View Full Version : Functional Neurological Disorder
I was recently diagnosed with functional neurological disorder. My symptoms are as follows:
-Numb patch on hip
-Back is totally numb
-right arm is numb
-right arm is weak
-right leg is weak
-a couple of numb toes on each foot
-numb patches on both legs
-dizziness
-arm and leg feel like they don't belong to me, can't feel pressure on them if for example I sleep with my arm under my head or cross my legs it feels like one of them aren't there.
-cramp in both legs when I walk a short distance
-feeling weak and all symptoms exaggerated after a hot bath (apparently this is as common in FND as it is in MS)
I was just wondering if anyone else has experienced anything similar or received a similar diagnosis? How (if at all) did you overcome your symptoms?
I'm starting counselling soon, I've been on a waiting list for months but I think I'm being fast tracked due to the impact this is having on my health.
It's really difficult to accept such a diagnosis when you feel so wrong in your own body but I'm desperate to move on! It would make me feel better to hear from people with similar issues :)
When were you diagnosed?
FMP
Who diagnosed you, Ariana?
Following my clear MRI, my neurologist sent my GP a letter explaining that he thinks I have FND and would benefit from counselling. I was copied in and received the letter today!
Following my clear MRI, my neurologist sent my GP a letter explaining that he thinks I have FND and would benefit from counselling. I was copied in and received the letter today!
The same private neurologist that said you had PPMS? :huh:
After all that and an 8 page thread of whoa is me, it's a symptom of psychological stress... go figure :doh:
Positive thoughts
Is your private neurologist’s name Dr Google?
---------- Post added at 08:24 ---------- Previous post was at 08:22 ----------
Since when do neurologists say they “think” you have a neurological disorder and stop at recommending counselling?
I'm confused too. Your neuro went from saying he can't explain your symptoms except for PPMS, to FND? And your MRI went from an abnormality corresponding to your symptoms, to clean?
What is functional neurological disorder? ?
Mindphaser
23-12-17, 23:13
Is this "Functional Neurological Disorder" a real disase or just name for some neurological symptoms without underlying biological condition?
Like in IBS, "your colon is not working properly but we can't find biological cause".
Is this "Functional Neurological Disorder" a real disase or just name for some neurological symptoms without underlying biological condition?
Yes, it used to be called conversion disorder
MyNameIsTerry
24-12-17, 06:20
Is this "Functional Neurological Disorder" a real disase or just name for some neurological symptoms without underlying biological condition?
Like in IBS, "your colon is not working properly but we can't find biological cause".
Where the brain is fine in structure but not working correctly for an unknown reason. Usually accompanying something else but with symptoms that can't be attributed to the other disorder.
---------- Post added at 06:20 ---------- Previous post was at 06:12 ----------
Yes, it used to be called conversion disorder
Yes, in the DSM. In the ICD which Ariana's doctors will be using it would be a Dissociative Disorder.
The problem with DD's is that they can very closely mirror anxiety disorders...so I would like to know whether all of those have been ruled out first. A DD is the realm of a psychologist so I would be expecting her GP to be referring her as this is a more complex mental health disorder and will be for the CMHT's to deal with rather than the IAPT's.
We've had a couple of people with DD's on here before.
The interesting thing is how all tests are going to be normal and that any weakness/motor issue will be because of a mental health issue. However, that's the case for ALL of us on NMP and given the mess of the MS diagnosis this specialist has made, I'm skeptical about his ability to diagnose something that is outside of his specialsm to be honest (although it is something that a process of elimination could reveal to a neurologist but I expect it mean a diagnosis from a psychiatrist to confirm?).
I don’t know why everyone is being so mean. I was scared, I still am scared. I have to have an MRI of my full spine in January and I’m frightened but so far this is my diagnosis and I just need help.
---------- Post added at 07:35 ---------- Previous post was at 07:33 ----------
Is your private neurologist’s name Dr Google?
---------- Post added at 08:24 ---------- Previous post was at 08:22 ----------
Since when do neurologists say they “think” you have a neurological disorder and stop at recommending counselling?
