Wendy has suffered from migraines since childhood but they have continued to get worse, even with many different treatments.  A few years ago, she was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia after dealing with widespread body pain and tenderness.  She continued to work as much as she could through these conditions although she had to take an intermittent family medical leave for days her migraines were too much to bear.

For the past 6 months or so, Wendy has noticed increasing numbness and weakness in her arms and legs.  On January 29, 2021, Wendy started to experience stuttering, slurred speech, and would get really shaky when nervous. She called her Neurologist and was told to go to the UW Madison emergency room.  There, several tests were done, including an MRI, to rule out a stroke or brain condition to explain her new symptoms.  The MRI did not show any lesions to indicate MS and there were no obvious signs of a stroke. She was sent home with instructions to follow up with her Neurologist, which was scheduled in April.

She attempted to go back to work, but her speech and weakness made it difficult for her to perform her job duties.  She was only able to work partial or limited shifts. She began working with speech therapy to see if it would help. Throughout February, her symptoms progressively became worse.

They were able to get her in with the Neurologist March 9, 2021.  The Dr reviewed all of the records and tests that Wendy has had done.  She said there was no evidence for MS or ALS.  What the Neurologist thinks is going on is called Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). 

FND is when the brain miscommunicates with the body, kind of like a software problem.  This is not like MS where the brain sends the signal it just can't get to where it needs to go.  FND can include a wide variety of symptoms from limb weakness to slurred, slow speech to even seizures.  The exact cause of FND is unknown but they are researching for how and why it happens. Some evidence suggests having another neurological condition (such as Migraines) or experiencing chronic pain, fatigue, or stress (such as Fibromyalgia), although some people do not have any predisposing conditions. In some people, the symptoms may resolve on their own.  However, in some people, the brain gets stuck in this pattern of altered brain function.  The aim of treatment is to retrain the brain, for example by unlearning abnormal and dysfunctional movement patterns that have developed and relearning normal movement. Treatments can include Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, and Psychological Therapy.  FND can affect anyone, at any time, although it is uncommon in children under 10.  FND is more likely to affect women than men for most symptoms, although when patients present over the age of 50 then it occurs equally in both groups. 

Wendy's Dr has taken her off work completely until at least May 10, 2021.  She has started Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and continues Speech Therapy.  Wendy's response to her therapies will determine when and if she can get back to work.

Wendy is using sick time to pay for the Medical insurances that are through her job.  In order to have enough sick time for the whole time she will be off work, she is only using enough to cover the medical insurances.  They are relying on Bryan's income to cover all of their expenses. They will have many medical bills coming in.

We are asking you to open your hearts and help Wendy & her family during this challenging time.  Whether it be a meal, a ride to an appointment, a day away from the kids, a friendly word, or a donation of money, it will be appreciated so much.

Please send cards & letters to:

Wendy & Bryan Novacheck
S1806A Briskey Rd
Hillsboro, WI 54634

Wendy cell# [phone redacted]  Please only texts
Bryan cell# [phone redacted] 

For meals, please visit https://mealtrain.com/r521gv  to sign up for a date and time.

For more information on FND, please visit https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/fnd/