My name is Mikayla, and for more than a decade I’ve been living with a body that seems to be slowly declining without clear answers.

Around 10–12 years ago, my health began to change. It started with severe gut issues and IBS that doctors struggled to explain. I tried countless diets and treatments — including the FODMAP diet and many other approaches — but nothing brought lasting relief. Eating became incredibly difficult, and I began struggling to get the nutrients my body needed.

Over time, more symptoms appeared. I began experiencing heart palpitations, severe headaches, and episodes that doctors believed were anxiety or panic attacks — but they didn’t feel like panic attacks to me. Despite this, the symptoms were often dismissed as anxiety.

As the years went on, my health continued to decline. I developed chronic pain throughout my entire body and was eventually diagnosed with fibromyalgia around 2020–2022.

Living with constant symptoms began to take a serious toll on my life and mental health. I developed agoraphobia, severe health anxiety, and eating struggles, and I’ve lived with emetophobia (a fear of vomiting) since childhood. Everyday things — food, medication, leaving the house — became incredibly difficult.

For a while things seemed like they might improve slightly, but earlier this year my health took another frightening turn.

On January 3rd, 2026, I experienced a migraine that has never truly gone away. For more than three months now I have been dealing with persistent migraines and neurological symptoms.

Over the past four to five months, I have also started experiencing seizure-like episodes that have been progressively worsening.

During this same time, I began having increasing difficulty walking. My legs would shake uncontrollably when I tried to stand or walk, and sometimes they simply wouldn’t hold me properly. I began experiencing pins and needles and numbness in my toes that now reaches up to my knees, and standing for long periods can trigger severe episodes. Because of this, I sometimes need walking aids to help me stay steady and move safely.

Last Friday, during one of these episodes, my legs completely gave out and I collapsed to the floor, temporarily losing control of them. It was one of the most frightening moments I have experienced and showed just how serious these symptoms have become.

My heart rate is often elevated, and basic activities like standing, walking, or leaving the house can now be extremely difficult.

Doctors are currently investigating Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) as a possible explanation.

What is Functional Neurological Disorder?

Functional Neurological Disorder is a condition where the brain and nervous system have difficulty sending and receiving signals properly. It can cause very real and disabling symptoms such as:

Difficulty walking or controlling movement

Seizure-like episodes (non-epileptic seizures)

Numbness or sensory disturbances

Chronic pain and fatigue

Problems with coordination and mobility

Diagnosis and treatment often require specialist neurological care, rehabilitation, and therapy, which can take a long time to access.

Why I Need Help

I am currently waiting to see a neurologist through the public health system, but the wait time can be anywhere from 9 months to 4 years.

Because my symptoms are worsening, I am trying to access private specialists, but the costs are overwhelming.

Right now I urgently need to see:

A neurologist

A rheumatologist

A dietitian

Specialists who can help treat and regulate my nervous system

I am also on multiple medications to help manage migraines, nausea, pain, and neurological symptoms, and unfortunately many of them are not covered by the PBS, making them very expensive.

Between medical appointments, medications, and travel costs, I am struggling to afford both my treatment and basic living expenses.

How Your Support Will Help

Any donations will help me afford:

Specialist medical appointments

Neurological testing and assessments

Essential medications not covered by PBS

Transport to medical appointments

Treatments aimed at helping stabilise my nervous system

Basic living costs while I navigate this health crisis

Your support will give me the chance to access answers, treatment, and hopefully regain some independence and quality of life.

Thank You

Asking for help is incredibly difficult, but right now I need support to keep moving forward.

Every donation, share, or message of encouragement means the world to me.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for helping me continue fighting for my health.

— Mikayla