I don’t know why everyone thinks I diagnosed myself? He didn’t say anything to my face about FND I just saw it in the letter
---------- Post added at 07:37 ---------- Previous post was at 07:35 ----------
FND means that there’s a problem with the neurological system but no damage or organic cause, it doesn’t have to be stress induced either. It can happen to anyone
---------- Post added at 07:49 ---------- Previous post was at 07:37 ----------
I panicked because my report said abnormality but my step mum ha a friend in neurology and he said although it says abnormality it doesn’t mean it’s anything bad and that it was most likely “periventricular space”
---------- Post added at 07:52 ---------- Previous post was at 07:49 ----------
Is this "Functional Neurological Disorder" a real disase or just name for some neurological symptoms without underlying biological condition?
Like in IBS, "your colon is not working properly but we can't find biological cause".
Yes that’s exactly the example he gave me. He said “it’s a bit like IBS” which I was really confused by
He said “it’s a bit like IBS” which I was really confused by
That's an excellent comparison. It's actually exactly that but with a different area of the body being affected. Illnesses like IBS, FND, BFS etc. are actual physical illnesses where the symptoms are affected by the mental health of the individual. The body's reaction to stress is different with everyone. Just a look at the symptoms page shows what it can do and not have a physical basis. That's why treating the root of the illness also treats the symptoms associated with it.
In that letter with the diagnosis, your Dr. essentially said "I can't find anything wrong with her. Patient exhibited anxious behavior and seemed very worried about her health. I believe this is a mental issue as opposed to a physical one and recommend counseling".
While the circumstances are not known, I cannot begin to imagine losing two siblings or the pain your mother must deal with and how all of that ties into who you are now and what you're going through in real life. It's quite apparent you're hurting in your threads.
For me, I saw a pattern in your posts that I've only seen a few times on the boards but it is a pattern nonetheless. Just looking at your post history, time line etc. I could read your journey into this rabbit hole. I tried to say as much in reply but you were in pretty deep. What you interpreted as mean is more a "Told ya so". You were practically arguing you had this illness when in reality you didn't and don't!
I think it's a good thing you're being referred for counseling. That's the best first step to treating you.
Positive thoughts
Hi Ariana,
I think people are being a bit mean towards you for some reason. It's not conducive or nice or helpful to say "I told you so" or accuse you of fabricating medical reports.
FNDs are a bit hard to understand. They're sometimes genetic as in the case of my family, where my grandfather and mother and me all have IBS and my grandfather and mom also have fibromyalgia (I'll probably get it too). FNDs are also closely associated with anxiety and depression. So while they go hand in hand, it's sometimes hard to connect the two. I'm saying this so you don't get discouraged if you don't see any physical progress to go along with your mental progress.
The best way to describe them is that they're purely neurological disorders, stemming from the neurological system itself rather than the gut or the skin or the small-fibers. In the case of IBS, they think it's due to a problem with the gut-brain axis. So when my stomach cramps like hell and I'm in pain during flare ups, my intestines are absolutely fine, they're just going haywire because the signals being transferred are misfiring. In fibro they believe it's a problem with over-sensitivity of neurons. I know people with fibro who find it difficult to get out of bed every day because of the pain. In your case it's a bit more frightening I would think, because numbness is no joke and less easy to understand than pain. But if you see it through the lens of FND, I would guess that your signals are just misfiring, or firing slowly, or some variation of that. There's nothing wrong with your brain or spine itself, just the various connections with your body.
This could be because of anxiety, or it could be because of an underlying disorder, as in the case of IBS and fibro. So ultimately you just have to manage the symptoms. What I do know though is that anxiety and stress make FNDs flare more, and with more intensity. So I wish you the best in your recovery!!
---------- Post added at 17:03 ---------- Previous post was at 16:47 ----------
Also in regards to your overreacting doctor and overreacting doctors in general, lemme tell you my experience. I went to visit a neurologist because I had a patch of cold/tingling on my leg for a day or two. He examined me, sighed deeply, and told me I might have multiple sclerosis. He then proceeded to consult with another doctor for a full HOUR, leaving me alone in the check up room to cry and freak out and call my family members and boyfriend. When he comes back in with the other doctor, they recommend me to a psychologist because "you probably have anxiety". Wow, okay. Of course, this sets off a health anxiety spiral of probably the worst two weeks in my life, during which conceivably every part of my body becomes numb in a certain way. After two MRIs, I'm out of that experience alive but burnt.
