t believe you?
Back at it with another awareness post, let’s talk about FND! Now what the hell is FND? It’s a complex condition called Functional Neurological Disorder, and you’re blessed if someone believes it’s real.
One day, your brain betrays you. You’re probably a teenager and notice your arm keeps twitching or one leg won’t stop kicking back and forth. You want it to stop, beg it, but nothing happens. Weird, but you’ll probably ignore it.
Then you can’t. Maybe you’ll have episodes of blindness, lose the ability to speak for a few hours, or become paralyzed for hours. Time goes missing, you’ll later realize those are seizures. Hours are now weeks. You’ll get a thousand tests, all saying nothing is wrong. People will scream at you, you’ll get called a faker and threatened with being admitted to a mental hospital. Eventually you’ll get sent home and you’ll beg your parents to believe you in tears. It stops. Now it’s an episode no one wants to talk about. You’ll convince yourself it wasn’t real. But it’ll be back.
That was my life at 16. I spent years telling myself it was all a bad dream. In passing I mentioned it to a pain therapist and she put the pieces together. There is no cure, protocol, exact treatment, or specialists. I don’t see a single doctor for it, but it’ll lurk there. I hope one day I’ll be believed by more doctors and there will be specialists, maybe I won’t be threatened with a mental health facility when I need help. Until then, I hope this was informative. If you’re going through the hell of FND, you’re not alone 🫶🏻 #fnd #fndawarenesscommunity #disabilityawareness
Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is a challenging condition that affects the way the brain functions, leading to neurological symptoms that are not explained by traditional medical tests. Symptoms can range from paralysis to episodes of blindness, and they often appear suddenly, further complicating the diagnosis and treatment journey. Many individuals with FND experience disbelief and skepticism from others, which can heighten feelings of isolation and frustration. Shared experiences and testimonies are vital in raising awareness about FND and fostering a compassionate understanding of this disorder. It is crucial for those diagnosed with FND to seek supportive communities and resources. Engaging with FND awareness networks can provide valuable emotional support and information about coping strategies. From therapy options to lifestyle adjustments, various treatments can help manage symptoms, even though there currently isn't a definitive cure. Understanding FND is not just about the medical aspects but also about validating the experiences of those who suffer from it. By promoting awareness and education, we can work together to dispel myths surrounding FND and advocate for better treatment options and recognition of this legitimate medical condition. Those experiencing FND should know they are not alone and that support is available.
In my late 20’s and early thirties I went thru something similar. Chronic fatigue Syndrome . I am now 72 and it is something that doctors know about. But some still are not sure it really exist. Oh it exist, I know for sure. But those who have not experienced it are not so sure. I can imagine this is what you are going thru. I know the pain of not being believed. I wish you all the best in finding a Dr. that will help you and believe in you. For isn’t that all we all need is someone who believes in us and will do all they can to help us. Good luck and God Bless.