Hi, my name is Lauren. I’m 35 and a mum to a wonderful 16-year-old. I’m fundraising because I’m living with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), amongst other chronic illnesses.

FND has taken so much from my life — my mobility, my independence, and huge parts of my day-to-day functioning. Things have got worse this year and especially these past few months.

I’m trying everything to get better, but I need specialist treatment that isn’t available through the NHS. That’s why I’m asking for help.

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What FND is doing to my body

Every day is unpredictable. Some days I can barely stand. Some days I collapse without warning.

Here are just some of the symptoms I live with:

• Three different types of seizures – absent seizures, generalised tonic-clonic seizures, and whole-body paralysis episodes

• Drop attacks/passing out episodes – sometimes falling forwards from standing

• Leg weakness, bouncing, shaking and tremors

• Sudden paralysis from the waist down lasting anywhere from 15 minutes to hours

• Face drooping, especially on the left side

• Problems with speech — stuttering or not being able to get any words out at all

• Muscle cramps and weakness

• Pins and needles that can appear anywhere on my body

• Limb numbness

• Widespread severe pain, especially in my joints (chronic pain)

• Joint pain

• Full-body spasms, collapse, and inability to move

• Vertigo and dizzy spells

• Balance issues and clumsiness — dropping things

• Headaches

• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

• Noise sensitivity

• Memory loss and brain fog

• Chronic fatigue

• Sleep problems

• Symptoms are always worse in the evenings

Some of the episodes have been terrifying and it’s hard waking up every day not knowing what symptoms I’m going to be facing. Some really traumatic things have happened while trying to navigate through life with my FND.

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The treatment that could change everything

There is a place that can help me.

Apex Neuro – Advanced Rehabilitation Clinic

Adelphi Mill, Grimshaw Lane, Bollington, Macclesfield, SK10 5JB

They are award-winning specialists in FND, MS, and MND, and they’re known for setting a new standard in neurological rehabilitation.

I’ve researched so many options, and this is the most promising and appropriate treatment for my condition.

Rob – (The top specialist)

For the assessment, intensive treatment program, physical therapy and accommodation, the total cost will be roughly £3,000 if not more as I’m travelling from wales to Manchester.

Right now, this is completely out of reach for me — but this treatment could give me my life back. It could help me walk safely, reduce my seizures, stabilise the paralysis episodes, and finally help me understand what’s happening in my nervous system.

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Why I’m asking for help

The chance to be seizure free or significantly reduced the amount I have.

I want to be able to stand without fear.

I want to shower safely again.

I want some of my life back and judging by the results of other patient’s that have attended apex neuro for treatment THIS IS MY CHANCE ❤️

If you can donate anything at all, it would mean the world to me. Even sharing this page helps more than you know.

Thank you for reading my story, and thank you for caring.

Lauren