So if my doctor tells me I have MS because of a small ass patch of tingling on my leg, I can totally see your situation happening. Ultimately, doctors have to be more cautious than not and many of them lack basic social skills which is annoying but what can you do. So please don't let others make you feel bad for reacting this way.
MyNameIsTerry
28-12-17, 04:53
Hi Ariana,
I think people are being a bit mean towards you for some reason. It's not conducive or nice or helpful to say "I told you so" or accuse you of fabricating medical reports.
FNDs are a bit hard to understand. They're sometimes genetic as in the case of my family, where my grandfather and mother and me all have IBS and my grandfather and mom also have fibromyalgia (I'll probably get it too). FNDs are also closely associated with anxiety and depression. So while they go hand in hand, it's sometimes hard to connect the two. I'm saying this so you don't get discouraged if you don't see any physical progress to go along with your mental progress.
The best way to describe them is that they're purely neurological disorders, stemming from the neurological system itself rather than the gut or the skin or the small-fibers. In the case of IBS, they think it's due to a problem with the gut-brain axis. So when my stomach cramps like hell and I'm in pain during flare ups, my intestines are absolutely fine, they're just going haywire because the signals being transferred are misfiring. In fibro they believe it's a problem with over-sensitivity of neurons. I know people with fibro who find it difficult to get out of bed every day because of the pain. In your case it's a bit more frightening I would think, because numbness is no joke and less easy to understand than pain. But if you see it through the lens of FND, I would guess that your signals are just misfiring, or firing slowly, or some variation of that. There's nothing wrong with your brain or spine itself, just the various connections with your body.
This could be because of anxiety, or it could be because of an underlying disorder, as in the case of IBS and fibro. So ultimately you just have to manage the symptoms. What I do know though is that anxiety and stress make FNDs flare more, and with more intensity. So I wish you the best in your recovery!!
---------- Post added at 17:03 ---------- Previous post was at 16:47 ----------
Also in regards to your overreacting doctor and overreacting doctors in general, lemme tell you my experience. I went to visit a neurologist because I had a patch of cold/tingling on my leg for a day or two. He examined me, sighed deeply, and told me I might have multiple sclerosis. He then proceeded to consult with another doctor for a full HOUR, leaving me alone in the check up room to cry and freak out and call my family members and boyfriend. When he comes back in with the other doctor, they recommend me to a psychologist because "you probably have anxiety". Wow, okay. Of course, this sets off a health anxiety spiral of probably the worst two weeks in my life, during which conceivably every part of my body becomes numb in a certain way. After two MRIs, I'm out of that experience alive but burnt.
So if my doctor tells me I have MS because of a small ass patch of tingling on my leg, I can totally see your situation happening. Ultimately, doctors have to be more cautious than not and many of them lack basic social skills which is annoying but what can you do. So please don't let others make you feel bad for reacting this way.
WHO classify FND under Dissociative Disorders hence they are in the mental health class. With you being in the US you are likely seeing doctors using the DSM instead hence our doctors would disagree as they use the ICD instead.
I think I recall the ICD-11 due out next year is moving FND's into neurological disorders but I'm not sure without checking whether they are really just splitting them out from the DD's that are closer to anxiety.
I wish the APA and WHO would just sort out a common agreed manual and stop all this confusion. It's sometimes why we appear to be saying different things, like now.
WHO classify FND under Dissociative Disorders hence they are in the mental health class. With you being in the US you are likely seeing doctors using the DSM instead hence our doctors would disagree as they use the ICD instead.
I think I recall the ICD-11 due out next year is moving FND's into neurological disorders but I'm not sure without checking whether they are really just splitting them out from the DD's that are closer to anxiety.
I wish the APA and WHO would just sort out a common agreed manual and stop all this confusion. It's sometimes why we appear to be saying different things, like now.
Ah I see, I think I misspoke then. IBS is a functional bowel disorder, and fibro seems to be a different functional disorder. I researched a little bit and people with FNDs commonly have IBS/fibro/CFS/other similar disorders. It seems like these disorders all fall under the “functional somatic disorders” umbrella. Some have argued these disorders are all just variations of the same issue, which is why they coincide often. Since my family suffers from this sort of thing, it’s a bit frustrating to be split into multiple practices.
