Hi, my name is Elise. as some of you may be aware in September of 2025, I had some routine surgery and due to events out of my control I was then hospitalised for over 3 months due to pain and seizures.

I’ve since been diagnosed with FND ( functional neurological disorder) and am being tested for a multitude of different other conditions.

Prior to this diagnosis I was an active working mum of 3 with a strong connection to community and family.

Unfortunately, now my days are filled with stress, pain, seizures, balance and coordination issues, syncope, sensitivity to noise and light, sleep issues, tachycardia, hypertension, orthostatic intolerance, depression and anxiety over financial security.

I’ve had to leave the job I loved so much and essentially am housebound except for medical appointments and treatment.

Warrnambool doesn’t have the specialist resources required to treat my condition and travel expenses along with private specialists ( private billing clinics ) are beginning to stretch the budget and it means we are essentially going without some things just to be able to afford for me to to see a specialist- we’ve exhausted all our savings, I’m not eligible for Government disability assistance due to red tape ( essentially time since diagnosis and still having undiagnosed conditions) and I’m lost to where else to turn to for support. So here I am.

We have an amazing community here and I understand times are hard for everyone so I’m grateful for any support, every little bit helps!

we would love to be able to purchase a smaller more fuel efficient vehicle to help with travel expenses.

Be able to afford for certain testing to be carried out in a timely manner for other conditions to be confirmed or ruled out. currently our budget cannot stretch any further to accommodate these tests and Medicare; either doesn’t cover whole amount and some testing isn’t even part covered and amounts need to be paid in full before tests can be completed.

This coming week I’ve got the following:

$408 for a specialist appointment

$120 for fuel to attend out of town appointment

$192 for cardiology appointment

Plus living expenses!

this week my eldest turns 16 - I’m truely grateful he’s a resilient and understanding human, he understands the situation we are facing and knows we can’t afford to throw a big party and is happy with cake and pizza at home.

Also with turning 16 comes with the opportunity to get his learners permit and which comes with 120 hours over 2 years of driving practice. a more fuel efficient car would help with those extra hours in the car!

plus unknown cost coming up for

MRI

sleep study and specialist in Melbourne not covered by Medicare ( approx $500+ ) plus travel and accommodation

more cardiology tests

More travel to Geelong for neurology

And specialised blood tests also not covered by Medicare.

I didn’t ask to be trapped in this body, my heart breaks that my kids are missing out on their mum. Time is precious and being bedridden and stressed wasn’t on my 5 year plan.

it’s a very complicated and unpredictable situation and I appreciate any help you might be able to give

much love, Elise