F.N.D Awareness 25 March 2018
The first I heard about F.N.D. was when I was diagnosed mid 2017 while I was dealing with PTSD and within a toxic living arrangement.
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F.N.D=Functional Neurological Disorder
It can be described as a problem with the functioning of the nervous system
For me having this disorder, it manifests during times of stress, tiredness and when the brain is overstimulated and ‘freezes’.
Let's think about a computer, that has both hardware and software. When a computers software isn’t updated and isn’t working, it causes glitches in the running of the computer.
The brain does not send and receive messages correctly.
Symptoms can vary from weakness, the inability to move, sensory and blackouts.
Can be as debilitating as Parkinson’s disease and MS and have many similar symptoms.
FND can cause particular anguish when the unpredictability and vast range of symptoms can leave sufferers and caregivers alike confused and distressed.
My symptoms got better once I removed myself from the toxic living arrangement. And as I have made the effort to listen to my body, I am able to notice what triggers these “episodes” which are flashing lights, a lot of people in and around me, and a lack of sleep
To read more about my experience click here https://georgiana3026.wixsite.com/mybeautifultrauma/health-dissability
Head to fndhope.org for info of how you can support people living with F.N.D.
What to do when a loved one has an F.N.D. episode
Stay calm and sit with the person, till they ride “it” out
Don’t call an ambulance, there is nothing the hospital can do to treat it.
Ask simple yes or no questions, like are you in pain? Do you need help to walk?
When they are ready to try and walk, allow the person to show you the pace they can move at
Let them have a moment to come to terms with what is happening to them, with symptoms that can be quite debilitating for the person
Process with them afterwards, if they need to process what was happening to them