MyNameIsTerry
28-12-17, 07:09
Ah I see, I think I misspoke then. IBS is a functional bowel disorder, and fibro seems to be a different functional disorder. I researched a little bit and people with FNDs commonly have IBS/fibro/CFS/other similar disorders. It seems like these disorders all fall under the “functional somatic disorders” umbrella. Some have argued these disorders are all just variations of the same issue, which is why they coincide often. Since my family suffers from this sort of thing, it’s a bit frustrating to be split into multiple practices.
No, not at all. I think everything you said was very interesting and completely valid. I just picked up on the bit you mentioned about them being classified as neurological and remembered spotting something about WHO moving towards that which would appear to mean acceptance of the APA view given your experience of your system.
Somatoform Disorders is one area where the APA & WHO diverge so sometimes we end up with different labels on here given the international nature of this forum (which I've always seen as very beneficial).
From my understanding of DD's they cover amnesia, motor functions, fugues, etc. They've always seemed more standalone so it's interesting to hear about the underlying or connected disorders that you mention. They also seem to be more about the brain escaping something overwhelming in the same way DP/DR works but this sounds strange considering something like IBS can be connected. I would be very interested to understand how this applies or whether such escapism does at all in your understanding of FND.
Some Somatoform Disorder case studies I've read by a neurologist also feel like they fit to FND yet were considered Somatoform and it feels like there is some duplication in criteria with the exception that the Somatoform Disorders include the usual reassurance seeking from testing. In these cases there was physically nothing wrong and the neurologist mentioned all tests were passed fine and she could tell immediately that the patient could actually use the limb, see, etc.
Where there is an underlying existing condition can it be the case that FND takes those symptoms and replicates them? But perhaps replicates them in ways that the underlying condition would not hence the professional spotting the anomaly?
I would be very interested to know what you think.
---------- Post added at 07:09 ---------- Previous post was at 06:46 ----------
I also found what you mentioned about the gut-brain axis interesting and now I see where the IBS comes into play.
It reminds me of the many times my anxiety has had me thinking I need to pass something when in reality there is just nothing to come out.
Something I've also found since being on a particular SNRI is that I have flare ups of what I see as increased adrenaline which occur in cycles. It's been going on since I started this med but I've learned to handle it more now and it has greatly decreased as I've worked on recovery. But when they happen I feel pain more than usual. It's amplified even though it's just the usual aches & pains of everyday. And given adrenaline is supposed to help with pain management I've always found this quite curious. There has been no anxiety trigger, they just come and I can feel the change.
To someone with fibro having FND on top, or IBS or any other, this must be problematic and I guess you learn to spot when it's the FND?
No, not at all. I think everything you said was very interesting and completely valid. I just picked up on the bit you mentioned about them being classified as neurological and remembered spotting something about WHO moving towards that which would appear to mean acceptance of the APA view given your experience of your system.
Somatoform Disorders is one area where the APA & WHO diverge so sometimes we end up with different labels on here given the international nature of this forum (which I've always seen as very beneficial).
From my understanding of DD's they cover amnesia, motor functions, fugues, etc. They've always seemed more standalone so it's interesting to hear about the underlying or connected disorders that you mention. They also seem to be more about the brain escaping something overwhelming in the same way DP/DR works but this sounds strange considering something like IBS can be connected. I would be very interested to understand how this applies or whether such escapism does at all in your understanding of FND.
Some Somatoform Disorder case studies I've read by a neurologist also feel like they fit to FND yet were considered Somatoform and it feels like there is some duplication in criteria with the exception that the Somatoform Disorders include the usual reassurance seeking from testing. In these cases there was physically nothing wrong and the neurologist mentioned all tests were passed fine and she could tell immediately that the patient could actually use the limb, see, etc.
Where there is an underlying existing condition can it be the case that FND takes those symptoms and replicates them? But perhaps replicates them in ways that the underlying condition would not hence the professional spotting the anomaly?
I would be very interested to know what you think.
