Accepting FND

Bexjarvis101

Hi all,
I'm new to this community and wanted to say 'hello!'.
I have just been diagnosed with FND. My Mother was diagnosed with Huntington's Disease last year and the professionals at the Genetics clinic thought my symptoms might be due to Huntington's, but as it turned out, I haven't got it which is brilliant. After discovering I had a negative result, I started wondering if my condition was 'all in my head!' and found that I was convinced that medical professionals suspected I was 'making it up' and just looking for attention!
For months and months I have felt suicidal as I know my condition is genuine but felt I wasn't being taken seriously and it's only now since I have been examined by the Neurologist that I have been told I do have a condition and it isn't 'in my head!'.
Have others experienced this? It's a chronic condition and isolating. 
We shouldn't allow the ignorant people out there to affect us. I am so glad I found this site as I'd like to offer my support to others and their families.
Bless,
Becky xx 

Richard_Scope

Hi @Bexjarvis101, welcome to the community! It's great to have you here:)

I have worked with people and families that have struggled long and hard to get a diagnosis of FND, as it can often be mistaken for mild CP or Dystonia. What you have experienced is quite common with the FND diagnosis journey, sadly.

I look forward to talking more with and if you need anything give me a shout

Bexjarvis101

Bless you Richard, 
Really good to get such a 'warming' response from you me darlin.
At the end of the day we are all Humans and deserve to be treated fairly, no matter what conditions we have or disabilities.
I have Osteoarthritis and Osteoporosis which is easy to explain as people can 'see it!' I walk with a stick and folks seem to cope with that on a cognitive level!
Like yourself and many others, I struggle sometimes to explain to people when they ask 'well, whats wrong with you then?!'. 
But when folks ask about a Neurological disorder, to me it's a bit like asking me 'how long is a piece of string!' and Neurology is a subject that so many out that don't suffer from or understand which leads to ignorance and discrimination.
I suppose therefor it is down to informing the public and making conditions such as 'our's' easier to understand and support.
Not every disability is physical and the more understanding,the better.
xx

Bexjarvis101

Thing I find incredibly difficult with is when I have a mental 'blank!'...bit like Dementia! 
I often read letters and emails wrong as well and get it completely the wrong way round which can be embarrassing! Especially if I've just rung someone and 'had a go' at them for a reason and then they turn round and say 'well, the letter doesn't say that!' and I go back and go very red faced and have apologise!
Happens a lot, but now I've got a Support Worker who is just brilliant and helps me to understand communications better.
I'd suggest to anyone with FND to get a Support Worker if they don't have support already. All you have to do is go on the web and put in 'local Support Workers' in your borough.
love y'all x