Joint hypermobility - and anything else we can (or can’t) think of (right now)

[artmom]

I thought others here might be interested in this. I went to what was called a ‘workshop’ on understanding fnd last week, run by Mark Edwards. One of the slides titled ‘Why do FND symptoms develop?’ listed joint hypermobility as a possible reason. I know some here have been diagnosed with eds or joint hypermobility, as, if I remember correctly, a later, alternate dx? In other words, (I think), firstly misdiagnosed with fnd. Or possibly dx with both. But I’ve not come across any ‘official’ connection between the two prior to this. Maybe I’m wrong. But it strikes me that there is a bit of a kitchen sink attitude with fnd. Not only any and all symptoms, but practically any cause too. The other things listed under ‘Why?’ were:

‘’-Recent or chronic physical Illness

-Recent or passed stressful/traumatic events

-Past or current depression and anxiety

-Likely many others we do not know about...’’

I’m feeling thoroughly fed up with it all at the moment. Does anyone have any thoughts on this?

[shali_queen]

For me I think what Elaine Aron talks about being a hypersensitive personality type (check out her website) that she has research done on how some people our biological wired to be sensitive more than others. Like you may have more genes making nervous system stronger emotionally I guess. I personally feel that makes some sense to me that what other doctors etc say (like even trauma can be more traumatizing I think to these people). Just throwing that out there as an idea that maybe people who are biological more sensitive have stronger responses to things, thus, more susceptible to FND. Idk just an idea of mine.

[artmom in reply to shali_queen]

Hi shali_queen

I’ve heard a couple people talking about sensitive personality-types - a book they’ve read. Possibly the same person? From what you say that sounds actually far more plausible than anything Dr Edwards says are risk factors. Which could include most of the population..?

Does it ramp up your biological reactions?

I guess my current conclusion is that anyone can be susceptible. Sentience is a risk factor!

Today I feel exhausted. Only my husband knows and I feel unable to tell anyone else because not only am I still not totally certain about the diagnosis but I also cannot shake the belief that I am responsible therefore I can stop it. An unhelpful attitude. But then is it a wonder that I’m confused and thinking this when the doctors put out varying beliefs. I’ve come across so many research papers that call it ‘conversion’ at some point.

[thinkin]

Hi,

Part of me thinks sensitive personality type my arse! Psychology not a real science - meow! But in a way I can sort of see why they think that. I had hyper mobile joints as a child, though I've looked through the criteria for dyspraxia and I don't hit enough of the buttons to be diagnosed with that. What I do know it that I have problems absorbing vitamins properly. The main ones have been vitamin D, B12, B6 and B1.

I've suffered from cheilosis - dry crusty lips and sores intermittently at the corners of my mouth, scaly patches on my scalp, heavy periods and fertility problems to name but a few. All indicative of B6 insufficiency. I switched from B6 as pyridoxine to it's P5P form late last year and it made a bloody big difference to my FND as well as turning down any emotional problems that came with the FND. I feel, emotionally, better than I ever did. Stuff that used to bug me no longer does. I just feel that the "personality type" could all just be down to how we utilise vitamins rather than something as vague and subjective as "personality type".

What makes B6 stand out for me is that an asthma attack and allergic reaction to inhalers triggered my FND. It has done this twice in the past, but I recovered before it was an issue the first two times. What I have learned is that asthma attacks happen more often when B6 levels are low and then steroids also lower your B6 levels - there are some researchers who think that you should give B6 with steroids due to this. No wonder I got so sick. The hypoxia didn't help either, neither did me not resting as much as I should have.

There's no panacea, but I do feel that the brain does not sit in glorious isolation. We need to look at whole body health. Our mental wellbeing and physical wellbeing. Yes, it is very frustrating to be in this position when we FND is just getting started and gaining recognition. There is so much more to learn, but at least there are people like Prof Edwards who are looking and researching.

Hang in there. xx