From what I know, conditions like IBS/Fibro/FND can be caused by trauma/illness. For instance, IBS risk increases after a gastrointestinal infection, especially if you were young at the time. I think fibro also increases in risk after a traumatic event. I hate to use MS as a comparison in this thread, but they seem to parallel, in that MS may begin as a immune reaction to a viral illness while IBS/etc. may begin as a neurological reaction to illness/trauma etc. However, the functional somatic disorder spectrum seems to be much more genetically suggested, which either suggests a rejection of the DD classification or a need for redefinition (the genetic suggestion may just be an inherited neurological system that is more prone to developing these disorders). The overlapping nature of FSDs however makes me lean more towards the genetic/non DD explanation.
With regards to Somatoform disorders, I do think there’s a need to distinguish them from functional disorders, but I don’t think reassurance seeking is a good marker of distinction, as it could occur in both cases. Part of me doesn’t believe in classifying somatic/perceived somatic symptoms as purely psychological because that erodes the patient-doctor relationship and more often than not creates more trouble down the line. I think the best approach would be to combine medical/psychiatric rather than push the patient towards one direction.
*edit* I also want to make it clear that in no way is MS connected to these disorders, they’re two very different things involving different systems of the body!
Hi Ariana,
I think people are being a bit mean towards you for some reason. It's not conducive or nice or helpful to say "I told you so" or accuse you of fabricating medical reports.
FNDs are a bit hard to understand. They're sometimes genetic as in the case of my family, where my grandfather and mother and me all have IBS and my grandfather and mom also have fibromyalgia (I'll probably get it too). FNDs are also closely associated with anxiety and depression. So while they go hand in hand, it's sometimes hard to connect the two. I'm saying this so you don't get discouraged if you don't see any physical progress to go along with your mental progress.
The best way to describe them is that they're purely neurological disorders, stemming from the neurological system itself rather than the gut or the skin or the small-fibers. In the case of IBS, they think it's due to a problem with the gut-brain axis. So when my stomach cramps like hell and I'm in pain during flare ups, my intestines are absolutely fine, they're just going haywire because the signals being transferred are misfiring. In fibro they believe it's a problem with over-sensitivity of neurons. I know people with fibro who find it difficult to get out of bed every day because of the pain. In your case it's a bit more frightening I would think, because numbness is no joke and less easy to understand than pain. But if you see it through the lens of FND, I would guess that your signals are just misfiring, or firing slowly, or some variation of that. There's nothing wrong with your brain or spine itself, just the various connections with your body.
This could be because of anxiety, or it could be because of an underlying disorder, as in the case of IBS and fibro. So ultimately you just have to manage the symptoms. What I do know though is that anxiety and stress make FNDs flare more, and with more intensity. So I wish you the best in your recovery!!
---------- Post added at 17:03 ---------- Previous post was at 16:47 ----------
Also in regards to your overreacting doctor and overreacting doctors in general, lemme tell you my experience. I went to visit a neurologist because I had a patch of cold/tingling on my leg for a day or two. He examined me, sighed deeply, and told me I might have multiple sclerosis. He then proceeded to consult with another doctor for a full HOUR, leaving me alone in the check up room to cry and freak out and call my family members and boyfriend. When he comes back in with the other doctor, they recommend me to a psychologist because "you probably have anxiety". Wow, okay. Of course, this sets off a health anxiety spiral of probably the worst two weeks in my life, during which conceivably every part of my body becomes numb in a certain way. After two MRIs, I'm out of that experience alive but burnt.
So if my doctor tells me I have MS because of a small ass patch of tingling on my leg, I can totally see your situation happening. Ultimately, doctors have to be more cautious than not and many of them lack basic social skills which is annoying but what can you do. So please don't let others make you feel bad for reacting this way.
Hi Angela, thanks for that kind message! I was a bit shocked at some people’s responses. As for your interpretation of FND, I totally agree. My doctor said it is a real neurological condition and it’s not to be confused with somatization which is very similar (FND does not always have a trigger i.e. anxiety)
My mum actually has fibromyalgia, I could never understand why she was in so much pain every morning but now I get it! I agree that they’re possibly hereditary.
My neuro wants to see me again for a full spine MRI which I’m hoping will be clear because this is honestly the worst time of my life! But I think I’m prepared for the worst if it does come to that. For now I’m just going to keep praying and try to stay positive :)
Toronto girl
30-12-17, 00:00
It’s funny, I’d rather think that it’s purely psychological and not physical in nature. To me, I would always have hope that it could go away if it were psychological. I think if it’s physical there is nothing anyone can do to help, and that is scary to me. Hopefully I’m wrong about that.
