Believe in Hope (FND)

Hi, my name is Cat I’m 35 and currently living with a condition that may be invisible to you all but clear as day to myself, Functional neurological disorder also known as FND.

For those who don’t know, FND refers to a neurological condition caused by changes in how brain networks work, rather than changes in the structure of the brain itself, as seen in many other neurological disorders. To elaborate picture a computer with software and it doesn’t speak to the hardware correctly.

So, here’s my story on how my journey of FND began.

January 2022 Waking up one morning and not being able to move my neck, leg and arm is one of the Scariest moments I have ever experienced. Not being able to call out to my parents for help, I couldn’t tell you whether I was asleep or living a nightmare. With some warning signs over winter 2021, this all started with what I thought was a trapped nerve in my neck. Followed by having a seizure on holiday in Mexico. Being fit and healthy for my 32 years of life, I couldn’t work out what was happening to me. Doctors telling me I was exaggerating, some saying it was stress; However I was finally heard thanks to my local GP, a Moorefield eye clinic doctor and Junior doctor in A&E, they set me on my path to a diagnosis.

After many trips to the hospital and Clinics, Neurologist were indicating it was suspected MS (Multiple Sclerosis) as my optic nerve looked inflamed, losing all power in my left hand and arm nor being able to walk properly, my speech being affected and suffering from Seizures daily. With no answers, I knew very little about what was going on with my body, I was fatigued and in pain every day. It was debilitating mentally physically and emotionally at times.

It was hard to accept that this was my life for the foreseeable future.

Would I ever walk again? Would I ever dance with my friends at an event again? Would I find a partner and build a family that would except this? Would I have to rely on my Parents to look after me for the rest of my life and not be able to have my own place again? Would I ever travel again? Would I ever work again?

In April 2022 I was diagnosed with FND, after months of testing, MRI’s etc., with numerous doctors. Part of me was relieved, I was given “HOPE” that I could get better and best believe I endeavored to do so and put up a fight to get back on track.

Fast forward to present day I am in the Gym, walking and dancing with friends and family again. I am Back to work with great support from all areas, progressing in my career. I’m not fully recovered, however I am Finding Love for life again and healing.

But, during that time where times were difficult, I noticed that there is not enough support for patients with FND. Long waiting times, Physiotherapy, No counselling, etc. sort of left to just get on with it. Therefore, it left me questioning, If I didn’t have the support from certain areas in my life, if I was alone or didn’t have the financial support. What would I have done, and myself being empathetic and who I am, I started thinking of others and whether there were charities out there that provide these services.

After researching and discovering “FND Hope” I have been impressed with the support they provide for others with the same condition. And this leads me to my next venture in my FND journey;

3 years to the date of my diagnosis 05/04/2025 I will be Jogging and walking the Calver Peak (Peak District) which is a total of 14km, to advocate and raise money For “FND HOPE”.

"FND Hope provides support for the men, women, and children who have had their lives altered by physical and often debilitating functional symptoms. Illness has no boundaries, and Functional Neurological Disorder does not care about age, gender, ethnicity, education level or wealth”

As a result, That’s where I need your help! I need to find people who have the ability and compassion to sponsor me to help others with FND. All donations I receive will be given to the charity “FND HOPE”.

I thank you for taking the time to read this and don’t stress about donating if you cannot, but if you could take the time to share, it would be much appreciated.

Love and light to you all Cat x