It’s funny, I’d rather think that it’s purely psychological and not physical in nature. To me, I would always have hope that it could go away if it were psychological. I think if it’s physical there is nothing anyone can do to help, and that is scary to me. Hopefully I’m wrong about that.
You really do have a point with that statement. While there are true chemical imbalances in the brain that can cause mental illness, IMO, the majority are psychological issues that can be worked on and resolved with therapy and meds. I always say that treating the root of the issue can also treat the symptoms associated with them.
I have real physical issues. I've often said that if an HA sufferer changed bodies with me they'd surely think they were dying ~lol~. In order to address my physical issues, I'm on a cocktail of prescription medications. I can say with all certainty that my real physical issues are exasperated by stress. When my wife was sick last year?... I had half the list of symptoms on the symptom list. Twitching, headaches, insomnia, joint and muscle pain etc. etc. Once things settled down, the symptoms subsided. The difference is that I'm not a sufferer, knew what and why it was happening and did what I could do to address the stress. Besides techniques I learned in my experience with therapy, Xanax was quite helpful during that time I can tell you! :winks:
Anyway... it still comes down to taking it upon yourself to get real life help. If you're in a place to utilize self help, there are resources here that have proven to be successful.
Positive thoughts
Toronto girl
30-12-17, 00:40
Fishmanpa, when you said there are reasources here that have proven to be successful what did you mean?
Fishmanpa, when you said there are reasources here that have proven to be successful what did you mean?
I mean the FREE and very comprehensive CBT course offered FREE here. (http://www.nomorepanic.co.uk/showthread.php?t=211324)
Positive thoughts
You really do have a point with that statement. While there are true chemical imbalances in the brain that can cause mental illness, IMO, the majority are psychological issues that can be worked on and resolved with therapy and meds. I always say that treating the root of the issue can also treat the symptoms associated with them.
I agree. When someone goes to a doctor, whether it be medical, psychologist or psychiatrist, or even a therapist, and says they have anxiety or other mental health issues, these practitioners overwhelmingly endorse therapy and meds. They don't say things like "Well, it might go away eventually" or "Why don't you try an odd assortment or natural supplements not approved by the FDA"...yet people still resist going to therapy; they still resist trying medication; and they come online all the time looking for these magical "organic" cure-all remedies.
It's like when someone wants to lose weight... Everyone knows the answers are diet and exercise. Yet people still get go online looking for some magic supplement or food that will make them slim overnight.
Why do people do this? Because it's hard. It's hard to lose weight; it's hard to deal with mental illness. But they're all about the journey. You learn to make conscious healthy decisions to lose weight and keep the weight off over time. It is the same for mental health. In therapy you learn to make conscious healthy decisions and meds supplement these decisions by keeping your mood constant and reducing intrusive thoughts.
Toronto girl
30-12-17, 04:44
Thanks Fishmanpa and Antsyvee.
Sadly appropriate therapy isn't always available when you are dealing with complex issues though. Certainly isn't for my daughter-all she is offered is a regular supply of diazepam.
MyNameIsTerry
30-12-17, 08:34
Sadly appropriate therapy isn't always available when you are dealing with complex issues though. Certainly isn't for my daughter-all she is offered is a regular supply of diazepam.
Yes, and meds are a gamble as no doctor in the world can tell you how you will react to them. Doctors give them out more easily than I'm sure they would if they had ever taken them and rode the rollercoaster.
It's like going to A&E and asking a doctor if he can fix your broken nose to be told yes but only after thumping you on the nose a few times first.
And many of the ways to tackle these disorders are actually away from doctors such as exercise & healthy eating, two things I doubt many GP's understand very well and I can't say I've ever received more than the kind of advice any novice has in these fields.
So, therapy, meds, holistic, etc. It's all valid.
Sadly appropriate therapy isn't always available when you are dealing with complex issues though. Certainly isn't for my daughter-all she is offered is a regular supply of diazepam.
True. And there are many inexperienced therapists out there.
---------- Post added at 02:20 ---------- Previous post was at 02:18 ----------
Yes, and meds are a gamble as no doctor in the world can tell you how you will react to them. Doctors give them out more easily than I'm sure they would if they had ever taken them and rode the rollercoaster.
It's like going to A&E and asking a doctor if he can fix your broken nose to be told yes but only after thumping you on the nose a few times first.
And many of the ways to tackle these disorders are actually away from doctors such as exercise & healthy eating, two things I doubt many GP's understand very well and I can't say I've ever received more than the kind of advice any novice has in these fields.
So, therapy, meds, holistic, etc. It's all valid.
Yes, lifestyle changes go a long way. If you have any condition, albeit mental or medical, making yourself feel better and healthier in general is always a good start.
FND is not a psychological problem, but it can be triggered by them. That’s why counselling helps, although it’s not always triggered by anxiety! If you visit the neurosymptoms website there’s lots of info on it and personal stories too. Most people can be rehabilitated. Some end up paralysed for life but this is very rare
Sadly appropriate therapy isn't always available when you are dealing with complex issues though.
Valid point. Mental health care falls short in many ways in all countries and sadly there are some that will not recover regardless.
From my perspective having dealt with my physical issues, I did/do what I have to do, drive where I have to drive etc., to get the proper treatment. 2.5 hours to Baltimore, MD for my oncology appointments and 30+ minutes to the cardiologist. Heck, I drive 2 hours to take my wife to her appointments. I'd do the same if it were for mental health care if needed.
I recognize there are and will be exceptions but in general, it still falls upon the individual to make the decision to get help. The forum is a perfect example of that. The best advice is pointless if it's not heeded.
Positive thoughts
Toronto girl
30-12-17, 15:47
I would love to hear some comments from you guys (hopefully positive). I’ve read this thread and I have to say it’s absolutely horrifying to me to think there is a disorder (FND) that doesn’t show up on a single physical test yet might still be considered physical. I can’t bring myself to google it because it sounds so depressing. I would think it’s psychological in nature- hopefully. I’ve had prickly skin sensations for quite a while and have seen three neurologists and so many tests that I can’t list them. Everything came back fine and I was told by my doctor it was stress/anxiety induced. This is what I want to believe too.
It probably is stress/anxiety induced. Anxiety causes the body to react in ways that are sometimes hard to believe. It goes back to our hunter/gatherer days when we needed these elemental and instinctual cues from our brain to get our body moving under extreme threat and danger. Today, our brain and body are still capable of making this happen, it's just that there isn't much in our society to produce it, and often our anxiety is a result of the brain having our bodies respond to threats that aren't really threats.
It's a very long long time ago, but something I always remember is that when I was eleven I broke my leg and spent two weeks in hospital. On the same ward as me was a girl about my age or younger who couldn't walk. The doctors could not find a single thing wrong with her and basically their diagnosis was that it was psychological. It's amazing how the body can react. You hear of people having seizures caused by PTSD after being in war zones. These are very real physical symptoms - the person is not making them up, but they are manifestations of mental distress.
I would have thought this was a highly complex condition to diagnose let alone treat.
Toronto girl
30-12-17, 19:56
Thanks Antsyvee and Catina. It’s funny, but my long lasting symptoms seemed worse over Christmas and I’ve had a lot of stress this season. This gives some credence to the stress theory. I wonder how all this stuff is treated. I would think acceptance, meditation and this sort of thing would be the answer, but it hasn’t been so far.
Well, remember, any medical or mental condition is worse under stress. My husband is diabetic, and when he’s stressed, his blood sugar has a tendency to rise, even though he may be keeping the same diet. That’s just how bodies work.
Toronto girl
30-12-17, 20:17
I agree, I just hate to think mine is medical because there isn’t a test that can find anything. I think I have to believe it’s stress related. This is important I think, for the mind to allow the symptoms to disappear.
I think it’s important to understand that medical technology, while very advanced, is still lacking especially when it comes to the nervous system and our understanding of it in general. If it helps you to think of these things as psychological then by all means do so, but also it might be very disappointing when physical things don’t change as we adapt our mentality. In my personal experience accepting that some things may just be out of our control can be a very freeing thing. Living with chronic conditions that have no cure was really hard at first, until I let go of the mentality that I could completely solve everything and just accepted that this was how my body reacted to things and that the best I could do was to be healthy, physically and emotionally.
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